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Juventus hosted Bayer Leverkusen in an encounter that effortlessly ended with three goals and three points for the Turin giants in UEFA Champions League.
With this win, Juventus have taken first position in the Group D standings, with Atletico Madrid in second place, thanks to goal difference. When the Italian and Spanish giants clashed in the first matchday, they had to share the spoils. However, the Bianconeri's win against Bayer puts them above Atleti, whose two-goal win against Lokomotiv Moscow now has them chasing the Turin giants.
The match was a one-sided affair for the hosts who gave the opposition defence a lot of trouble. Bayer, on the other hand, managed to finish the game without a single shot on target, leaving Wojciech Szczesny with barely any work.
Juventus' first goal came early in the 17th minute, courtesy of Jonathan Tah's head and Gonzalo Higuain's right foot. Juan Cuadrado sent a long ball towards Higuain, but Tah got there first with his head. However, the ball landed gracefully for Higuain, allowing the Argentinian to position himself with a great first touch and take a shot past Lukas Hradecky into the left-bottom corner of the goal.
61 minutes into the game, quick play by the two forwards Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo saw Federico Bernardeschi put his name on the scoresheet. Higuain laid the ball to Ronaldo on the left and ran into space in time to pick up the return pass. The Argentinian dashed past his marker and sent a low cross to the middle of the box where Ronaldo was rushing into, but the Portuguese missed his chance. However, the loose ball found Bernardeschi who was right behind Ronaldo, and the 25-year-old slotted in a one-time shot under the keeper's arms in the middle of the goal.
An 88th-minute goal by Cristiano Ronaldo - who had hounded the Bayer defence and deserved an award - was enough to put Juve in top spot above Atletico Madrid on goal difference.
A through-pass by Paulo Dybala through the legs of an unfortunate Sven Bender was all Ronaldo needed to run onto the ball and take a one-time shot beyond the keeper flailing reach and into the middle of the goal.
Without further ado, let's take a look at three players who impressed, and two players who played poorly:
#5 Juan Cuadrado was impressive for the Turin giants
The marauding right-back was a thorn in Bayer Leverkusen's defence, unofficially aiding Juventus with the first goal early on in the game. His creative and attacking acumen was strong, as he made two key passes, three dribbles, and was only dispossessed once.
In defence, Cuadrado was just as efficient. He made two tackles, three interceptions, and two clearances, ensuring that Bayer would not get a goal in from his flank.
The 31-year-old created a lot of trouble for the entire Bayer team, and he was fouled five times - higher than anyone else on the pitch - for his efforts.
#4 Kai Havertz had a forgettable game
The 20-year-old midfielder showcased a rather mediocre performance where nothing really happened for him.
His team arguably ranked lower then the Juventus on paper and in the game, but he played well below expectations. He made 49 passes throughout the game, the lowest in Bayer's midfield, save for Kerem Demirbay who was substituted during half-time.
Making only a single key pass in 90 minutes, Havertz did not have a single shot at goal, and was dispossessed three times. His defensive contribution was also nil as he made no tackles, interceptions, or clearances throughout the game.
#3 Gonzalo Higuain impressively partook in two goals for Juventus
With the scintillating performace today, the 31-year-old Argentinian doesn't look like he's slowing down.
Taking opportunity of Jonathan Tah's mistake early in the game, he defly fashioned a chance for himself and set the tone for the game with his goal. Communicating well with Ronaldo, he surged into the final third with a quick one-two and unofficially set up the assist for Bernadeschi's goal.
While Higuain did not do much defensively, his attacking contributions benefitted the team, and he put himself on the scoresheet as a worthy reward.
#2 Sven Bender played poorly for Bayer Leverkusen
The experienced defender may have helped to ensure his team did not lose by more than three goals, but his mistakes aided the Juventus in scoring at least one.
He was unable to mark down Higuain in the open play that led to Bernadeschi's goal, tackling too early and leaving Higuain free in the penalty box. Paulo Dybala's pass also went right through Bender's legs, opening up the entire defence and allowing Ronaldo to put in Juventus' third goal.
Sven Bender won only one tackle, one interception, and had two clearances; poor for a defender of his calibre. It's perhaps worse for him that his much younger defensive partner managed more tackles, clearances, and interceptions.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo was arguably the best player on the field today
While the Portuguese maestro had a somewhat quiet first half, he picked himself up in the second half and totally took charge of the proceedings in the final third.
His communication with striking partner Higuain was on full display today, and it led to the second goal. Ronaldo fashioned out chances for himself and for his team, taking five shots at goal with three on target, and he was eventually rewarded with a goal in the 88th minute.
Notably, he made more passes than the entire Juventus attack and midfield, excluding Miralem Pjanic. He also got more touches on the ball than his creative colleagues.
