Cristiano Ronaldo scored in his 600th league appearance as Juventus comfortably beat Spezia 3-0 to move within three points of second-placed AC Milan in the Serie A points table. All three goals came in the second half, with the Portuguese star scoring his side’s third after Alvaro Morata and Federico Chiesa struck earlier to put Juventus in a commanding position. The strike was Ronaldo’s 20th league goal of the season, making him the first player to score at least 20 goals in each of the last 12 seasons in Europe’s top five leagues. Cristiano Ronaldo Transfer News Update: Juventus Star Linked With a Move to David Beckham’s MLS Club Inter Miami.

Juventus, who were held to a 1-1 draw at Verona in their previous league match, lost centre-back Matthijs de Ligt in the warm-up and struggled in the first-half against Spezia. Their only real chance in the opening 45 minutes came when Ronaldo dribbled into the box and curled a shot into the post. Things, however, changed for the better when Federico Bernardeschi and Alvaro Morata were introduced post the hour mark. Zlatan Ibrahimovic Responds to LeBron James After LA Lakers Star Criticizes Footballer for ‘Stay Out of Politics’ Jibe.

Both combined for the first goal a minute after coming on. Bernardeschi crossed for Morata to tap-in at the 62nd minute. Bernardeschi was involved again nine minutes later and this time, he found Chiesa inside the box. The Italian's first shot was saved, but he scored off the rebound to put Juventus 2-0 ahead.

Ronaldo, who also had a free-kick saved in the second-half, eventually found the net when Rodrigo Bentancur teed him up from a counter-attack. Take a look at the goal video highlights of the Juventus vs Spezia match.

Juventus vs Spezia Goal Video Highlights

The win took Juventus closer to the two Milan teams. Andrea Pirlo’s side have 49 points from 24 matches, three behind AC Milan and six from Inter. Both the Milan clubs will be in action later in the week. AC Milan host Udinese while Inter travel to Parma. Juventus will need both to falter to have any real chance of clinching a 10th consecutive Serie A title.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 03, 2021 08:58 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).