Manchester City suffered a significant setback in their Champions League campaign, falling 2-0 to Juventus in a crucial group-stage clash on Wednesday night in Turin.
The loss has left Pep Guardiola's side on the brink of elimination, with only one win in their group stage matches thus far. The result places immense pressure on City to deliver in their remaining fixtures to secure a spot in the knockout rounds.
Both teams entered the match looking to bounce back from recent disappointing performances. The first half was largely uneventful, with both sides struggling to create clear chances. Juventus and City each registered only one shot on target, as the game was characterized by cautious play and compact defensive structures.
The tempo shifted dramatically in the second half when Juventus found the breakthrough in the 52nd minute. Dusan Vlahovic rose highest to meet a cross with a powerful header, which initially appeared routine for City goalkeeper Ederson to handle. However, a shocking misjudgment allowed the ball to slip through his hands and roll into the net, gifting Juventus the lead.
Stunned by the goal, City responded with urgency, dominating possession and pressing Juventus deep into their defensive third. Guardiola's men crafted several promising opportunities but failed to convert, with Erling Haaland and Phil Foden missing notable chances to equalize.
Juventus capitalized on City’s inability to finish in the 78th minute, punishing the visitors with a blistering counterattack. Weston McKennie unleashed a sensational volley from just inside the box, leaving Ederson with no chance and doubling the home side's advantage. The goal effectively sealed the game and extinguished City’s hopes of a late comeback.
The defeat marks a low point for Manchester City in their Champions League journey this season. With just one win to their name, the Premier League giants now face a daunting challenge to advance from the group stages. Guardiola and his squad must regroup and deliver decisive performances in their remaining matches to keep their European dreams alive.
Meanwhile, Juventus celebrated a much-needed victory that bolsters their chances of progressing to the next stage, reigniting confidence within their squad after a string of underwhelming results.
City’s next fixture in the competition will be a do-or-die affair, as the team looks to overcome this latest setback and salvage their Champions League ambitions.
