Dusan Vlahovic’s Champions League journey began with a bang, scoring just 32 seconds into his debut against Villarreal on February 22, 2022. The Serbian striker, then 22 years old and freshly acquired by Juventus for €70 million plus bonuses from Fiorentina, made an immediate impact that set the tone for his European performances.
Gazzetta dello Sport report how In the current Champions League campaign, Vlahovic’s statistics are impressive: five appearances yielding four goals and one assist, averaging a goal every 100 minutes. His scoring versatility is evident, having found the net with his right foot, left foot, a header, and from the penalty spot. His latest goal against Manchester City, albeit somewhat fortunate, has been crucial in keeping Juventus in contention for the playoff spots.
Vlahovic seems to thrive on the European stage, elevating his game when the Champions League anthem plays. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations makes him an invaluable asset for manager Thiago Motta’s revamped Juventus squad. As the team looks ahead to matches against Club Brugge and Benfica, and potentially the knockout stages, Vlahovic’s form will be pivotal.
Interestingly, Vlahovic has shown a tendency to shine when pitted against other top strikers. In Serie A, he’s scored against Inter Milan in the presence of Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez. In the Champions League, he’s responded to goals from Benjamin Sesko, Jonathan David, and most recently, outshone Erling Haaland in Turin.
Currently, no other Serie A player has scored as many goals as Vlahovic in this Champions League season. His header against Manchester City not only troubled Pep Guardiola’s side but also ignited dreams among Juventus fans. If the defense holds firm and Vlahovic continues his scoring form, Juventus might just exceed expectations in Europe this season.
Looking ahead, while Club Brugge and Benfica may not boast high-profile strikers, Vlahovic’s goals will be crucial for Juventus’s European ambitions.
