RB Leipzig vs Juventus Review
Juventus staged an incredible comeback with only 10 players to defeat RB Leipzig in an unforgettable match at the Red Bull Arena, securing their second consecutive victory in the UEFA Champions League group stage. The clash featured the Bundesliga’s toughest defense against a Juventus side that had allowed just one goal all season, setting the stage for a potentially close contest. The first half-hour was predictably lackluster, especially for the visitors, who faced a challenging start as both Bremer and Nicolás González had to leave the field due to injuries within the first 10 minutes.
When the standout moment of the first half finally arrived, it was truly worth the anticipation. Lois Openda delivered a beautifully curled diagonal pass to Benjamin Šeško, who skillfully controlled it with his right leg before unleashing a powerful left-footed shot that hit the underside of the crossbar and went in. The Italian team’s reaction was minimal, though they felt wronged when Dušan Vlahović was fouled in the box by Castello Lukeba, leading to frustration with referee François Letexier.
The halftime break marked a stark contrast between two different halves, as the second half quickly ignited. Vlahović equalized with a header from a cross by Francisco Conceição, but the celebration was short-lived. Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio received a red card for handling the ball outside his area to prevent Loïs Openda from scoring. Following the free-kick, Douglas Luiz, who had just entered the game, blocked Xavi Simons’ shot with his arm, resulting in a penalty for the Red Bulls. Šeško converted the penalty for his second goal.
Thiago Motta’s team was in desperate need of a miracle, and they got one on a remarkable night in Saxony when Vlahović struck a stunning curling shot that went past Péter Gulácsi and into the top corner. Then, with just 8 minutes remaining, Conceição maneuvered into the box and managed to slot in a surprising winner into the bottom corner, ensuring that Juventus continued their streak of scoring exactly three goals in each of their five wins this season.
