Ronaldo tops Messi with 2 goals in Juve's 3-0 win at Barca

Cristiano Ronaldo got the better of Lionel Messi by scoring two penalties to lead Juventus to a 3-0 win at Barcelona on Tuesday, dealing the Spanish side its first home defeat in the Champions League in seven years.

Ronaldo converted spot kicks for Juventus’ 13th-minute opener and a third goal early in the second half after U.S. midfielder Weston McKennie doubled the advantage in the 20th.

Messi and Ronaldo briefly embraced with one arm behind each other’s back and exchanged a few words before kickoff at a Camp Nou that remains empty because of coronavirus restrictions.

Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo, left, celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the Champions League group G soccer match between FC Barcelona and Juventus at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020. (AP PhotoJoan Monfort)

But only Ronaldo enjoyed the revival of their longstanding rivalry that enthralled fans for almost a decade when he played at Real Madrid before leaving for Italy in 2018. Twice Ronaldo celebrated with his trademark leap, twist, and thrust of both arms downwards as he roared out his goals.

While Ronaldo benefited from errors by Barcelona’s defense, Messi was left to carry the workload for the frustrated hosts. The Argentina star was unable to beat Gianluigi Buffon on his five strikes between the posts.

Juventus clinched first place in Group G on goal difference with the two sides finishing level on 15 points. Both teams had already qualified for the knockout round prior to the match.

Barcelona's Lionel Messi, left, shakes has with Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo prior of the start of the Champions League group G soccer match between FC Barcelona and Juventus at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020. (AP PhotoJoan Monfort)

Ronaldo was unable to play in Barcelona’s 2-0 win in Turin in October after the Portugal forward had tested positive for COVID-19.

Barcelona’s record of 38 home games without a loss in Europe’s top-tier tournament began in September 2013.

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Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo, left, celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the Champions League group G soccer match between FC Barcelona and Juventus at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020. (AP PhotoJoan Monfort)

Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo kicks the ball to score a penalty kick during the Champions League group G soccer match between FC Barcelona and Juventus at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020. (AP PhotoJoan Monfort)

Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo holds a ball before socoring a penalty kick during the Champions League group G soccer match between FC Barcelona and Juventus at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020. (AP PhotoJoan Monfort)

Barcelona's Lionel Messi reacts after Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo socoring a penalty kick during the Champions League group G soccer match between FC Barcelona and Juventus at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020. (AP PhotoJoan Monfort)

Barcelona's Lionel Messi reacts during the Champions League group G soccer match between FC Barcelona and Juventus at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020. (AP PhotoJoan Monfort)

Barcelona's Lionel Messi, right, and Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo during the Champions League group G soccer match between FC Barcelona and Juventus at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020. (AP PhotoJoan Monfort)

Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo holds a ball before scoring a penalty kick during the Champions League group G soccer match between FC Barcelona and Juventus at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020. (AP PhotoJoan Monfort)

Barcelona's Ronald Araujo reacts during the Champions League group G soccer match between FC Barcelona and Juventus at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020. (AP PhotoJoan Monfort)

RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Organizers of the Africa Cup of Nations have condemned the “unacceptable behavior of players and officials” and is reviewing video evidence of journalists fighting after the quarterfinal between Algeria and Nigeria.

The Confederation of African Football said Monday it was also investigating match incidents during the quarterfinal between Cameroon and host nation Morocco.

“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behavior which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organizers,” CAF said in a statement. “Appropriate actions will be sought against anyone whose behavior is not consistent with professional conduct at CAF events.”

Scuffles broke out between players and team officials on the field after Algeria’s defeat by Nigeria in Marrakech on Saturday.

Referee Issa Sy was shielded from irate Algeria team staff and was escorted off the field. Video clips showed Sy was still being pursued in the mixed zone for media and broadcasters as he made his way to his cabin.

Video also showed accredited media fighting in the mixed zone as they waited for players to pass through for interviews after the match.

“CAF has referred the matters to the disciplinary board for investigation and has called for appropriate action to be taken if the identified persons were to be found guilty of any wrongdoing,” CAF said.

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Algeria's goalkeeper Luca Zidane, center, and teammates clash with Nigeria's players following the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal soccer match between Algeria and Nigeria in Marrakech, Morocco, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)