A case of a job well done for Villarreal. The night had the potential to turn into a disaster following such a poor start but Emery’s side stuck at it and you have to say they deserved something from a game that was more of a tactical battle than an end-to-end classic. They had a few chances and will take heart for the second leg from that, but at times it can appear they need a clear-cut chance to score from, as opposed to a half-chance. That may end up costing them.
Juventus failed to capitalise on their early opener, allowing Villarreal to equalise in the second half with the complicity of a defensive mistake. The Bianconeri remain in a good position to qualify ahead of the return leg in Turin, especially considering Vlahović’s form and the possible return of some key players who were missing Tuesday night.
There was an entertaining raggedness to the second half, and Villarreal will be relieved by an improved 45 minutes that was rewarded with Pareja’s crafty finish after he slipped in behind the visiting defence to guide Capoue’s cross beyond Szczęsny. Juventus would almost certainly have taken this result before the start, and Vlahović will never forget his first goal – from his first touch – in the UEFA Champions League. Both coaches will fancy their teams to progress and have plenty to contemplate ahead of the second leg on March 16.
Dusan Vlahovic is the first player born this century to score for Juventus in the Champions League knockout phase and also Quickest ever goal from a starting Champions League debutant (33 seconds).
Villarreal’s goal was at 22 hours and 22 minutes local time of the 22nd day of the 2nd month of 2022
Villarreal’s Parejo is the Player of the Match. “It is reward for his second-half performance,” say the UEFA Technical Observer panel. “He scored a crucial goal, got on the ball and began to control proceedings to get his team back in the game. He also showed strong responsibility as a leader in his team.”
Villarreal are unbeaten in their last seven home games in all competitions, winning four of them.
Villarreal midfielder Daniel Parejo said , “I thought we were dominant in the first half and in general we deserved to win, given how the game went and that we were the better side. I’m not entirely happy because we played well and went toe to toe with them and if one side deserved to win, it was Villarreal.”
Villarreal coach Unai Emery said ,”We didn’t get scared and we showed our maturity. We could’ve drawn level in the first half but got what we deserved in the second.”
Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic said “We tried to play well also in the second half, but sometimes the opponents do not allow you to do what you want to do. So congratulations to them for equalising. Personally, I have already forgotten this game and I’m focused on the next.”
After the match juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri said ,”Ironically, we conceded the equaliser exactly when it seemed we could control Villarreal quite comfortably. We struggled a bit only later in the game, when we were a bit tired. Their goal was incredible: not even Villarreal could believe what a gift we gave them. Qualification is still wide open, but I’m confident because we will have a few important players back.
Vlahović played a very good game – facing a defender like Albiol is never easy. Villarreal have experience and strong technique. Obviously, I wanted to win 3-0, but it’s not easy here, trust me. We were a bit light with our pressing in the second half and Villarreal made us pay for that.”
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