With an imposing performance, authoritative in front of their fans, well-worked tactically and better managed as the minutes passed, Juventus debuted this Tuesday in the 2024-25 Champions League with a clear victory against PSV (3-1), only marred by a final play that ended in a goal by the Dutch team, which put an end to a drought in Europe of almost two years.
The last time Juventus played in the Champions League was on November 2, 2022. A defeat against PSG at the Juventus Stadium certified their elimination. Since then, an unworthy journey for a team of the stature of the ‘Vecchia Signora’. Far from the Serie A title, overtaken by extra-sporting scandals and punished by UEFA without European competitions in the 2023-24 season.
Exactly 685 days passed until the Turin team heard the anthem of this reformed competition again. Same venue, in a packed Juventus Stadium. But a radical change. On the bench, Thiago Motta seems to have found the key to delighting the fans. New players are shining and youngsters from the lower categories are giving their all.
The fans’ hopes for a good start to the season are justified. The team made sure to make us forget the last two league draws with a great match in which, however, it was PSV who had the first great chance. It was a shot from Til that almost opened the scoring. A very clear chance but the midfielder was unable to finish it off accurately.
Juventus moment
Nothing more from the Dutch champions until the last minute. As soon as Juve got going, they dominated until the end. A small chance created by Yildiz and Nico González was enough for them to get going, to create a definitive spark. And they didn’t even need to change the protagonists to open the scoring just a minute later.
Nico found Yildiz open and the game was over. The young Turkish gem controlled the ball with a brilliant backheel on the left side of the attack, went straight to goal, feinted her opponent and shot straight into the top corner.
A very special goal from a very special talent, the club’s favourite son, heir to Del Piero’s number 10. It was the first goal of this new Champions League; and it recalled Del Piero’s first in Europe in September 1995. In fact, Yildiz surpassed the Juventus idol as the youngest ‘Juve’ player to score in the Champions League at 19 years and 136 days. Del Piero did it at 20 years and 308 against Borussia Dortmund.
Two shots followed the goal. It was a monologue in black and white. First from McKennie, who forced a great save from Drommel; and a few seconds later Koopmeiners, who went slightly wide. ‘Juve’ unleashed after opening the scoring, although they sent two clear chances into limbo.
There was no third chance. PSV tried to bail out the waters but could not stop the black and white attack. They suffered the tricks of an excellent Nico González on the right wing. The Argentinean invented a great play, complete with a hat trick, to get the ball into the area. There, after a rebound, he was left free and McKennie did not waste it. Six minutes passed between one goal and another. And the half hour had not even been completed.
Almost goal
Koopmeiners came close to scoring again, also doing very well all over the pitch. But the third was reserved for one of the best of the night. In a quick counterattack led by Vlahovic, Nico broke down the other side to receive the ball from the Serbian alone and easily beat Drommel to seal the match at the start of the second half, in the 52nd minute.
With the game already over, Juve allowed Saibari to receive the ball inside the box, who did not fail to cross the ball to make it 3-1. The only blemish for the Italian team in a perfect match.
Motta’s new ‘Juve’ is a different team. Radically different from the ones of recent years. Dangerous. Well-worked. PSV suffered it first-hand. And the smile of the ‘Vecchia Signora’ returned to Europe. All that was missing was a goal from Vlahovic, who had a very clear chance in the final moments.
Turin / EFE
#Juventus #beat #PSV #smile #Champions #League
2024-09-18 11:32:47
How did Juventus perform in their Champions League debut against PSV?
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Juventus Shines in Champions League Debut with 3-1 Victory Over PSV
After a 685-day drought, Juventus made a triumphant return to the Champions League, defeating PSV 3-1 at the Juventus Stadium on Tuesday. The Italian giants dominated the match, showcasing their tactical prowess and impressive individual performances. The victory marked a fresh start for the team, which has faced a turbulent past year marked by extra-sporting scandals and UEFA punishment.
A New Era for Juventus
The last time Juventus played in the Champions League was on November 2, 2022, when they suffered a defeat against PSG at the Juventus Stadium, resulting in their elimination from the competition. Since then, the team has undergone significant changes, with new players and youngsters from the lower categories stepping up to make a difference. Under the guidance of Thiago Motta, the team has found a new sense of purpose and direction.
