Benevento vs. Juventus – Football Match Report – April 7, 2018

Paulo Dybala struck two penalties in a hat-trick as Juventus beat Benevento 4-2 to pull seven points clear at the top of Serie A.

The Argentinian striker put Juventus ahead with a classy finish before adding his two spot-kicks, and Douglas Costa’s fine late goal capped a hard-earned win.

Dybala’s penalties restored the Turin side’s lead each time, after lowly Benevento drew level twice.

The bottom-of-the-table hosts are heading for Serie B while Juventus remain firmly on course for a seventh consecutive Scudetto.

Napoli, the only team with any hope of catching the Bianconeri, play Chievo on Sunday.

Dybala made a 16th-minute breakthrough, collecting a pass on the edge of the penalty area and from 15 yards sending a left-footed shot from the right of goal into the far corner, beyond the reach of Christian Puggioni.

It was just the start Juventus wanted, after the midweek disappointment of their Champions League 3-0 thumping by Real Madrid.

Malian striker Cheick Diabate levelled from close range in the 24th minute but a spot-kick in stoppage time, awarded with help from the video assistant referee after Miralem Pjanic went down under a challenge from Berat Djimsiti, saw Dybala slot home into the bottom right corner.

Diabate proved a thorn in the Juventus defence again when he headed the home team level after 51 minutes.

But a second Dybala penalty in the 74th minute proved to be the winner, as this time he slotted into the left corner.

Costa put the seal on victory after 82 minutes with the outstanding goal of the game, when he cut in from the left and ripped a left-footed strike from 22 yards inside the far top angle.

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