Cristiano Ronaldo’s first Champions League appearance for Juventus lasted only 29 minutes as the competition’s record scorer was sent off but his side opened their Group H campaign with a 2-0 win at Valencia.
Penalties either side of halftime by Miralem Pjanic sealed the points for the visitors as Valencia’s return to European competition after a two-year absence went flat.
The night was overshadowed by Champions League record scorer Ronaldo’s straight red card for a seemingly innocuous tangle in the area with a Valencia defender.
He appeared as stunned as the Mestalla crowd when German referee Felix Brych handed out his punishment.
A penalty miss by Daniel Parejo in stoppage time summed up Valencia’s night.
Valencia XI: Neto, Ruben Vezo, Gabriel, Murillo, Gaya, Carlos Soler, Parejo, Wass, Goncalo Guedes, Rodrigo, Batshuayi.
Juventus XI: Szczesny, Joao Cancelo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Alex Sandro, Khedira, Pjanic, Matuidi, Bernardeschi, Mandzukic, Ronaldo.
Ronaldo will now miss the Manchester United clash at Old Trafford.
