Juventus moved four points clear at the summit as Cristiano Ronaldo reached a major milestone and equalled a Serie A record.
Match Report
Cristiano Ronaldo marked his 1,000th career appearance with a goal as Juventus beat rock-bottom SPAL 2-1 to move four points clear at the top of Serie A.
The Portugal superstar, rested for the 2-0 win over Brescia last time out, scored in an 11th consecutive Italian top-flight game, matching a feat previously achieved by Gabriel Batistuta and Fabio Quagliarella.
Maurzio Sarri's side, who were far from convincing, added a second through Aaron Ramsey before Andrea Petagna's penalty offered SPAL late, but ultimately fruitless, hope.
The reigning champions will now watch on with interest when title rivals Lazio and Inter both play on Sunday.
Standings
Match Events
5' DISALLOWED GOAL! Ronaldo's shot offside
RONALDO SCORES BUT IT’S OFFSIDE! Dybala’s cross to the far post meets the run of the Portugal captain - but he made his run a touch too early and the linesman was in the perfect position to make the call.
36' OFF THE POST! Dybala almost scores
DYBALA OFF THE INSIDE OF THE POST AND OUT! The Argentina international squirms his way into the penalty area, twisting and turning past defenders before trying an off-balance shot to the far post, which beats the gloves of Berisha - but not the woodwork!
39' GOAL! SPAL 0-1 Juventus (Ronaldo)
RONALDO BREAKS THE DEADLOCK! Ramsey plays a lovely ball over the top of the defence for Cuadrado, before a switch of play finds Ronaldo open at the far post to beat Berisha! There appeared to be a hint of offside in the build-up, but VAR confirms the referee’s call and Juve have a 1-0 lead!
48' So close from Ronaldo!
60' GOAL! SPAL 0-2 Juventus (Ramsey)
RAMSEY DOUBLES JUVE’S ADVANTAGE! Dybala’s mazy run through down the right flank opens up a passing lane, finding Ramsey inside the penalty area. Berisha dives in anticipation but the midfielder has the presence of mind to chip a finish over the goalkeeper! 2-0!
69' Penalty Goal! SPAL 1-2 Juventus (Petagna)
PETAGNA MAKES NO MISTAKE! The long wait couldn’t have helped the striker, but SPAL’S talisman dispatches his left-footed penalty into the bottom corner of the goal! 2-1!
PENALTY! After a lengthy delay due to communication issues with VAR, it appears as though the video replay has changed the mind of the referee - who awards the hosts a spot-kick!
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