Juventus Stuns Manchester City with 2-0 Champions League Victory
In a night of high drama and unexpected twists, Juventus delivered a crushing blow to Manchester City’s Champions League campaign, securing a 2-0 victory in Turin on Wednesday. Goals from Dusan Vlahovic and Weston McKennie not only sealed the win but also left the reigning European champions reeling as their hopes of advancing to the top eight took a significant hit.
For Manchester City, this defeat is yet another chapter in what has been a dismal run of form. The English champions, who lifted the 2023 Champions League trophy, have now managed just one win in their last 10 games across all competitions. It’s a shocking slump for a team that has been a dominant force under manager Pep Guardiola.
City’s Struggles Continue
After the match, City midfielder Ilkay Gündogan didn’t hold back in his assessment of the team’s performance. Speaking to Amazon Prime, he said, “You can see that sometimes one action we miss the ball or lose a duel and you can see that we drop immediately. It has such a big effect on us right now. At the crucial moment right now we are doing the wrong things.”
That “crucial moment” came in the 53rd minute when Juventus broke the deadlock. Kenan Yildiz delivered a pinpoint cross, and Vlahovic rose to meet it with a header that narrowly crossed the line, confirmed by goalline technology. City goalkeeper Éderson could only watch as the ball crept past him.
McKennie’s Magic Seals the Deal
Desperate to equalize, City pushed forward in numbers, leaving themselves vulnerable at the back. Juventus took full advantage in the 75th minute when Timothy Weah whipped in a cross that McKennie met with a stunning volley. The American midfielder’s strike was a thing of beauty, leaving City’s defense and fans stunned.
Despite their efforts, City couldn’t find a way back into the game. Star striker Erling Haaland had one of the best chances of the night late in the first half. A brilliant through ball from Kevin De Bruyne set Haaland free, but his attempted chip over Juventus goalkeeper Michele di Gregorio was blocked by an outstretched arm. Moments later, Gündogan unleashed a thunderous long-range strike, but Di Gregorio was equal to the task, diving to push the ball wide.
Juventus on the Rise, City in Freefall
With just two games remaining in the Champions League group stage, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Juventus now sits 14th in the table, while Manchester City has plummeted to 22nd, just three spots away from automatic elimination. It’s a precarious position for Guardiola’s side, who are enduring the worst defensive spell of his managerial career. Since the start of November, City has conceded 21 goals across all competitions—more than any other team in Europe’s top five leagues.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Juventus’ resilience: The Italian giants capitalized on their chances and defended resolutely to secure a vital win.
- City’s missed opportunities: Haaland and Gündogan came close, but City’s inability to convert chances proved costly.
- McKennie’s brilliance: The American midfielder’s volley was the highlight of the match and a reminder of his growing influence at Juventus.
- Guardiola under pressure: With City’s form spiraling, questions are mounting about how the manager will turn things around.
As the group stage nears its conclusion, all eyes will be on Manchester City to see if they can salvage their campaign. For Juventus, this victory is a statement of intent and a reminder that they remain a force to be reckoned with in Europe’s elite competition.
Originally Written by: Reuters
