Juventus 2-1 PSV: Late goal gives Bianconeri the advantage in Champions League play-off

A late winner from substitute Samuel Mbangula ensured that Juventus will be taking a slender lead to the Philips Stadion after securing a narrow victory in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off against PSV Eindhoven.

The Bianconeri got themselves in front thanks to a powerful volley from Weston McKennie and carried a deserved lead into the break, before Ivan Perišić scored a leveller just shy of the hour-mark.

Thiago Motta’s men must now defend that lead in Eindhoven on February 19th if they are to qualify for the round-of-16.

From the very first action in Turin, it appeared that Thiago Motta’s men had been tasked to ensure that they were able to make their home advantage count. In the early stages, PSV Eindhoven were penned back into their own half while dealing with the early pressure being applied by the hosts, as Nico González from range forced a save out of his compatriot Walter Benítez.

Over the course of their UEFA Champions League campaign and in Serie A so far, the Bianconeri have incredibly drawn 16 games this season – and the longer Tuesday’s game remained at a deadlock, there’s no doubt that there would have been fears creeping in amongst the crowd over potentially adding to this number.

However, Weston McKennie was playing his part to try to make sure that this would not be the case. Randal Kolo Muani forced a save from Benítez at close range and McKennie’s eyes lit up as the ball bounced towards him just outside the box; the USA international hit a powerful effort leaving the PSV keeper with no chance as it flew past him to give Juventus a deserved lead.

In the second half, Juventus carried on from where they left off and continued to push to extend their lead. Samuel Mbangula replaced Kenan Yıldız at the break and was agonisingly close to getting his fourth goal of the season after some great footwork from Timothy Weah saw him burst through the PSV defence, delivering a great cross that the substitute hit first time. It had appeared that Benítez was beaten but his effort was blocked on the line, denying Mbangula from making an instant impact.

Ivan Perišić – a familiar opponent for Juventus during his stint at Inter Milan – arrived to level the score on his return to Italy. Noa Lang took it upon himself to beat several Juventus defenders before unleashing an effort that was deflected into the path of the Croatian. On-loan Newcastle defender Lloyd Kelly was left powerless as Perišić quickly set himself to hit a low and powerful shot past Michele di Gregorio, beating the Italian at his near post.

The goal left Juventus more concerned about the threat that PSV possessed on the counter-attack and as a result, neither side looked like they had the upper hand at this moment in the tie as they sought to nullify each other.

Tuesday’s hosts looked destined for their 17th draw of the season, but it was Samuel Mbangula who put them back in front late on. Some great work from Francisco Conceição saw him beat Mauro Júnior before delivering a low cross – but after all of Walter Benítez’s efforts in goal this evening, the shotstopper was only able to parry it straight into the path of Mbangula who reacted fastest to give Juventus the lead.

The home side were relatively unthreatened as the clock ticked away, so will be heading to Eindhoven with a 2-1 lead as they seek to make it through to the round-of-16. PSV will be bitterly disappointed to concede late on, but can take consolation in knowing that it’s still all to play for.