Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League debut for Juventus lasted less than half an hour but the Italian side began their Group H campaign impressively with a 2-0 victory over Valencia.
Penalties either side of half-time by Miralem Pjanic sealed the points for the visitors as Valencia’s return to European competition after a two-year absence fell flat.
Valencia dominated possession in the latter stages that but Juventus’ well-drilled defence held firm until stoppage time when the third penalty of the game was awarded.
Daniel Parejo stepped up but Wojciech Szczesny saved his spot-kick to sum up the Spanish side’s frustrating evening.
He was shown a red card in the 29th minute against Valencia.
Ronaldo was involved in an innocuous-looking clash in the area and was stunned when German referee Felix Brych dismissed him.
The striker appeared to knock Jeison Murillo to the ground off the ball and was shown a straight red card.
As it stands, Ronaldo is looking at a two-game ban which rules him out of an emotional return to Old Trafford.
Man Utd host Juventus on October 23 but should UEFA extend Ronaldo’s ban to three games, he will also miss the reverse fixture two weeks later.