Juventus did not make a mistake in Group H of the Champions League on Tuesday. La Vecchia Signora had a hard time with Zenit Saint Petersburg, but eventually won the game: 4-2. Because of the three points, a sequel in the Champions League can no longer escape Juventus. Sevilla lost 1-2 at home to Lille OSC in Group G. Juventus started with Matthijs de Ligt in the base, who provided the assist for Paulo Dybala’s first goal.
Juventus – Zenit Saint Petersburg 4-2
In Serie A, Juventus had their worst start in six years; in the Champions League, Massimiliano Allegri’s team was still clear after three matches. The ‘Champions League spirit’ was also there from the first whistle. Dybala hit the post after nine minutes; two minutes later, the Argentinian did find the goal. A corner kick landed on De Ligt’s head, who prepared the ground for his teammate. He hit the ball with a bounce behind Stanislav Kritsyuk: 1-0. The Italians immediately went looking for more, but were hit by a goal out of nowhere. Leonardo Bonucci unluckily headed a cross from Vyacheslav Karavaev behind Wojciech Szczesny.
And that’s how you head a ball perfectly! ??
Unfortunately for Leonardo Bonucci, he falls in the wrong target.. ??#ZiggoSport #UCL #JUVZEN pic.twitter.com/zgg6vnLv8W— Ziggo Sport Football (@ZS_Voetbal) Nov 2, 2021
Juve was stunned and was unable to play much more until the break. However, the break did the Turins well. Ten minutes into the second half, Federico Chiesa dribbled into the penalty area and was blocked by Claudinho: penalty kick. Dybala initially shot it wide, but got a second chance. Zenit players had caught up too early and were kicking themselves. The second attempt was a hit: 2-1. Juventus went looking for a third goal and also found it via Chiesa, who cut out direct opponent Dejan Lovren and shot into the far corner with the left. Morata made a fourth moments later. Serdar Azmoun did something back in injury time. The leader of Group H remains clear with twelve points from four matches and ensures a Champions League winter. With three points, that is almost out of reach for Zenit.
Seville – Lille OSC 1-2
At Sevilla, Karim Rekik started as a reserve; Sven Botman was missing from Lille due to a groin injury. Both teams were still without a win in Group G and Sevilla took the starting shot. An attempt by Rafa Mir was first stopped, but the rebound was for Lucas Ocampos: 1-0. It marked the first Champions League goal for Ocampos since 2014, when he scored on behalf of AS Monaco against Bayer Leverkusen. The visitors did not make a fist and thanked the VAR for the chance to equalize. Timothy Weah went to the ground after an alleged foul by Thomas Delaney: penalty kick, in the second instance. Jonathan David took his place behind the ball and left Yassine Bounou without a chance. Four minutes later, referee István Kovács whistled for the halftime signal.
And that’s how you head a ball perfectly! ??
Unfortunately for Leonardo Bonucci, he falls in the wrong target.. ??#ZiggoSport #UCL #JUVZEN pic.twitter.com/zgg6vnLv8W— Ziggo Sport Football (@ZS_Voetbal) Nov 2, 2021
Lille had a feeling that there was something to be gained, and that feeling came true. A breakout from the French early in the second half landed on Zeki Celik, who hit the post. However, the rebound was a prey for Jonathan Ikoné and the number ten gave the visitors the lead. Sevilla coach Julien Lopetegui tried to force something by making three substitutions at once, but it had hardly any effect. Lille locked things up and took over second place in Group G from VfL Wolfsburg, which beat Red Bull Salzburg earlier in the evening. Sevilla has been condemned to last place due to the loss.