Ronaldo Recovers From Difficult Week in Juventus' Comeback Win

Ronaldo endured a difficult week leading up to Sunday's match, pleading guilty to tax fraud in Spain.

ROME — Cristiano Ronaldo bounced back from a difficult week by scoring a decisive penalty to help Juventus complete a 2-1 comeback win at Lazio on Sunday.

Juventus was overwhelmed for more than an hour at the Stadio Olimpico but two late goals enabled the Serie A leader to avoid its first loss of the season.

Ronaldo confidently struck his spot kick into the roof of the net three minutes from time - a week after he had a penalty saved during a win over Chievo Verona.

88' SIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!! @Cristiano FIRES HOME FROM THE SPOT!!!!!!!!!!!! 🔥⚽️⚪️⚫️#LazioJuve [1-2] #ForzaJuve pic.twitter.com/dCnmQ3lIRF

— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) January 27, 2019

Also this week, Ronaldo pleaded guilty to tax fraud in Spain - adding to his off-field difficulties following an accusation of rape in a Las Vegas hotel in 2009. Ronaldo has denied any wrongdoing.

Lazio went ahead near the hour mark when Emre Can scored an own-goal.

But Joao Cancelo scored on Juventus' first chance less than 15 minutes later, turning in a rebound of a shot from Paulo Dybala following strong work from Federico Bernardeschi to provide a cross from the left flank.

Then Senad Lulic was whistled for a foul on Cancelo directly in front of the goal to set up Ronaldo's penalty.

Still, it was a difficult night for Juventus as defender Leonardo Bonucci hobbled off with an apparent injury in the first half.

Juventus didn't produce a single shot in the first half and defender Daniele Rugani had to clear a dangerous effort from Ciro Immobile off the line.

''For 50-60 minutes it was the worst Juventus of the season,'' Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini said. ''We always struggle against Lazio but we're leaving with a good result.''

The victory moved Juventus 11 points clear of second-placed Napoli, which was held to a 0-0 draw at AC Milan on Saturday.