Juventus secured a slim advantage in their Champions League play-off tie against PSV Eindhoven, winning 2-1 at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. The victory gives the Italian side a slight edge heading into the second leg in the Netherlands on February 19.
The match saw Juventus field several of their mid-season acquisitions, with Randal Kolo Muani, Lloyd Kelly, and Renato Veiga all making their Champions League debuts for the club. Notable absentees for Juventus included injured players Andrea Cambiaso, Pierre Kalulu, Arkadiusz Milik, Gleison Bremer, and Juan Cabal.
The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both sides creating opportunities. Tim Weah tested the PSV goalkeeper early on, while Ryan Flamingo made a crucial block to deny Kolo Muani. The deadlock was broken when Federico Gatti’s persistence on the right flank set up Weston McKennie, who fired a powerful shot into the roof of the net from the edge of the area.
PSV responded strongly after the break, with former Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic equalizing with a well-taken goal. The Dutch side’s joy was short-lived, however, as Juventus substitute Samuel Mbangula restored the home team’s lead, pouncing on a rebound after Francisco Conceicao’s initial effort was saved.
The match remained competitive until the final whistle, with PSV pushing for another equalizer. Juventus’ defense held firm, with Renato Veiga and goalkeeper Di Gregorio combining to thwart a late chance for the visitors.
This result sets up an intriguing second leg in Eindhoven, where PSV will look to overturn the deficit and progress to the Round of 16. Juventus, meanwhile, will aim to protect their advantage and secure their place in the next stage of the competition.
Goals: McKennie 34 (J), Perisic 56 (P), Mbangula 82 (J)
Juventus (4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio; Weah, Gatti, Veiga, Kelly; Locatelli (68′ Thuram), Douglas Luiz; Nico Gonzalez (58′ Conceicao), McKennie (68′ Koopmeiners), Yildiz (46′ Mbangula); Kolo Muani (77′ Vlahovic).
PSV (4-3-3): Benitez; Ledezma, Obispo, Flamingo, Mauro Junior; Veerman, Schouten; Saibari (71′ Bakayoko); Lang (71′ Til), Perisic; De Jong.
