Mario Mandzukic’s early volley proved enough for Juventus to beat Manchester City 1-0 and reach the Champions League Last 16.
See how it all unfolded on our LIVEBLOG.
Sevilla lost 4-2 at Borussia Monchengladbach, so the Italians would’ve qualified anyway, but now it’s all about the leadership.
Mario Mandzukic’s early volley proved enough for Juventus to beat Manchester City 1-0 and reach the Champions League Last 16.
See how it all unfolded on our LIVEBLOG.
Sevilla lost 4-2 at Borussia Monchengladbach, so the Italians would’ve qualified anyway, but now it’s all about the leadership.
The Citizens had already qualified, but this was a head-to-head for top of the group with only one point separating them. The Bianconeri won 2-1 in Manchester, but missed Sami Khedira, Hernanes, Roberto Pereyra, Martin Caceres and Kwadwo Asamoah. Surprisingly, Max Allegri opted for a 3-5-2, dropping Alvaro Morata and Juan Cuadrado. City were without Vincent Kompany, Samir Nasri, Pablo Zabaleta, David Silva, Wilfried Bony and Eliaquim Mangala.
Fernandinho drilled wide from a corner, then blasted an excellent opportunity over the bar from 12 yards, but it was Juventus who took the lead.
Paul Pogba had sent through some smart passes for Paulo Dybala and again started this move, spreading wide to the left for Alex Sandro’s cross and a Mario Mandzukic cushioned volley with the inside of his right boot. Otamendi wanted a free kick, but was simply not as strong as Mandzukic and was shrugged off.
It was almost 2-0, as Pogba’s ball flashed across the face of goal and Gael Clichy’s error ran a huge risk at the back post. Stephan Lichtsteiner knocked down a Claudio Marchisio pass for Mandzukic and his volley forced a sensational one-handed save out of Joe Hart.
Yaya Toure’s strike was not far off target, while Lichtsteiner only hit the side-netting after a strong run. City kept plenty of possession as the first half wore on, but did not test Gigi Buffon at all until the 44th minute.
A terrible Marchisio back-pass was intercepted and Buffon rushed off his line to shepherd Sergio Aguero wide for a corner in a one-on-one situation.
There was a huge risk on a corner, but Buffon parried Fernando’s header off the line, then between the upright and goalkeeper Yaya Toure could’ve toe-poke it over.
Moments later Alvaro Morata came on and practically with his first touch placed a lob over Hart, but Stefano Sturaro sliding in knocked it on to the far post from point-blank range.
Both teams almost scored in the space of a couple of minutes. First Morata burst away from Otamendi and Martin Demichelis, but Hart stuck out a hand to deny him one-on-one.
Moments later Raheem Sterling got on the end of a De Bruyne low cross from six yards, but Andrea Barzagli used himself as a shield to prevent a certain goal.
Hart had an injury and had to be replaced in the final stages. Juan Cuadrado came off the bench and almost scored with his first touch, one effort charged down and the follow-up blasted wide.
Juventus 1-0 Man City
Scorers: Mandzukic 18 (J)
Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba, Alex Sandro (Evra 78); Mandzukic (Morata 55), Dybala (Cuadrado 81)
Manchester City: Hart (Caballero 81); Sagna, Demichelis, Otamendi, Clichy; Fernando, Fernandinho (Delph 60); Navas, Toure, De Bruyne; Aguero (Sterling 69)
Ref: Brych (GER)