Cristiano Ronaldo’s Stunning Smash Saves Juventus Against Empoli

There are few players who can strike a ball like Cristiano Ronaldo. 

The Juventus forward is capable of scoring every type of goal, from headers and tap-ins to bicycle kicks and free kicks. 

But it’s Ronaldo’s stunning shots from distance in the run of play that have made him one of the most fearsome forwards to have ever played the game.

Now 33, Ronaldo doesn’t have the searing pace he once used to tear apart the Premier League and LaLiga, but he can still hit the crap out of the ball, sending it whizzing into the back of the net. 

This Ronaldo goal vs Empoli was the latest piece of evidence on the Portuguese star’s goal-scoring ability, helping Juventus rally for a 2-1 road victory on Saturday to keep the club's unbeaten season alive. 

For starters, we have to say, Empoli defenders have only themselves to blame for not closing down on Ronaldo. You know the guy likes to shoot and yet they just sat off him, two defenders imploring the other to close in and neither doing so.

That Ronaldo goal vs Empoli was his second of the day.

After Francesco Caputo gave the home side the lead in the 28th minute with a smashing effort, Ronaldo converted a penalty to equalize in the 54th minute.

Admittedly, the penalty decision was a bit soft, but the finish from Ronaldo was anything but. Even if Ivan Provedel had guessed the right way, he would’ve had no chance at stopping the rocket off Ronaldo’s foot. 

Ronaldo now has seven goals and four assists in Serie A play as Juventus increased its lead atop Italy to seven points (albeit before the nearest rivals have played this weekend).