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Tournament favourites Juventus kicked off their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win against Valencia at the Mestalla. Things started in the worst possible way for the Italian Champions as Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off at the half-hour mark.
Later, Juve responded with a brace in a fiery six-minute spell as Miralem Pjanic converted two penalties to put the Bianconeri ahead after 51 minutes of action.
Valencia were also awarded a spot-kick late in stoppage time but Wojciech Szczesny saved Dani Parejo's effort to keep the clean sheet intact for his team.
On that note, here are the 5 talking points from the game:
#5 Ronaldo receives his marching orders
For only the 11th time in his illustrious career, Cristiano Ronaldo was shown a red card against Valencia on Wednesday night in the Champions League.
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The incident occurred in the 28th minute following an off the ball conflict with Los Che defender Jeison Murillo. Ronaldo appeared grabbing the hair of the Colombian in the box while Murillo was down on the ground.
However, the decision on his sending off was initiated by the goal-line assistant, who explained the situation to the referee and German official Felix Brych dismissed Ronaldo on what resembled to be a pretty soft clash between the two players.
The Portuguese superstar protested his innocence and pleaded with the match official before exiting the pitch. This was Ronaldo's first ever red card in Europe's elite competition and it could have severe consequences as the former Manchester United man may miss a return to Old Trafford next month.
But, given that it was seemingly a soft natured offence by Ronaldo, Juventus are likely to appeal the ban in the hopes of having his red card rescinded.
#4 Lackluster Valencia attack
Valencia manager Marcelino Garcia Toral rotated his lineup for the opening Group H clash and brought in the likes of Michy Batshuayi, Carlos Soler, Daniel Wass. However, changes in midfield and up front ultimately did not work out in Los Che's favour as none of their star-studded players were able to stop Juventus from taking the three points.
The supply and support from all parts of the pitch were there for the Valencia players throughout the duration of the 90 minutes but the home team lacked end product.
Shots were flying all over the goal but none of those efforts were threatening enough to trouble the Juve goalkeeper.
All the control that Marcelino's side had through long spells of possession during the second half eventually went to waste as the attackers were unable to do justice to the service that was provided at their feet especially during the second 45 minutes of play.
#3 Resilient and mean Juventus backline
Losing a player in the first half and that too of the calibre and stardom of Cristiano Ronaldo can affect the morale of the entire starting XI but Juventus didn't let the slightest of concern hinder their approach for the rest of the game.
The Bianconeri defenders faced a challenging task after taking a two-goal lead as manager Max Allegri instructed his team to drop back and protect their lead for over 25 minutes of the second half.
Anyway, the Juve back four consisted of a wealth of experience as veterans Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci led the Italian Champions over the finish line. The centre-back duo proved to be a wall for the home team's attack and didn't allow for any kind of opening or gap in and around the box.
Chiellini and Bonucci combined for eight blocked shots and 14 clearances along with a couple of defensive headers that prevented danger. Their leadership ensured that their teammates didn't commit any careless or mistimed fouls in the closing stages that would present Valencia with a sniff at a late comeback.
Similarly, shot-stopper Wojeich Szczesny also grew in confidence as the game dragged on and didn't let the nerves catch on to him. The Polish International was in the firing range of the Valencia frontmen all night long but he proved that he was ready for the task at hand and came up triumphs with a clean sheet in the opening game.
#2 Valencia fails to take advantage of 10 men Juve
After Juventus had fallen a man short, Valencia started creating plenty of chances but unfortunately couldn't find the back of the net. Los Che were dismal in front of goal and in spite of having 26 attempts, only six shots were on target.
Juventus had dropped off in the final 20 minutes and were content with the 2-0 scoreline but Valencia failed to capitalize on the pressure they put on the Bianconeri. Goncalo Guedes had a golden opportunity to equalize early in the second half but his effort went straight into the hands of Wojeich Szczesny.
Marcelino's men were presented with the opportunity to grab a consolation goal in the final minute of the game but skipper Dani Parejo's poor penalty was easily saved by Szczesny as it brought an end to a forgetful night for the home team.
It is important that a team like Valencia understands that time on the ball and golden opportunities against the stronger and well-established clubs are very rare and that it is necessary to make everything count as moments like these are the difference between a win and a loss.
They were instead taught a lesson by Juventus on Wednesday night on how to convert the limited opportunities that are received and later on, the art of defending on how to protect a lead and close out the game.
#1 Juventus keeps unbeaten start alive
Juventus' win against Valencia meant that the Old Lady kept their 100% perfect start to the season intact and made it five wins in a row in all competitions. The 2017 Champions League runners-up are second in Group H as a mere goal separates them from leaders Manchester United.
Plenty of positives will be taken by head coach Max Allegri after last night's win, especially the way his team responded after falling a man short. Miralem Pjanic stepped up to take the penalty duties after the sending off Cristiano Ronaldo and didn't disappoint as he slotted in both of his spot-kicks.
Juventus are also expected to launch an appeal against Ronaldo's sending off and will hope that his red card is rescinded as he was unfairly given his marching orders on a seemingly delicate challenge where there might have been only a verbal altercation between him and Jeison Murillo.
The Bianconeri will return home on Matchday 2 where they will face Swiss Champions BSC Young Boys at the Allianz Stadium whereas, for Valencia, the road only gets tougher as Los Che will travel to Old Trafford next month.
