Juventus advances to knockout stage

TURIN, ITALY — Cristiano Ronaldo set up Mario Mandzukic for the winning goal as Juventus secured a spot in the Champions League soccer knockout stage with a 1-0 win over Valencia on Tuesday.

Ronaldo got away from his marker with some quick footwork before rolling the ball across for Mandzukic to tap into the net in the 59th minute.

Juventus only needed a point to progress but the Bianconeri were keen to get back on track following a surprise home loss against Manchester United in the last round of group matches.

Ronaldo had scored his first Champions League goal for Juventus in that game and looked eager for more against Valencia, having been sent off against the Spanish team when the two sides met in September — in a match Juventus went on to win 2-0.

Valencia was mainly camped out in its own half, defending in numbers, but had the best chance of the first half when Mouctar Diakhaby headed a corner toward goal only for Wojciech Szczesny to pull off a stunning save at point-blank range.

Juventus finally broke the deadlock in the 59th minute. Valencia defender Gabriel was powerless to thwart Ronaldo and let out a roar of frustration after the goal.

Valencia thought it had equalized immediately but Diakhaby used his hand to punch the ball into the back of the net and was instead shown a yellow card.

Valencia’s hopes of qualifying ended when Marouane Fellaini scored in stoppage time to send Manchester United to a 1-0 win over Young Boys and secure second spot in Group H.