Ron hits 100 wins as Juve soar into last 16

JUVENTUS coach Massimiliano Allegri hailed the impact Cristiano Ronaldo was having on the Italian champions as the Portuguese star became the first player to achieve 100 Champions League wins in yesterday’s 1-0 success over Valencia that clinched their passage to the knockout rounds.

“Ronaldo gives us a sense of security and confidence,” said Allegri of the beaten finalists in two of the last four editions of the elite European competition.

“The team is essentially the same as last season. We’ve grown, become faster in playing the ball, but then of course, there is Cristiano Ronaldo.

“This team is constantly improving – they’re passing and putting play together more quickly.”

Ronaldo played a key role against Valencia providing the assist on 59 minutes which Croatian Mario Mandzukic tapped in for his third goal in as many matches.

“You can see how united we are including the forwards,” said Juventus captain Giorgio Chiellini.

“All three of them – Ronaldo, Mandzukic and (Paulo) Dybala, really put themselves about today. If we scrap like that, with the skill we have in the side, it makes everything much easier.

“We have to turn the page now – we’ll start thinking about the Champions League again in February.

“We must focus on Serie A because we have a tough month ahead,” added the defender as the league leaders target an eighth consecutive domestic title.

“The match was decided by