In the build up to this match both sides were level on 3
points going into match day three of the champions league, and both sides knew
how important the result of this fixture would be in deciding who progressed to
the knock out stage. The match began in the worst possible way for
Juventus, as Buffon saved an effort by Martins only to see the ball rebound off
Alex Sandro and into the net after 12 minutes of play. From then on Juventus
would go chasing the equalizer with efforts from Khedira and Mandzukic saved by
Sporting goalkeeper Rui Patricio. As the game approached the half hour mark
Juventus were awarded a free kick on the edge of the penalty box, after was
Battaglia was adjudged to have fouled Pjanic when challenging for a high ball.
The returning Bosnian stepped up to take the set piece and he delivered,
curling the ball over the wall and beyond Patricio to make it 1-1.
The match continued in similar fashion after the break, as
Juventus continued to go forward and waste chances to take the lead, Most
notably Dybala who was having another off night. Mandzukic would tamely head
the ball into the path of Patricio from a Dybala corner in the 70th
minute. Douglas Costa would come off the bench 15 minutes later in place of
Sturaro, who in truth had a poor evening, and immediately make an impact
assisting Mandzukic for Juventus second goal of the night as the Croatian
headed in from Costa’s cross. As the match entered injury time Juventus would
suffer a scare, as Doumbia failed to get on the end of a cross towards the far
post, the expression on Buffon’s face once the ball was out of play showed just
how close Sporting came to snatching a point.
Earlier in the month Allegri was quoted saying “it’s easier
to be beautiful than winning” and tonight’s viewing was certainly not pretty
viewing for Juventus fans
FULL TIME RESULT: Juventus 2-1 Sporting
GOAL SCORERS: A.Sandro (12, OG) Pjanic (29) Mandzukic (84)
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