Juventus 0-2 Benfica: Benfica defeat Juve to secure Champions League play-offs spot
Vangelis Pavlidis contributed significantly to Benfica's 2-0 triumph over Juventus on the final matchday of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) group stage, securing their advancement to the knockout round alongside the Italian side.
Benfica arrived in Turin with their qualification still uncertain, having suffered a dramatic 5-4 defeat to Barcelona on matchday seven, where they relinquished a two-goal lead on two separate occasions.
In that previous encounter, Pavlidis had showcased his prowess by scoring a first-half hat-trick in a thrilling nine-goal match. Although he did not replicate that performance in Turin, he nonetheless made a vital impact by scoring the opening goal in the 17th minute at the Allianz Stadium. The Greek forward simply rolled the ball into the net after receiving a well-placed pass from centre-back Alexander Bah.
Juventus faced further challenges when they carelessly lost possession in first-half stoppage time, prompting Mattia Perin to make a critical save to deny the Benfica striker.
For the first time this season in a UCL home match, Juventus found themselves trailing at halftime. Khephren Thuram sought to ignite a comeback for the home team, forcing Anatoliy Trubin to make a diving save to his left from a powerful shot.
However, the hosts struggled to convert their possession into meaningful chances, which underscored their difficulties in scoring during three of their last five European matches.
When Trubin was called into action again, it was to avert an own goal from Nicolas Otamendi, who nearly redirected Weston McKennie’s inswinging cross into his own net.
While Juventus struggled to find their attacking rhythm, Benfica demonstrated their efficiency by extending their lead in the 81st minute, effectively extinguishing the home side's hopes of a comeback.
Orkun Kokcu received a pass from Pavlidis at the edge of the penalty area and executed a precise low shot with his right foot, beating the outstretched Perin.
The goal concluded a successful run, marking Benfica's third victory in four European away matches, which ensured their 16th-place standing, while Juventus was relegated to a 20th-place finish.
SportsLigue