Cristiano Ronaldo makes another 'black' and 'white' start

Cristiano Ronaldo's first few months in Turin have been a combination of comedy and tragedy. In Italy, as in Spain, exaggerated praise and criticism go hand in hand. The Portuguese star was elevated to God-like status when he arrived at Juventus, however, that enthusiasm waned slightly when he didn't score in his opening three matches. He went from being the man who revolutionised football in Italy to a 'doubtful' signing because of his age (33). Ronaldo made his feelings known. "After leaving Real Madrid and with everything that happened I was a little anxious," he admitted after breaking his drought of sorts against Sassuolo. A brace in his fourth game for Juve alleviated the tension somewhat but just three days later that was soon forgotten after his red card against Valencia. Heads and tails. Another black or white start.

For the eleventh time in his career, Ronaldo saw red. In his 154th Champions League match, in his first European appearance for Juve, the tournament's all-time leading scorer (120 goals), the top scorer in its last six editions and champion three years in a row with Real Madrid, lasted just 29 minutes at the Estadio Mestalla. After supposedly grabbing Jeison Murillo's hair, he was sent for an early shower and the left the pitch in tears. Cristiano may now miss the Old Trafford game if UEFA uphold the two match ban. "You have to stay calm. He is very upset with the red card. These situations leave a bitter taste but you must know how to react," Massimiliano Allegri said. The last time Ronaldo was sent off was the start of last season with Real Madrid. History repeats itself.

In the first match of the 2017 Spanish Super Cup, Ronaldo entered the Camp Nou pitch in the 58th minute and scored to make it 2-1. He took his shirt off to celebrate and was shown a yellow card. Then he was shown a second after being adjudged to dive in the box with Samuel Umtiti close. He was sent off and his subsequent reaction to the referee, when he pushed Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea  led to a four game ban. Ronaldo didn't score until the eighth match day (against Getafe) in the league and only managed four in the first half of the season. Discounting the matches which he was suspended for, it took him four games and 28 shots on goal for Real Madrid to score. A similar drought that he suffered with Juventus until his brace against Sassuolo.

However, the Champions League was another story. In the group stage, he scored a goal in each of the six matches (a competition record) bagging nine before the knockout stages. It was an oasis in the early stages of the season where he wasn't clinical in front of goal in the league. "We know that he likes to score, we are all convinced that he will make a difference. It's not happening in the league, but he is still useful for the team and it will come," Zinedine Zidane said on Ronaldo's drought. The Frenchman left him out for five matches and substituted him six times in the season. Ronaldo also didn't play in the cup. A successful plan: Cristiano ended up scoring 44 goals in 44 games and was key to Real Madrid's European success. He was at his best against Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter finals and Juventus in the semis.

Now, in Turin, Allegri will have to adopt Zizou's strategy. "Cristiano needs to get his energy back and start on the bench, like last year in Madrid. Now he will play, then we will see depending on the moment in time," he said. During the international break, the Portuguese stayed in Turin to be fresh and the Italian coach has designed a training and match plan based around crosses from the full backs to make the most of his game. Everything in place so CR7 has an important end to the season as in 2017 and 2018. Two years ago, in the first eight matches, he scored just two goals. Last time out, in the same amount, just one. Now, he already has two in Serie A.

Over the years, Ronaldo has learnt to save himself for the big occasion. And the Old Lady signed him to make the difference at the highest level and to win titles like the Champions League, they will need to keep his legs fresh for the final sprint. That is where he is most decisive. Cristiano has started again with a rough patch. He's struggling to score... but when he finds his rhythm there will be no stopping him.