Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri hailed the impact Cristiano Ronaldo was having on the Italian champions as the Portuguese star became the first player to achieve 100 Champions League wins in Tuesday's 1-0 success over Valencia that clinched their passage to the knockout rounds.
"Ronaldo gives us a sense of security and confidence," said Allegri of the beaten finalists in two of the last four editions of the elite European competition.
"The team is essentially the same as last season. We've grown, become faster in playing the ball, but then, of course, there is Cristiano Ronaldo.
"This team is constantly improving – they're passing and putting play together more quickly."
Juventus congratulate Cristiano Ronaldo to become the first ever player to reach 100 Champions League wins on Twitter. /Screenshot from Twitter
Ronaldo, who joined Juventus last summer from Real Madrid, is targeting a sixth Champions League title to add to his four with the Spanish team and one with Manchester United.
The Italian sides are looking for their third European title and first since 1995.
Last season they exited in the quarter-finals to Ronaldo's Real Madrid.
The 33-year-old played a key role against Valencia providing the assist on 59 minutes which Croatian Mario Mandzukic tapped in for his third goal in as many matches.
Juventus had needed just a point to ensure qualification.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus shoots the ball during the Champions League match between Juventus and Valencia in Turin, Italy, November 27, 2018. /VCG Photo
Their win combined with Manchester United's late 1-0 win over Young Boys at Old Trafford means Valencia crash out of the competition.
Allegri's side will now have to wait to see whether they top Group H when they play their final group game mid-December in Bern against Young Boys.
Ronaldo came out firing on all cylinders after his controversial red card during his first Champions League game for Juventus in Valencia back in September, which Allegri's side still won 2-0.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner had two chances within the first three minutes to add to his record tally of 121 Champions League goals.
Cristiano Ronaldo (1st right) celebrates with his Juventus teammates after his goal of 1-0 during the Champions League match between Juventus and Valencia in Turin, Italy, November 27, 2018. /VCG Photo
"You can see how united we are including the forwards," said Juventus captain Giorgio Chiellini.
"All three of them – Ronaldo, Mandzukic and Dybala, really put themselves about today. If we scrap like that, with the skill we have in the side, it makes everything much easier."
"We have to turn the page now; we'll start thinking about the Champions League again in February. We must focus on Serie A because we have a tough month ahead," added the defender as the league leaders target an eighth consecutive domestic title.
"The match was decided by great play by Cristiano," said Valencia coach Marcelino Garcia, "but our team gave everything, showing great spirit against one of the best teams in Europe."