RB Leipzig faced Juventus on the European arena for the first time and they will certainly remember this match for a long time. All signs were against the ‘Old Lady’ this evening, with two early injuries and a red card for Di Gregorio. However, the heroic fight meant that the weakened Juventus not only made up for the loss, but also defeated RB Leipzig 3-2, recording their second victory in the Champions League.
Juventus with a false start, lots of injuries
Both RB Leipzig and Juventus won their last matches in the domestic competition. The situation was slightly different in the first round of the Champions League, because only the Italian team recorded three points, beating PSV Eindhoven. The team from Leipzig had to acknowledge the superiority of Atletico Madrid.
Already a (big) blow for the #Juve after only 4 minutes of play, injury to Bremer ❌
Gatti replaces the Brazilian pic.twitter.com/duwmsjUmDQ
— Paul Vinay (@PauloVinay) October 2, 2024
Already in the 4th minute, Juventus had to rotate their lineup because Bremer suffered an injury after the clash with Luis Openda. We are talking about a player who came out with the captain’s armband for this match, but unfortunately he left the field in tears, holding his knee. The Italians definitely had a problem with their physical preparation for this match, because Nico Gonzalez was unable to continue in the 10th minute of the match due to a muscle injury. Two changes introduced quickly slightly disturbed the order of this meeting.
The Openda-Sesko duo scored a goal
The match was not the most intense in the first half an hour, but Juventus was in control and Leipzig was focused on counterattacks. There was a clear advantage in the number of passes exchanged, but we know perfectly well that we also need to be able to use a large number of plays.
Benjamin Šeško! Juventus loses in Leipzig! 👀
📺 The match continues CANAL+ EXTRA3 and CANAL+ online: pic.twitter.com/0FZBE7skwE
— CANAL+ SPORT (@CANALPLUS_SPORT) October 2, 2024
Finally, the hosts succeeded. Luis Openda passed the ball towards Benjamin Sesko, who finished the action with phenomenal style. From the 31st minute, RB Leipzig was leading 1-0. Shortly afterwards, in the 37th minute, Vlahović took a shot and was treated badly by Lukeba. Everyone thought it would be a penalty, but referee Letexier and the VAR judges had a different opinion.
Juventus was only able to threaten Gulasci’s goal at the end of the first half. Fagioli made a dangerous shot, but the Hungarian goalkeeper did not have to intervene. Despite their attempts and efforts, the hosts went to the locker room in a better mood.
Red card for Di Gregorio
It was clear that Thiago Motta’s players were very motivated for the second part of this match. In the 48th minute, after an excellent move, Koopmeiners hit the post, but it clearly looked like a goal for Juventus. This is what happened at the beginning of the 50th minuteWhen Dusan Vlahović converted a cross from the left. This goal really got the match going, because a moment later Luis Openda hit the post.
Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio is sent off for this hand outside the area! 🟥😬
Star 🔁 Perin
📸 @MovistarFutbol #RBLJUV pic.twitter.com/JwTigocjhs
— SphereFoot (@SphereFoot) October 2, 2024
After the plague of injuries at the beginning of the match, Juventus had another problem. Di Gregorio intervened outside the penalty area and gently touched the ball with his hand, and the rules are unforgiving. The VAR review meant that the Italians had to cope with ten players. After this unlucky intervention by the goalkeeper, it was time for a free kick for RB Leipzig. Xavi Simons shot and hit the hand of Douglas Luiz, who had just been introduced, but he was not in the wall and was covering his face. Letexier walked to the screen and pointed to the eleven. Benjamin Sesko approached the ball and converted the penalty perfectly.
Juventus amazing, Leipzig humiliated
It seemed that RB Leipzig would take control of the match, but Juventus… was not afraid of their rival’s advantage. Dusan Vlahović received the ball outside the penalty area and shot it undefendably. In the 69th minute there was a 2-2 draw. The second part was a literal mess as Luis Openda hit the post again in the 72nd minute.
After a moment’s rest, RB Leipzig started the attack again, but Simons’ excellent pass in the 80th minute was denied by Nusa, who was introduced in the second half. Juventus did not stop responding at any point and Conceicao got the ball moments after Leipzig’s attack. The Portuguese individually outplayed the hosts’ defense and finished the entire action brilliantly, making it To the disbelief of the fans, the Italians took the lead.
What a comeback! 👀 Juventus, playing ten, lost 1:2, but after goals by Vlahovic and Conceicao they beat RB Leipzig! 🔥
📺 It’s time for the Shortcut Magazine! Welcome to CANAL+ EXTRA1 and CANAL+ online: pic.twitter.com/DVrW3lovn6
— CANAL+ SPORT (@CANALPLUS_SPORT) October 2, 2024
The last minutes saw pressure from the hosts, but the “Old Lady” defense fought incredibly. At no point did Juventus, despite playing weaker, give up trying to win. Thus, Juve has their second victory in the Champions Leagueand RB Leipzig once again recognizes the superiority of its rival. The “Old Lady” did something amazing, and the match provided a lot of emotions. If any neutral fan chose this clash, they must have had a great time. Posts, red card, comeback weaker – the salt of the Champions League!
FT | ⌛ | What a comeback, what a victory!!! ⚪⚫#RBLJuve #UCL pic.twitter.com/fXvmlJB8Y4
— JuventusFC (@juventusfc) October 2, 2024
Fot. screen X/ Ziggo Sport