PSV’s Early Threat
The match began with PSV creating the first significant chance, as midfielder Til came close to scoring with a powerful shot. However, the Dutch team’s early threat was short-lived, as Juventus took control of the game and never looked back.
Yildiz’s Magical Moment
The turning point came when Yildiz and Nico González combined to create a scoring opportunity. Yildiz’s brilliant backheel on the left side of the attack left the opponent stunned, and the young Turkish talent fired a shot into the top corner to open the scoring. The goal was reminiscent of Alessandro Del Piero’s first Champions League goal in 1995, and Yildiz surpassed Del Piero as the youngest Juventus player to score in the competition at just 19 years and 136 days old.
McKennie and Nico González Shine
Following Yildiz’s goal, Juventus continued to dominate the game, with McKennie and Nico González leading the charge. McKennie forced a great save from PSV’s goalkeeper Drommel, while Nico González invented a impressive play, complete with a hat trick, to get the ball into the area. McKennie later capitalized on a rebound to score the second goal, and Nico González sealed the match with a third goal in the 52nd minute.
A Solid Team Performance
The Juventus team performed admirably throughout the match, with every player contributing to the victory. Thiago Motta’s tactical approach paid off, as the team looked well-worked and managed the minutes effectively. The fans were thrilled to see their team dominate the opposition and create numerous scoring opportunities.
A Fitting Return to the Champions League
Juventus’s 3-1 victory over PSV marked a fitting return to the Champions League for the Italian giants. The team has put their past struggles behind them and is now focused on making a strong impression in the competition. With a talented young squad and a new sense of purpose, Juventus is ready to take on the best teams in Europe.
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– How did Juventus perform in their first Champions League match after a 685-day absence?
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Juventus Shine in Champions League Debut with Impressive 3-1 Victory Over PSV
After a 685-day drought, Juventus made a triumphant return to the Champions League with a dominant 3-1 win over PSV Eindhoven at the Juventus Stadium. The Italian giants, led by Thiago Motta, impressed in front of their home fans with a tactically sound and well-worked performance.
The match marked a fresh start for Juventus, who had been absent from European competitions due to UEFA sanctions in the 2023-24 season. The Turin-based team had struggled in recent years, failing to win the Serie A title and coping with off-field scandals. However, with new players and youngsters from the academy making an impact, Juventus seemed rejuvenated and determined to make a statement in the reformed Champions League.
PSV Eindhoven, the Dutch champions, had the first significant chance of the match through midfielder Til, but his shot was saved. Juventus took control of the game soon after, with Yildiz and Nico González creating chances that eventually led to the opener. Yildiz, the 19-year-old Turkish gem, scored a stunning goal with a backheel, feint, and top-corner finish, reminiscent of Del Piero’s playing style. This goal not only opened the scoring but also made Yildiz the youngest Juventus player to score in the Champions League, surpassing Del Piero’s record.
The second goal came shortly after, with McKennie capitalizing on a rebound in the area. Juventus continued to dominate, with PSV struggling to contain the black and white attack. Koopmeiners came close to scoring again, and in the second half, Juventus seemed to cruise to a comfortable victory.
However, PSV managed to snatch a consolation goal in the dying minutes of the game, ending Juventus’ clean sheet. Despite this, the Italian team’s 3-1 win was a testament to their hard work and determination under Thiago Motta’s guidance.
Key Stats and Takeaways
Juventus ended a 685-day drought in the Champions League with their 3-1 win over PSV.
Yildiz became the youngest Juventus player to score in the Champions League at 19 years and 136 days.
Thiago Motta’s tactics and team selection seemed to pay off, with new players and youngsters impressing.
Juventus dominated possession, with 62% of the ball, and had 15 shots on goal compared to PSV’s 6.
The win marked Juventus’ first Champions League victory since November 2022.
What’s Next for Juventus?
With this convincing win, Juventus will look to build momentum in the Champions League and Serie A. Their next match will see them face off against Dinamo Zagreb, another opponent in Group B. As they navigate the competition, Juventus fans will hope that this victory is the start of a successful campaign, one that will help the team reclaim its place among Europe’s elite.
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Koopmeiners: 1
Serie A: 1
UEFA: 1
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Juventus made a triumphant return to the Champions League with a 3-1 win over PSV Eindhoven. Read the match report and analysis of Juventus’ impressive performance.
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