Juventus defeat Manchester City to reach last 16
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
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Juventus 1-0 Manchester City
On target in Manchester on matchday one, Mario Mandžukić scored against City once more as Juventus followed their opponents into the last 16.
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- Juventus qualify, replace Manchester City as Group D leaders after narrow win
- Mario Mandžukić scores against City for the second time this season
- Both teams hit a post in the second half
- City goalkeeper Joe Hart goes off injured with nine minutes left
- Final Group D games: City v Mönchengladbach, Sevilla v Juventus (8 December)
Mario Mandžukić's first-half goal was enough for Juventus to replace Manchester City as UEFA Champions League Group D leaders and qualify for the last 16 with a game to spare.
The Bianconeri now have a two-point cushion over the English side and will progress as section winners if they avoid defeat in Seville on matchday six.
City, already through, had the first opportunity but Fernandinho's low drive from the edge of the penalty area flew narrowly wide. The Brazil midfielder was City's chief threat in the early stages, yet he could have done better when he fired over from a good position after the ball fell invitingly following a duel in the box between Yaya Touré and Giorgio Chiellini.
'Gol sbagliato, gol subito' – when you miss a goal, you soon concede one – is a saying in Italy and that phrase was borne out as Juve took the lead two minutes later, Mandžukić volleying in a left-wing cross from Alex Sandro.
He almost struck again soon after, but Joe Hart produced a wonderful save to deny the Croatian international, who connected sweetly with Stephan Lichtsteiner's header down. After the break, Hart's counterpart Gianluigi Buffon conjured a fantastic stop, pushing a Fernando header against his left-hand post.
Álvaro Morata, who had just replaced Mandžukić, was quickly sent clear and chipped Hart. With the ball arcing wide, the sliding Stefano Sturaro, at full stretch, knocked it against the upright.
Morata was then repelled by Hart, who later went off injured, after dribbling past two City defenders, although he ought to have fed the unmarked Paulo Dybala instead of shooting. City went close to punishing that decision, yet Andrea Barzagli somehow deflected a close-range effort from substitute Raheem Sterling to preserve his side's advantage.
Key player: Mario Mandžukić
Many Juve fans raised an eyebrow when they saw Mandžukić in the starting XI instead of Morata, but the tall forward responded in style. Not only did he score the winner, he also went close to doubling the lead, worked hard for his team and passed the ball well.
Where the match was won
Massimiliano Allegri's decision to go for the tried and tested three-man defence allowed full-backs Lichtsteiner and Alex Sandro to push on up their respective flanks. The Brazilian was particularly lively and one of his crosses led to Mandžukić's clincher.
Are Juve on the right path?
After a difficult start to the season, Juve have now won three consecutive Serie A fixtures and booked a place in the knockout stage with a game to spare. The performances of new arrivals Mandžukić and Alex Sandro are a sign that the Old Lady is finally coming to terms with the summer departure of key players.
