ANGEL DI MARIA scored a stunner for Juventus as the Italian side fought their way through the Europa League knockouts.
It was looking like a tricky night for the Old Lady after last week’s first leg draw at home against Nantes.
GettyAngel Di Maria is no stranger to a good strike but his left-footed effort against Nantes was still mind-blowing[/caption]
Di Maria now has seven goals in all competitions this seasonRex
But Di Maria hit a hat-trick to see his club sail through 3-0 and put their domestic issues to one side.
It was the first goal of the 35-year-old’s brilliant night that got football fans off their seats as they watched the early game on BT Sport.
With the game barely four minutes old, the energetic Nicolo Fagioli picked up the ball in midfield.
Evading tackles from opposition midfielders, he lay a pass on to the feet of Di Maria.
The Argentine did not look to be in a particularly good shooting position and defenders were closing him down quickly.
But nothing could stop his moment of magic as he lifted the ball with his left boot and whipped it with precision into the top corner.
Fans were left stunned at the jaw-dropping effort.
One person wrote: “One for the 2023 best goals thread.”
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Another said: “This Di Maria goal is so good, it almost looks computer animated.”
And another said: “Puskas award goes to Di Maria.”
The goal settled the nerves and things would get even better for Juve when Nicolas Pallois was sent off after 17 minutes.
The French side never looked like getting back into it and Di Maria would strike again in the 20th minute before sealing a hat-trick from the spot in the second-half.
He now has seven goals in all competitions for a Juventus side that can focus on Europe after a points penalty for alleged transfer irregularities left their Serie A campaign in tatters.