Two sides who were looking to gain an early advantage when opening their Champions League knockout stage adventure on Tuesday night, Villarreal and Juventus eventually had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
Despite opening the scoring with just 33 seconds on the clock, Massimiliano Allegri’s men failed to build off of that early momentum and will instead make the trip back to Turin knowing that they face another nervy night in a fortnight’s time.
In a contest that could have easily gone either way at the Estadio de la Cerámica on Tuesday night, we have taken a look at the main talking point from an enjoyable showdown in Spain.
The Yellow Submarine show their resolve
Watching Juventus’ new superstar Dušan Vlahović opening the scoring thanks to a smart finish with under a minute on the clock, many around the Estadio de la Cerámica could have been bracing themselves for a long night’s work.
However, while Villarreal Head Coach Unai Emery might still be waiting for his first Champions League knockout stage victory, the one-time Arsenal boss was left thrilled by the resolve that his side displayed on Tuesday night.
Despite falling to that early lead, the Yellow Submarine continued to venture forward and should have entered the half-time break level as Tottenham loanee Giovani Lo Celso saw his golden chance come back off the post.
While the midweek hosts might have been without attacking talisman Gerard Moreno here, Emery’s side eventually got themselves on level terms as Dani Parejo’s first-time effort found a way past Wojciech Szczęsny.
Shocking Premier League giants Manchester United last year as they lifted another Europa League title, Villarreal dominated large spells of the second-half and some in their camp will be feeling that they could have missed a chance here.
Nevertheless, once again underlining why they can be a challenge to any of Europe’s elite here, Emery’s men will be smelling another opportunity to shine in a fortnight’s time.
Mixed night for Juve
Only managing to play out back-to-back 1-1 draws against Torino and Atalanta before heading out to Spain on Tuesday night, it is fair to say that Juventus have once again struggled with their consistency this season.
Despite watching Vlahović bag the quickest debut Champions League goal after just 33 seconds here, it was really a tale of two halves for the Italian heavyweights at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
Asked few questions during the first-half and appearing in cruise control to pick up a first-leg advantage on foreign soil, the Old Lady struggled to match that same control throughout the second session.
While both Vlahović and strike partner Alvaro Morata might have tested Villarreal keeper Gerónimo Rulli after the interval, Head Coach Allegri would have been far from pleased by his side’s overall performance here.
Once again in a real battle to clinch another top-four finish in Serie A this season, Tuesday’s guests also look set to be without a key midfield star when they return to Turin.
Having to be carried off after appearing to have suffered a painful ankle injury, it has been confirmed that Weston McKennie has sustained a rupture of his second and third metatarsal.
All eyes on Turin
While Juventus might have struggled to have found top gear with much stability this season, there is no doubt that many thought they would have been able to come past a rugged Villarreal side during their knockout run.
However, eventually knowing that they were lucky to have left the Estadio de la Cerámica on level terms here, all eyes will fall on Turin in a fortnight’s time.
Hoping that the red-hot Vlahović can drag them over the finish line when they host the Yellow Submarine next month, Tuesday’s guests should once again be bracing themselves for another nervy night.
While Juve might have had to settle for a 1-1 draw in each of their last three showdowns across all competitions, they do hold a rather rampant Champions League record on home soil.
Without a European crown to their name since 1996, it should be highlighted that Allegri’s men have won 10 of their last 11 European meetings in Turin, including a 1-0 victory against defending champions Chelsea last year.
Match Report:
Villarreal: Rulli, Foyth, Albiol, Torres, Pedraza, Chukwueze, Capoue, Parejo, Moreno, Danjuma, Lo Celso,
Subs: Estupiñán, Pino, Dia, Trigueros Muñoz
Juventus: Szczesny, Danilo, de Ligt, Lobo Silva, De Sciglio, Rabiot, Locatelli, McKennie, Cuadrado, Morata, Vlahovic
Subs: Bonucci, Zakaria, Arthur, Pellegrini
Goals: Villarreal: Parejo 66′ – Juventus: Vlahovic 1′
Yellow Cards: Villarreal: Rulli – Juventus: Rabiot
Red Cards: N/A
Referee: Daniel Siebert
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