Ronaldo draws level with Messi again as Juventus keep top-4 hopes alive

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By Conor Laird

Published: May 15, 2021 8:27 pm

Last Updated: May 15, 2021 9:27 pm

Cristiano Ronaldo drew level with Lionel Messi in the European goalscoring charts this evening, as Juventus got the better of Inter Milan.

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Cuadrado the hero

Andrea Pirlo’s outfit were back in Serie A action a short time ago.

The Bianconeri welcomed Inter to the Allianz Stadium, for the latest edition of the Derby d’Italia.

Juve headed into proceedings aware that nothing but a victory would suffice, in the club’s efforts to keep their dwindling top-4 hopes alive.

Cristiano Ronaldo equals Lionel Messi again as Juventus keep top-4 hopes alive with Derby d’Italia win

UDINE, ITALY – MAY 02: Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus celebrates after scoring their team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus at Dacia Arena on May 02, 2021 in Udine, Italy. Sporting stadiums around Italy remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

And, when all was said and done in Turin, secure all three points is precisely what the Old Lady managed.

A pulsating 90 minutes, featuring chances galore, three penalties, a pair of red cards and five goals, eventually saw Juventus emerge on the right side of a 3-2 scoreline.

Cristiano Ronaldo put the hosts in front midway through the first-half, before Romelu Lukaku levelled things up a short time later.

The Bianconeri’s advantage was then restored on the stroke of the interval courtesy of Juan Cuadrado’s deflected effort, only for Inter to draw level once more inside the closing ten minutes, when Giorgio Chiellini put through his own net.

Just when it appeared as though the travelling Nerazzurri had done enough to bag a share of the spoils, and end their historic rivals’ Champions League hopes in the process, though, fresh drama was forthcoming.

A 2nd Juve penalty of the evening this time saw Juan Cuadrado step up, to fire beyond Samir Handanovic, and secure a potentially pivotal three points with just minutes remaining:

And the referee gives another penalty! ??

Juve back in front in this crazy, crazy game as Cuadrado converts from the spot ⚫⚪ pic.twitter.com/dR4TycEZq0

— Premier Sports ? (@PremierSportsTV) May 15, 2021

CR7 matches Messi

Cuadrado’s winner came after Cristiano Ronaldo had been substituted 20 minutes from time, as Andrea Pirlo introduced Alvaro Morata in search of a more direct threat.

The Bianconeri’s star man, though, had already found the net in the clash, following up on a rare missed spot-kick to slot home on the rebound:

Cristiano Ronaldo misses a penalty…but follows up to score the rebound! ?

That was a bit of a let-off in such an important moment for Juventus ⚫⚪ pic.twitter.com/PtbXogG2ig

— Premier Sports ? (@PremierSportsTV) May 15, 2021

And, as outlined above, in the process, Ronaldo levelled things up in yet another historic race with Lionel Messi.

The Portuguese’s strike versus Inter marked his 29th of the Serie A campaign, the exact same number as long-time rival Messi has managed in La Liga this season.