JUVENTUS snatched a late draw against rivals AC Milan thanks to a controversial penalty in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final.
Cristiano Ronaldo smashed home in the 90th minute after his overhead kick was blocked by the hand of Davide Calabria.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a late penalty as Juventus snatched a draw in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-finalCredit: AFP
Cristiano Ronaldo trots away after his 90th minute penalty secured a 1-1 draw with AC MilanCredit: AFP
The right-back was facing the wrong way when Ronaldo struck the ball but referee Paolo Valeri went to the VAR monitor and pointed to the spot.
Home fans may have felt aggrieved that their own earlier penalty shout had been denied – Alex Sandro appearing to block a cross with his arm went unpunished.
Juventus stuttered and stumbled against Milan but will head back to Turin pleased to be even.
Ante Rebic had earlier scored a very smart volley for the home side, before the Rossoneri had to play the final 20 minutes with ten after Theo Hernandez was sent off for a second yellow.
Ronaldo and Milan veteran striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic had been the star attractions in the build-up.
Portuguese superstar Ronaldo scored the vital late goal but spent the other 89 minutes far from impressed at his team’s attacking play.
Ante Rebic stroked home a neat volley to give AC Milan the leadCredit: AP:Associated Press
Veteran keeper Gianluigi Buffon sits as Milan players celebrate the openerCredit: AFP
Juve barely created a chance and Ronaldo was often seen throwing his arms in the air in frustration.
Ibrahimovic didn’t fare much better, although his hold-up play did provide Milan with a focal point and outlet.
In fact, Milan dominated and will be disappointed they didn’t come away with a win.
Veteran Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was much the busier keeper, while opposite number Gianluigi Donnarumma had only one first-half save to make.
After knocking on the door for an age, Milan finally had a deserved goal when winger Samu Castillejo stood up a cross to the far post and Croatian forward Rebic outmuscled Mattia De Sciglio to stroke home.
Juventus pushed and pushed in the final 20 minutes but still failed to create, even with a man advantage.
It had to be Ronaldo, who is in red hot form in black and white, who finally offered Juve a lifeline.
AC Milan had to play the final 20 minutes with ten after Theo Hernandez (left) was sent offCredit: Reuters
Ronaldo’s late overhead kick was denied by the arm of Davide Calabria – and a penalty was givenCredit: AFP
Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic had been the star attractions in the build-up but both – before Ronaldo’s late goal – had little impactCredit: AFP
An aimless cross was put over to the back post and Ronaldo attempted a bicycle kick – but while the connection was all wrong, it smashed into Calabria’s arm to earn a spot-kick.
Ronaldo was never going to miss, calmly firing past Donnarumma to earn a 1-1 draw.
His goal at the San Siro made it 12 goals in eight games in 2020 and a goal in an 11th consecutive game.
The second leg will take place on March 4.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
