Home SPORTS UCL: Juventus Edge PSV 2-1 in Champions League Playoff First Leg

UCL: Juventus Edge PSV 2-1 in Champions League Playoff First Leg

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Juventus secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their Champions League playoff tie, thanks to a late goal from Samuel Mbangula.



Samuel Mbangula's late strike proved to be the decisive factor, as Juventus secured a narrow 1-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff tie. Despite PSV's impressive performance, they ultimately fell short, setting the stage for a thrilling second leg at the Philips Stadion.




The match began at a frenetic pace, with Juventus dominating possession but struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. Timothy Weah and Randal Kolo Muani formed a potent partnership, but the PSV defense held firm, thwarting their attacking endeavors.


PSV, however, were the first to create a genuine scoring chance. Luuk de Jong expertly nodded a deep corner back across the goalmouth, forcing the Juventus defense to scramble and deny Ryan Flamingo a golden opportunity to put his team ahead from six yards out.


Juventus fielded their youngest-ever starting lineup in a Champions League knockout match, but it was two of their more experienced players who combined to break the deadlock just after the half-hour mark. Federico Gatti's tenacity saw him win back possession twice within striking distance of the PSV goal, ultimately setting up Weston McKennie on the edge of the box. The USA international unleashed a powerful, unstoppable strike past Walter Benitez, giving Juventus the lead.


PSV Eindhoven's impressive home form during the league phase had been a hallmark of their campaign, but their away form showed little signs of improvement in the early stages of the second half. However, Ryan Flamingo's acrobatic header prevented half-time substitute Samuel Mbangula from doubling Juventus' lead, following excellent wing play from Timothy Weah.


Just five minutes later, Ivan Perisic scored an unexpected equalizer, silencing the Juventus crowd. The former Inter Milan player showcased his composure, controlling a deep cross, shifting the ball onto his left foot, and drilling a low shot into the bottom corner beyond Michele Di Gregorio.




Perisic's goal had a profound impact on the match, as Juventus suddenly appeared disjointed and flustered. Basic individual errors began to plague their play, disrupting their rhythm. In response to this shift in momentum, PSV head coach Peter Bosz introduced Johan Bakayoko and Guus Til in pursuit of a winner.


However, it was two Juventus substitutes who ultimately combined to secure a first-leg lead for the Italian side. Francisco Conceicao's shot was parried straight to Mbangula, who capitalized on the opportunity, firing home from close range to seal a dramatic late victory for Juventus.



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