Esteemed football player, Christiano Ronaldo, was diagnosed with a coronavirus infection in October while playing for Portugal’s national team. Ronaldo missed the UEFA game against Sweden last October, followed by another four games, including their match with Barcelona.
Juventus was hopeful that after Ronaldo’s self-isolation, he would be able to play against Barcelona. Ronaldo missed the match because of a COVID-19 positive test result. Juventus lost to Barcelona after Ronaldo’s rival, Lionel Messi, scored in his absence.
On Sunday, Ronaldo finally recovered from the virus and announced a negative test result.
“Cristiano Ronaldo carried out a check with a diagnostic test (swab) for COVID-19. The exam provided a negative result. The player has recovered after 19 days and is no longer subjected to home isolation.”
Juventus
However, Andrea Pirlo, Juventus manager, decided to bench Ronaldo during the Serie A match following Ronaldo’s long separation from football. The match was at a 1-1 tie in the early minutes of the second half. After 56 minutes, Pirlo decided to turn to the veteran, and Ronaldo was introduced to play against Spezia.
Within three minutes in the field, Ronaldo scored for Juventus. The football veteran put Juventus on a 2-1 advantage against Spezia after he rounded Spezia’s goalkeeper, Ivan Provedel. Ronaldo used his trademark “Siiiii” to celebrate hitting the goal inside the Stadio Alberto Picco.
Eight minutes later, Juventus was up by two after another sub from Juve, Adrien Rabiot, followed through Alvaro Morata’s opener, making the match a 3-1. At least 20 minutes left on the shot clock, Spezia defender Paolo Bartolomei hacked down Juve’s Federico Chiesa inside the penalty area. With this, Ronaldo stepped up and took the kick.
The 35-year-old football star played a bluff against Spezia, lining up as if he would kick the ball spot-kick hard. Instead, Juventus’ forward delicately kicked the ball down the center of the goal, which Provedel had left after diving to his left. Juventus ended the match in an outrageous 4-1, placing them second in the Serie A table behind AC Milan.
Juventus is set to play against Hungary’s Ferencváros for Wednesday’s Champion League. The team will be sent to Rome next week for their match against Lazio. Lazio beat Torino despite multiple cases of COVID-19.
➡ Looking to get featured on Future Sharks?
