Juve progress in UCL despite Benfica defeat | OneFootball

Juve did not finish the Champions League, league phase strongly, as they succumbed to a 0-2 defeat to Benfica at the Allianz Stadium.

The Match Report

Benfica started strongly, creating their first chance in the 2nd minute with Andreas Schjelderup, whose shot was blocked by Federico Gatti. Seconds later, Samuel Mbangula tried to sneak home a headed effort from Francisco Conceicao's cross, but Anatoliy Trubin was alert to the danger.

In the 16th minute, Benfica took the lead: Alexander Bah took advantage of Gatti’s misjudgement before teeing up Vangelis Pavlidis who beat Mattia Perin with a precise shot from inside the area. Juventus struggled to react, and in the 28th minute Pavlidis came close to doubling their lead with a header, but Perin made a great save to deny him.

The Bianconeri had a few attacks, such as in the 12th minute when Khephren Thuram tried from distance, but his shot was saved by Trubin. In the 13th minute, Dusan Vlahovic had a good chance having been picked out by Weston McKennie, but his effort was blocked by Nicolas Otamendi. Shortly after, Kenan Yildiz tried to latch onto a dangerous rebound, but to no avail.

Second half: Benfica see the game out as Juve struggle to react

In the second half, Juventus were unable to create many clear openings, while Benfica handled the match with maturity, before putting the game to bed in the 80th minute. Pavlidis turned provider for Orkun Kokcu, who beat Perin with a powerful right-footed strike to make it 0-2.

The Bianconeri tried to fight back, but chances were few and far between. In the 74th minute, Douglas Luiz had a good opportunity with a shot that deflected off Otamendi on its way to goal, but Trubin was once again on hand to deal with it. Shortly afterwards, Nico González’s attempted header went wide of the target.

In the 85th minute, Vlahovic tried to break free from three defenders, but his effort was blocked. Juventus continued to make errors in possession, while Benfica managed the pace of the game without getting carried away.

It was time to turn the page and look towards the UEFA Champions League Playoffs, and before that, Empoli, the Bianconeri's next opponent.

JUVENTUS 0-2 BENFICA

Allianz Stadium, Wednesday 29 January 2025 at 21:00 (CET) UEFA Champions League – League Phase – Matchday 8

Goals: 16’ Pavlidis (B), 80’ Kokcu (B)

Juventus: Perin, Weah, Kalulu (16’ Locatelli), Gatti, McKennie, Thuram (61’ Koopmeiners), Douglas Luiz, Conceicao, Yildiz, Mbangula (61’ Nico Gonzalez), Vlahovic Unused Substitutes: Pinsoglio, Di Gregorio, Adzic, Fagioli, Savona, Rouhi. Coach: Thiago Motta.

Benfica: Trubin, Araujo (90+2’ Rego), Silva, Otamendi, Bah, Florentino Luis, Aursnes, Kokcu (90+2’ Rollheiser), Di Maria (72’ Akturkoglu), Pavlidis (84’ Amdouni), Schjelderup (72’ Barreiro). Unused Substitutes: Soares, Prestianni, Beste, Fonseca, Felix, Santos, Bajrami. Coach: Bruno Lage.

Referee: Istvan Kovacs Assistants: Mihai Marica, Ferencz Tunyogi Fourth Official: Horatiu Fesnic

Bookings: 55’ Vlahovic (J), 63’ Otamendi (B), 78’ Bah (B)

Next Match:

Juventus-Empoli Serie A – Matchday 23 Sunday, 2 February, 2025 at 12:30 (CET) Allianz Stadium