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United stun Juventus with comeback win in Turin

Published:Wednesday | November 7, 2018 | 12:00 AM
Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Champions League group H match between Juventus and Manchester United at the Allianz stadium in Turin, Italy, yesterday. United came from behind to win 2-1.

TURIN, Italy (AP):

Two late goals gave Manchester United a surprising 2-1 victory at Juventus in the Champions League yesterday despite Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a stunning opener against his former club.

Juan Mata levelled with a free kick four minutes from time and Alex Sandro netted an own goal in the final minute as United blew Group H wide open.

Juventus, which were the only team in the Champions League still with a perfect record, remained top of Group H but are only two points ahead of United. Valencia, which earlier beat Young Boys 3-1, are two points further back.

United played better than they did when the two sides met in Manchester, where they were somewhat fortunate to only lose 1-0, but Juventus had a number of opportunities and had already hit the woodwork twice before Ronaldo struck in the 65th minute.

Leonardo Bonucci floated a ball over the top of the defence and Ronaldo watched it over his shoulder before volleying into the top right corner.

No muted celebrations

The Portugal superstar immediately ran to the corner flag, lifted up his shirt and pointed at his impressive stomach muscles.

Ronaldo is the all-time record scorer in the Champions League with 121 goals, but this was his first in the competition for Juventus - although he missed one match through suspension after his red card against Valencia.

Juventus coach Massimiliamo Allegri raised his eyebrows and gave a smile of appreciation at the goal.

Juventus seemed certain to be heading for all three points, with United struggling to carve out clear-cut scoring opportunities, but Mata hit a free kick into the top left corner in the 86th minute and that seemed to inspire Jose Mourinho's side.

Minutes later, Marouane Fellaini flicked on a free kick and the ball ricocheted around near the far post before going in off Juventus defender Alex Sandro.

Mourinho then drew the ire of Juventus players as he cupped his ear to crowd after the final whistle.