Match Report: Juventus vs Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal is his first in this year’s UCL campaign

Juventus missed a clear chance to guarantee themselves a place in the next round of the UEFA Champions League after they threw away a one-goal lead to lose 2-1 in Turin to visiting Manchester United.

The match began on a slow note almost the same as the first-leg with both sides playing a steady game and hoping to take advantage of the slightest opportunity but it was Juventus who looked the most lively of the two sides.

The first half ended in a goalless draw as both teams failed to find the back of the net with their chances.

It took the brilliance of former Red Devils starman and now Juventus forward, Cristiano Ronaldo to bring the stadium to live with a thunderous volley.

The goal was set up by Leonardo Bonucci who served the frontman with a delightful long pass over the top of the Manchester United defence.

The match came to live from then with Juve failing to take advantage of the opportunities, Cuadrado being the major culprit.

Jose Mourinho’s substitutions proved critical as Mata and Fellaini’s inclusion gave United some spark in the last stages of the game.

Juan Mata levelled the scores for United with a beautifully curled free-kick with five minutes to go. United set the travelling fans into ecstasy minutes later after Juve failed to properly deal with an Ashley Young cross with the ball ending up at the back of the net through an Alex Sandro own-goal.

United’s win over the Old Ladies means Juventus have a two-point lead at the top with 9 points followed by 7 for United and 5 for Valencia after their 3-1 win over Young Boys.

With two more matches to go, both clubs will hope to pick up the maximum points to sail through safely to the knock-out stages of the competition.

Source: www.ghanaweb.com