Cristiano Ronaldo scores for Juventus amid rape allegations

UDINE, Italy – Cristiano Ronaldo scored for Juventus in Italy's championship on Saturday, a week after filing a civil complaint against Nevada accusing him of violating it nine years ago. Late in the first half against Udinese in Serie A, Ronaldo found the target with a powerful angle shot in the opposite corner for a 2-0 lead at halftime.

Immediately after scoring, Ronaldo motioned to his teammates to give him some space so he could celebrate in front of a television camera, jumping in the air with an emphatic double-fist pump.

The goal, the fourth of Ronaldo's season, was greeted with a mix of applause and boos. Earlier, there was no significant reaction when Ronaldo's name was read for the team's introductions before the coup d'e-mail.

Kathryn Mayorga filed a complaint Last week in Nevada, she said she was raped by Ronaldo in Las Vegas in 2009. The police also reopened an investigation. Ronaldo denied the accusation. When Ronaldo arrived at Dacia Arena, he appeared with intense concentration as fans cheered and shouted his name.

Earlier, Ronaldo's mother, Maria Dolores Aveiro, had sent her son a message on Instagram: "Good luck, my son and your team, because together we are stronger."

Ronaldo missed the Champions League game Tuesday against the Young Boys because he had been suspended after receiving a red card in a previous match. However, he played in the Italian league last weekend shortly after the announcement of the allegation.

In addition to the game against the Young Boys, Ronaldo has played every minute of eight other matches of Juventus this season.

Thursday, Juventus sent a statement of support and described him as "great champion".

Since the charges have been reported, Juventus' share price has fallen by almost 20%.

This week, Ronaldo faced off growing heat of the sponsors After Nike and video game maker EA Sports worried about the charges against the football superstar.

"We are deeply concerned about the disturbing allegations and will continue to monitor the situation closely," Nike said in a statement to the Associated Press.