Juventus Triumphs Over PSV Eindhoven in Champions League Playoff
In a thrilling Champions League playoff on Tuesday, Juventus managed to edge past PSV Eindhoven with a hard-fought 2-1 victory. The match was a testament to Juventus’ resilience and determination, as they faced a formidable PSV side that was not willing to back down easily.
The breakthrough moment came courtesy of Weston McKennie, the dynamic midfielder from the United States. McKennie showcased his flair and precision with a stunning goal in the 34th minute. After a scramble in the penalty area, he unleashed a blistering shot into the top right corner, leaving the PSV defense and their goalkeeper in awe.
Reflecting on his goal, McKennie told Sky Sport Italia, “It was a good goal, though I think I scored a better one against Barcelona in 2020. I was really lucky!” His humility shone through as he added, “I was calm because last week in training I scored a lot of goals, so I felt pretty confident. The important thing isn’t scoring a goal or providing an assist, but helping the team win.”
McKennie’s goal set the stage for Juventus’ victory, but it was substitute Samuel Mbangula who sealed the deal with the winning goal in the 82nd minute. This marked Mbangula’s first Champions League goal, a moment he will surely cherish.
For McKennie, this goal was his third in the Champions League this season, all scored with his trusted right foot and all contributing to victories. His performance has been impressive, with a decent return of 11 goals in 58 games for the U.S. team. His 7th UCL goal places him in elite Concacaf company, trailing only Javier Hernández (14 goals), Christian Pulisic (12), Dwight Yorke (11), and Jonathan David (9) in goals scored in the competition.
McKennie emphasized the importance of teamwork, saying, “My role is not important, I work for the team. We all work just for the squad, whether it’s as a full-back or a midfielder. I played in a more central position tonight. But the team always wants to press forward, and that’s a team effort.”
PSV Eindhoven’s defense was commendable, particularly in their efforts to neutralize in-form striker Randal Kolo Muani, who had been on a scoring spree with five goals in his three games since joining on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.
Another U.S. international, Timothy Weah, also made his presence felt with some impressive runs down the right flank. He came close to setting up Kolo Muani early in the first half and Mbangula early in the second period, showcasing his ability to create opportunities.
The match took an unexpected turn in the 56th minute when veteran midfielder Ivan Perisic scored for PSV, silencing the home crowd. Perisic, who had previously played for Italian rival Inter Milan, was jeered by Juve’s fans, but his goal was a reminder of his technical prowess.
Juventus has faced challenges with draws this season, having drawn three of eight games in the Champions League group stage and 13 in 24 matches in Serie A. Therefore, the relief was palpable when Mbangula capitalized on a mistake by PSV’s goalkeeper Walter Benitez, who spilled Francisco Conceição‘s right-wing cross, allowing Mbangula to sweep the ball in.
Overall, it was a night of triumph for Juventus, a testament to their perseverance and teamwork. The victory not only boosts their confidence but also strengthens their position in the Champions League.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
