Sarri explains Ronaldo's furious reaction after being substituted
What's the story
Juventus sealed a dramatic 2-1 win against Lokomotiv Moscow in a Group D clash of the UEFA Champions League 2019-20 season. The Italian giants qualified for the round of 16 after picking up 10 points from four games. However, the match saw Cristiano Ronaldo get angry after being substituted in the 82nd minute. Coach Maurizio Sarri explained his decision to substitute the legend.
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Fans unhappy with Sarri's decision to replace Ronaldo
Several Ronaldo fans vented out their frustrations on social media site Twitter after the Portuguese hero was replaced by Paolo Dybala. Many fans slammed Maurizio Sarri for his decision. Interestingly, this was the first time Ronaldo was substituted by Sarri at Juventus this season.
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Ronaldo was angry because he wasn't very well: Sarri
Sarri said Ronaldo was angry as he wasn't very well. "Ronaldo was angry because he wasn't very well, he had a knee problem a few days ago and his adductor muscle easily got tired," he said to Goal.com. "At the end of the first half he was nervous. I was afraid he would hurt himself and I preferred to take him off," he added.
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Ronaldo denied a goal by Ramsey's final touch
This was the first time since February 2016 that Cristiano Ronaldo failed to complete 90 minutes in a Champions League fixture. The former Real Madrid hero was also robbed off his goal scoring chance when Aaron Ramsey tapped home his effort on the line.
Juventus
Costa's winner seals all three points for Juve
Aaron Ramsey handed Juventus an early lead after Guilherme spilled Cristiano Ronaldo's free-kick. The hosts equalized through Aleksey Miranchuk goal. However, substitute Douglas Costa struck the decisive blow with a cool finish as the Italian side rallied late on. Juve will look to top the group with two matches to go. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid's 1-2 loss meant they couldn't progress alongside Juve.
Champions League
Juventus script a new record, Bayern and PSG qualify
Ramsey's goal was the 300th for Juventus in the Champions League. They became the fifth club to reach this tally after Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester United. Ramsey also became the first British player to score for Juve in Champions League. Besides Juventus, European biggies Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain also booked their places in the next round.