February 22, (THEWILL) – Dusan Vlahovic’s first Champions League goal was not enough for Juventus to take the lead in their first round of 16 clash against Villarreal on Tuesday, as a second-half Dani Parejo strike levelled things up for the hosts going into the second leg.
Juventus scored the game’s first goal after only 32 seconds, but their attempt to hang on to that lead for the remaining 89 minutes and 28 seconds by mounting a defensive pattern proved to be unworkable. In the 66th minute, Massimiliano Allegri was punished for his negative tactics when Parejo broke through unmarked to tie the game at 1-1.
In the early exchanges, when Vlahovic scored his fantastic goal early in the game, things were looking up for Juve. A long ball from Danilo was intercepted by the mega-money signing, who superbly hammered the ball across goal and into the bottom corner of the net.
Villarreal dominated possession from then on, and in the 12th and 15th minutes, they almost reaped the benefits of their domination.
The ball fell to Giovani Lo Celso around the penalty spot the first time the home side got behind Juve’s patchwork defence, but he was unable to guide it goalward with a wayward left-footed drive. Arnaut Danjuma had a smash on goal three minutes later, but Wojciech Szczesny saved his audacious backheeled effort.
Following those two scares, La Vecchia Signora began to try to regain control of the situation. Vlahovic’s excellent hold-up play was crucial, with the Serbian hounding both Raul Albiol and Pau Torres throughout the first half.
On the half-hour mark, Juve squandered a good chance to extend their lead. After being caught out on the left-hand side of the penalty box by Weston McKennie, Alvaro Morata shot over the crossbar.
La Vecchia Signora also appeared to be in command at the opening of the second half. They were almost rewarded for their fine performance, but Morata missed the target after McKennie found him on the left side of the box.
Then, in the 66th minute, Villarreal made Juventus – specifically Morata – pay for their wasted chances. Dani Parejo scored the team’s leveller, latching onto an Etienne Capoue cross and volleying it home off the back of Adrien Rabiot. Rabiot was fortunate to still be on the pitch 10 minutes later, as he miraculously avoided a straight red for a horrific tackle on the opponent.
In the closing 15 minutes, a typical Juventus side could have been exhibiting signs of a desire to find the goal that will give them an edge, but that drive was not apparent on Tuesday. Although Vlahovic came close to scoring in the 85th minute, his attempt from outside the penalty area was spectacularly saved by Villarreal goalie Geronimo Rulli.
It finished all square heading into the reverse fixture billed for Turin in just over three weeks’ time. It’s a third consecutive draw for Juventus, who will be looking to get back to winning ways against Empoli in the league on Saturday. As for Unai Emery’s Villarreal, their unbeaten run continues, and they will be mindful of keeping it unbroken against Espanyol next time out in the Spanish top flight.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
