Unfazed Ronaldo lends a hand in Juventus victory

Rape charge against Portuguese superstar still a talking point

Cristiano Ronaldo’s form doesn’t appear affected by a lawsuit accusing him of rape.

Ronaldo scored Juventus’ second goal in a 2-0 win at Udinese to extend the Bianconeri’s perfect start in Serie A on Saturday.

Shortly before the break, Ronaldo blasted a powerful shot from 10 yards past Udinese goalkeeper Simone Scuffet.

Immediately after scoring, Ronaldo signalled for his teammates to give him some space so he could go celebrate in front of a TV camera, leaping into the air with an emphatic double fist pump. The goal was met by a mix of applause and boos inside Dacia Arena.

Kathryn Mayorga filed a civil lawsuit last week in the US saying she was raped by Ronaldo in Las Vegas in 2009. Police have also reopened an investigation.

Ronaldo has denied the accusation.

Rodrigo Betancur gave Juventus the lead four minutes earlier with a header that was confirmed by the VAR due to a possible offside.

Ronaldo also was involved in other chances, using his trademark step-over moves to befuddle defenders.

Also, Juve’s Joao Cancelo hit the crossbar in the closing minutes.

Roma won at Empoli 2-0 for their fourth straight victory in all competitions. Steven Nzonzi and Edin Dzeko scored while Empoli missed a penalty.

Cagliari beat Bologna 2-0 with goals from Joao Pedro and Leonardo Pavoletti.