Juventus totally outplayed by Porto, but Chiesa's late goal gives them hope

Porto might not win the Portugal league, but in tonight’s Champions League game against Juventus, they played like champions. Stong, brave and aggressive against much stronger and bigger Juve, and they totally deserve their win: Porto – Juventus 2-1.

Porto played tonight like Atletico Madrid, with a 4-4-2 formation, strong, with high pressure, and good organization on the pitch. In that kind of strategy, direct balls were coming to forwards Taremi and Marega, who were left to manage themselves in the penalty area and boy, they did a great job! This was a night where Juventus didn’t look liked themselves, They were totally outplayed and outran. After this match, the whole of Italy will debate (again) is Andrea Pirlo too young and inexperienced for the job or not.

Porto’s coach ordered high pressure on the pitch, but even he couldn’t foresee it will bring instant success. In the first minute of the match, Szczesny passed the ball to Bentancur, who passed it back to the goalkeeper, but didn’t saw that Taremi was right behind him. Porto striker was faster than the Polish keeper and tucked in from six meters.

Porto continued with the game plan and totally dominated in the first half, pressing and creating chances. Juve’s only chance came when Rabiot tried a beautiful overhead kick from six meters, but Marchesin made a great save.

Juventus efforts in the first half can be summed up with this situation:

The second half started, and again, Deja-vu. 46th minute, this time it was the other forward, Moussa Marega with a great shot, after three Juve defenders tried to stop Manafa, which left Marega with only one defender to handle: 2-0.

Porto again continued without fear and Corona’s overhead kick was tipped by Szczesny, who saved Juve from conceding the third goal, just as he managed Sergio Oliveira’s shot minutes earlier.

Federico Chiesa had a good chance for guests, but his shot was deflected and Marchesin pushed it away. However, his great shot in 82nd minute was sucesfull and out of nowhere, Juve scored a goal which might be the key for the second leg.

Porto paid the price for missing so many chances, but they should enjoy tonight because they totally deserved it.

UEFA Champions League - Round of 16

First legs

Wednesday, 17 February

Porto - Juventus 2-0 (1-0)

/ Taremi 1’, Marega 46’ – Chiesa 82’/

Sevilla – Dortmund 1-3 (1-3)

/Suso 7’, De Jong 84’ – Dahud 19’, Haaland 27’, 43’/

Tuesday, 23 February

23.00: (4.80) Lazio (4.00) Bayern (1.68)

23.00: (2.75) Atletico Madrid (2.90) Chelsea (2.90)

Wednesday, 24 February

23.00: (7.50) Monchengladbach (4.60) Manchester City (1.43)

23.00: (2.70) Atalanta (3.30) Real Madrid (2.60)

***odds are subject to change