The “heroics” of Vlahovic saves Juventus FC as Villarreal gives them a tough fight. Villarreal CF, the underdogs were expected to lose easily but with good tactical management and tough squad display, they managed to hold on to a well-deserved draw.
The match was held in the home ground of Villarreal CF, Estadio de la Cerámica. Bagging of the home crowd made the team more motivated and charged up to take on the Italian giants, Juventus FC.
To win this fixture, a tactical masterclass was expected from Villarreal manager, Unai Emery. He did exactly this by holding on to a 1-1 draw. He decided to play a 4-4-2 system with Lo Celso and Groeneveld leading the attack.
Massimiliano Allegri, the Juventus manager was however confident seeing the difference in the level of squads and decided to play a rather odd, 3-5-2 formation. Strikers Alvaro Morara and Dusan Vlahovic lead their attack.
First Half: The “Vlahovic fairytale” continues
Dream start for Juventus as their new signing and inform striker, Dusan Vlahovic scores within 32 seconds. Danilo launches a simple long ball which is controlled smoothly and shot in by Vlahovic, thus making the score 0-1.
Villarreal however doesn’t lose hope and begins their own line of attacks. Lo Celso hits a quick shot that beats Juventus keeper, Szczęsny but hits the near post and gets deflected. Extremely unlucky for Villarreal and Lo Celso.
At the 38 minute mark, Vlahovic comes close to scoring a second as Villarreal captain, Raul Albiol blocks a possible goal attempt.
The first half ends on an aggressive note with Juventus up by one goal.
Second Half: The Villarreal Comeback
Villarreal launches attack after attack and this finally pays off in the 66th minute as their star midfielder Dani Parejo fires one in the net. Villarreal fullback, Capoue sets Parejo by a through ball who calmly finishes it into the goal.
The score becomes 1-1 with a well-deserved equalizer by the Spanish team.
After this goal, begins “rough play” by both teams. This earns Villarreal Keeper, Rulli, and Juventus midfielder, Adrian Rabiot, yellow cards.
Worse thing happens at the 80th-minute mark as Villarreal full-back, Estupinan tackles Juventus midfielder, Weston McKennie, breaking bones of his ankle. This is a big blow for Juve as their star midfielder is expected to be out for months.
This injury slowed the game as both teams played for a draw.
The match ended as Villarreal managed to hold Juventus to a 1-1 draw.
