A Night of Misery for Juventus: The Fall in Champions League
After a series of disappointing performances by Italian clubs in the Champions League, Juventus’s elimination on Wednesday night only added to the collective despair. Despite entering the second leg with a one-goal advantage, the Bianconeri were outmatched by PSV Eindhoven, who dominated the second half and secured a 2-1 victory in regular time. The contest extended to extra time, where Flamingo’s decisive strike sealed PSV’s passage to the Round of 16. The 3-4 aggregate defeat marks a low point in Juventus’s European campaign, and the following player ratings reflect the struggles of the team.
Michele Di Gregorio: A Ray of Light in Darkness
Michele Di Gregorio, the goalkeeper, stands out as one of the few positives from the match. Despite conceding three goals, his performance was commendable, and it’s safe to say that the scoreline could have been much worse without his timely interventions. Di Gregorio made several crucial saves that kept Juventus in the game, even as the team around him faltered. His rating of 7 is a testament to his resilience and skill, making him the unsung hero of a night marred by disappointment.
Timothy Weah: Mixed Performance
Timothy Weah, the American winger, had a mixed night. He scored an equalizer from a long-range shot, demonstrating his ability to make an impact. However, his defensive contributions were lackluster, and he was consistently outmaneuvered by Noa Lang. Weah’s rating of 6 reflects his dual performance—scoring a vital goal but failing to contribute defensively. His overall impact was not enough to turn the tide in Juventus’s favor.
Federico Gatti: Early Promise, Late Struggles
Federico Gatti, the Italian defender, started the match strong, showing solid defensive skills and composure. However, his performance deteriorated as the game progressed. He was slow to react on PSV’s second goal and made a crucial error on the third, which ultimately sealed Juventus’s fate. Despite his initial promising display, Gatti’s late mistakes earned him a rating of 6. His hard work and effort were evident, but they were not enough to compensate for his critical errors.
Lloyd Kelly: A Difficult Shift
Lloyd Kelly, the English defender, found himself in a challenging position when Renato Veiga was forced to leave the pitch early due to an injury. Kelly was moved from left-back to the center of defense, a position he is less familiar with. His performance was marked by poor positioning and inaccurate passing, which nearly caused additional problems for Juventus. His rating of 5 reflects the difficulties he faced and the lack of impact he made in a crucial role.
Manuel Locatelli and Teun Koopmeiners: Inconsistent Midfield Partners
In the midfield, Manuel Locatelli and Teun Koopmeiners had contrasting performances. Locatelli, rated at 6, provided some stability and stealth in the middle of the park, though his influence was limited. His presence added a layer of control, but his exit further weakened Juventus’s midfield. On the other hand, Koopmeiners, rated at 5, had another anonymous performance. He failed to make a significant impact on either side of the ball, and his contributions were largely overshadowed by the dominance of PSV’s midfield.
Attacking Struggles: Gonzalez, McKennie, and Kolo Muani
In the attack, Juventus struggled to find the back of the net. Nicolas Gonzalez, rated at 5.5, worked hard but was outpaced by Ivan Perisic on the opener. Weston McKennie, also rated at 5.5, ran tirelessly but was consistently outmatched by PSV’s midfield dominance. Randal Kolo Muani, rated at 5, had several opportunities to score but failed to capitalize on them. His misses will be a point of frustration for Juventus, as they could have changed the course of the match.
Substitutes: Efforts and Limitations
The substitutes brought on by Thiago Motta had varying degrees of impact. Andrea Cambiaso, rated at 5.5, had an encouraging start but lacked the physical fitness to make a sustained difference. Kenan Yildiz, also rated at 5.5, tried to play the role of a savior but saw little of the ball. Khephren Thuram, rated at 6, was one of the few substitutes who caused problems for PSV, but he couldn’t convert his opportunities. Nicolo Savona, rated at 5.5, showed willingness to work but lacked the quality to deliver effective crosses. Dusan Vlahovic, rated at 5.5, received little service but came close to scoring on one occasion. Samuel Mbangula, rated at 5, had a minimal impact in the limited time he was on the field.
Overall, the night was a stark reminder of Juventus’s current struggles, both in Serie A and now in the Champions League. The team’s performance against PSV highlighted issues in defense, midfield, and attack, and the need for significant improvements if they are to regain their competitive edge.
