Ronaldo scores soaring header as Juventus beats Samp 2-1

Cristiano Ronaldo's scoring streak continued as the Juventus forward netted a soaring header to secure a 2-1 victory at Sampdoria, putting the defending champion back atop the Serie A standings.

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon matched Paolo Maldini's all-time record of 647 Serie A appearances in the game on Wednesday, but Ronaldo found a way to steal the spotlight once again.

The Portugal star leaped above a defender and hung in the air to meet a cross before planting a header into the top of the net for the winning goal on the stroke of halftime.

Earlier, Gianluca Caprari had canceled out Paulo Dybala's opener for Juve.

"The goal was nice, but I am especially happy to have helped the team to get the three points," Ronaldo said.

"The important thing is to help Juventus win titles. Sampdoria coach Claudio Ranieri said all he could do was applaud.

"When someone scores a goal like that you have to just watch and admire," he said.

"Ronaldo scored in the style of an NBA player, he was in the air for an hour and a half."
RELEGATION BATTLE