Juventus pulled off a sensational comeback to defeat RB Leipzig 3-2 in a thrilling Champions League encounter, despite playing with 10 men for over half an hour. The Italians battled back from a red card and injury setbacks to claim victory, maintaining their perfect start to the group stage.
A Game of Twists and Turns
The match of RB Leipzig vs Juventus at the Red Bull Arena had all the ingredients of a Champions League classic—goals, drama, and a late twist. Juventus, already dealing with a challenging start due to early injuries, faced an uphill battle when goalkeeper Michele di Gregorio was sent off in the 59th minute for a handball outside the box. With the score tied at 1-1, the dismissal left Juventus short-handed, but it would not define their fate.
RB Leipzig, under pressure to end a four-game winless run in the Champions League, began brightly and took the lead through Slovenia international Benjamin Sesko in the 20th minute. The forward’s cool finish capped off a well-worked move that had Juventus on the back foot.
However, Juventus responded with resilience and composure. Just minutes later, Dusan Vlahovic, the Serbian striker who has been in fine form, latched onto a cross from Federico Chiesa to equalize in the 32nd minute. His powerful header left Leipzig goalkeeper Janis Blaswich with no chance, leveling the score at 1-1 before halftime.
Di Gregorio’s Red Card and Sesko’s Penalty
The match turned on its head in the second half when Juventus goalkeeper Michele di Gregorio was sent off in the 59th minute. Di Gregorio, attempting to clear a long ball, handled the ball outside his area, leaving the referee with no choice but to brandish a red card. Reduced to 10 men, Juventus looked vulnerable, and Leipzig sensed an opportunity to retake control of the match.
Leipzig capitalized almost immediately. In the 65th minute, a controversial handball in the Juventus penalty area gave the hosts a golden opportunity to regain the lead. Benjamin Sesko stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to make it 2-1, putting the German side in the driver’s seat.
Vlahovic’s Heroics and Juventus’ Fighting Spirit
Despite the setback, Juventus refused to lie down. Just five minutes after Leipzig had taken the lead, Dusan Vlahovic once again proved his worth to the team. The Serbian striker showcased his poise and predatory instincts, finding space inside the box to drill home a second equalizer for Juventus in the 70th minute. It was Vlahovic’s second goal of the night and his fourth in two Champions League matches this season.
Vlahovic’s goal restored belief in the Juventus camp, and their fighting spirit was evident as they held firm in defense and looked for opportunities on the counterattack. The momentum had shifted back in favor of the Italian giants, despite the numerical disadvantage.
Conceição’s Late Winner
The decisive moment came in the 82nd minute when Francisco Conceição, a late substitute for Juventus, delivered the final blow to Leipzig’s hopes. Conceição, the 21-year-old Portuguese winger, was in the right place at the right time to pounce on a loose ball in the penalty area, smashing it into the back of the net to make it 3-2. His goal sent the Juventus bench into wild celebrations as the Italians completed an improbable turnaround.
Conceição’s winner was the crowning moment in a match full of twists, as Juventus showed remarkable character to overcome the odds and secure their second victory in as many Champions League matches.
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