Cristiano Ronaldo watched on from the stands as Paulo Dybala hit a hat-trick in Juventus’ 3-0 win against 10-man Young Boys in the Champions League.
In the absence of the banned Portugal superstar, Dybala delightfully volleyed home a trademark searching long ball from Italy centre-back Leonardo Bonucci’s to open the scoring in searing fashion in the fifth minute.
The lead was then doubled when the Argentina forward followed in a spilled low shot from France workhorse Blaise Matuidi past the half-hour mark. A first treble at Allianz Stadium from him was then completed with a tap-in from Colombia winger Juan Cuadrado’s centre after a smart move.
Swiss Super League champions Young Boys, predictably, offered little further resistance as Juve eased to two wins from two games in Group H. Their night was made even harder when Guinea centre-back Mohamed Ali Camara picked up two yellow cards in three minutes to be dismissed near the death – the last for a flailing arm in Dybala’s face.
JUVENTUS (3-4-1-2)
Wojciech Szczesny – 6: Quiet night for the Poland goalkeeper. Faced just one shot on target.
Andrea Barzagli – 6: The veteran coasted through the evening as part of the back three of old.
Leonardo Bonucci – 7: This was the Bonucci from his first spell in Turin. Consummately cut out any threat and produced an assist of rare quality for Dybala’s opener. Missed a second-half sitter with his head.
Mehdi Benatia – 7: Was allowed to charge out and try to break through the lines. Positive display. Led way with two tackles.
Juan Cuadrado – 6: Inconsistent as ever. Came up with the assist for Dybala’s last strike.
Miralem Pjanic – 6: Did the simple things well, without really shining. Easy as you like, for the matchwinner last time out against Valencia. Pumped in a leading five crosses.
Blaise Matuidi – 7: Smashed in a shot to allow Dybala to double up. Came off at half-time, however.
Alex Sandro – 7: A steady presence in Young Boys’ half of the pitch. Only one accurate cross from three attempts will disappoint.
Federico Bernardeschi – 6: Never burst into flames in the hole. One darting run in second half nearly produced an electric goal.
Paulo Dybala – 8: This could be the moment when Dybala’s 2018/19 truly begins. Blossomed in absence of Ronaldo, with two predatory strikes following an eye-catching opener. Had previously scored once in his last 17 UCL matches.
Mario Mandzukic – 6: Very much the foil for Dybala. Had no attempts on goal before being substituted on 77 minutes.
69’ | 3 A 0! 🙌 CALCIO CHAMPAGNE! 🥂TRIPLETTA DI DYBALA 💎 @PauDybala_JR #JuveYB 3-0#ForzaJuve 🏳️🏴 pic.twitter.com/73pCYwph4i
— JuventusFC (@juventusfc) October 2, 2018
SUBS
Emre Can – 6: Kept things tidy during the second half.
Sami Khedira – 6: The Massimiliano Allegri-favourite ensured Young Boys would not come back into proceedings.
Moises Kean – N/A: Correct offside flag denied Italy youth striker a first Champions League goal.
