Juventus scored in the both halves of the game to beat PSV in their Champions League knockout phase play-off. Thanks to Samuel Mbangula who registered a late winner to give Juventus a slender advantage over the visitors.
The Italian side, who finished 20th on the league during the group phase, made proper use of their new signings Nicolas Gonzalez, Kenan Yildiz and Randal Kolo Muani. All the players had great opportunities. Juventus opened the scoring thanks to Weston McKennie.
The player broke the deadlock in the 34th minute with a stunning strike from the edge of the area after PSV failed to clear their lines. Mbangula who came in in the second to replace Yildiz. The player struggled to get to clear cut chances but failed.
The visitors, PSV soon levelled with just their second shot on target. Former Inter Milan and Tottenham star Ivan Perisic nestled an effort into the bottom corner. It was his first Champions League goal since 2020. When it looked like they were heading for a stalemate, Mbangula popped up to score the winner from just a couple of yards out.
It is the second time the two clubs have met in this season’s Champions League with Juventus winning 3-1 when they hosted PSV in the group phase. The second-leg will take place at Philips Stadion on 19 February.
