Under the floodlights and playing in Europe’s most prestigious competition, one of the continent’s most revered venues should’ve provided the ideal stage for Cristiano Ronaldo’s first return to Spain since joining Juventus. But just 29 minutes after the famous Champions League theme rang out at Valencia’s vociferous Mestalla Stadium, referee Felix Brych turned it into a nightmare for the Portuguese star.
Shown a red card by the German official following a tussle with former Inter defender Jeison Murillo, Ronaldo slumped to the turf and burst into tears. His burning desire to shine on Wednesday night resulted in the emotional outburst that continued as his team-mates helped him back to his feet, then watched him walk off down the tunnel.
Ever since they signed Ronaldo from Real Madrid, the expectations – particularly when it comes to the Champions League – have been sky high, but they were immediately placed in an even more difficult situation. With Sami Khedira having already limped off due to a thigh injury, the ten players left on the field could’ve been forgiven for folding under the mounting pressure.
One glance at the new club Captain would tell you that was never going to happen. Giorgio Chiellini was wearing short sleeves on Wednesday night, but as CR7 disappeared down the tunnel, you could almost see him rolling them up anyway. The 34-year-old has always been something of a throwback, a prototypical 1970s hard nosed stopper thrust headfirst into the modern era.
Relishing the backs-to-the-wall challenge, he registered 10 clearances, one tackle, two interceptions and four blocks by full time, his uncompromising performance inspiring those around him to persevere. Leonardo Bonucci, Joao Cancelo, Blaise Matuidi and Emre Can delivered superb performances of their own, while Miralem Pjanic calmly converted two penalties to ensure the Old Lady took three points back to Turin.
However, while the display of the Bosnian playmaker and Chiellini were no surprise, Federico Bernardeschi deserves immense credit for his efforts at the Mestalla. Joining from bitter rivals Fiorentina in July 2017, his first campaign with the Bianconeri was a difficult one that saw him struggle for playing time in such a talent laden squad.
Managing just seven league starts, he largely failed to adjust with life at a big club where every game is a high profile event. When he did make it onto the pitch, Juve boss Max Allegri criticised his decision making, repeatedly singling out his tendency to shoot rather than pass to better-placed team-mates as a genuine issue.
However, it has been a different story this term, Bernardeschi reporting to pre-season training looking stronger and fitter, while his floppy fringe has been replaced with a much more sober haircut. While commenting on his personal grooming would usually be misplaced in any serious football analysis, the closely cropped trim clearly represents a more focused mindset, the 24-year-old focusing on his football and becoming an important player for the Old Lady.
He was certainly that against Valencia, as the graphic in the tweet above helps to illustrate. Bernardeschi was the one genuine attacking threat left on the field, constantly available for an outlet pass to relieve the pressure while unafraid to track back and help provide defensive cover. He may well have had more eye-catching outings since his €40 million transfer, but he certainly has not delivered a more mature performance, with his Coach only happy to single him out for praise shortly after the final whistle.
“Federico arrived at Juventus last year and since then he has understood what it means to play for a great team,” Allegri told reporters at his post-match press conference. “He has grown tactically, physically – and above all and thanks to him – he has made the leap mentally.
“Bernardeschi has become a real Juventus player and one worthy of the big games in a short period of time. He has grown so much in his maturity and technique, so I have no qualms now about playing him even in the biggest fixtures.”
Given that he has already made three starts in 2018/19 and that they came against Parma, Lazio and Valencia, that is clearly more than just lip service from Allegri, fielding Bernardeschi as often as possible despite the ramifications. With Costa now suspended for spitting and Dybala struggling to find his best form, it is perhaps just as well, but irrespective of who is battling a spot in the starting XI, he is there on merit.
It has taken a while, but Federico Bernardeschi is slowly proving he belongs at Juventus.
