Juventus bolstered their Champions League qualification hopes on Wednesday evening with a vital 2-0 victory over Manchester City at the Allianz Stadium, further deepening Pep Guardiola’s side’s recent struggles.
The first half was a tightly contested affair as both teams, eager for all three points, found clear chances hard to come by. Each side managed only three shots, with just one on target.
The best opportunity fell to Erling Haaland, whose attempted chip was brilliantly denied by Michele Di Gregorio just before halftime, ensuring the game remained goalless at the break.
The second half began with renewed attacking vigor from both teams. Eight minutes in, Juventus capitalized on their early pressure.
Dusan Vlahovic met a perfectly placed cross with a powerful header that Ederson initially parried. However, the ball crept over the line before the Manchester City goalkeeper could clear it, giving the hosts a pivotal advantage.
Manchester City dominated possession after conceding as they pressed for an equalizer.
However, Juventus delivered a sucker punch on the counterattack, punishing City’s lack of defensive organization.
American duo Timothy Weah and Weston McKennie combined for the second goal, with Weah delivering a pinpoint cross that McKennie converted with a spectacular scissor kick, sealing the win with 15 minutes to play.
City pushed hard in the closing stages, but their lack of urgency—a recurring issue in their recent performances—allowed Juventus to preserve their clean sheet and secure the crucial three points.
The result places Juventus 13th in the Champions League standings with 11 points, just two shy of the top eight.
Wins against Club Brugge and Benfica in January could see them secure automatic qualification for the round of 16.
Meanwhile, Manchester City’s poor form continues, with just one victory in their last 10 matches across all competitions.
They will seek to end this dismal streak in a crucial Premier League clash against Manchester United on Sunday.
