A sensational Juve. An incredible comeback. Once again, as in Nyon a few months ago, Juve not only recovered from two goals down, but this time they went one step further, and go on to compete for first place in the group with PSG next week.
THE MATCH
The game was interesting from the opening minutes. Benfica, as expected enjoyed territorial dominance, exploiting their dribbling and speed. Juventus accepted the challenge and the result was an intense, enjoyable match.
Benfica relied in particular on the plays of Hugo Felix and Joao Tomé. Felix warmed the gloves of the Juventus goalkeeper on 23' with a sweet conclusion from the edge of the area.
It was the prelude to a four-minute nightmare for the Juventus rearguard. On 27' Felix dribbled into the area before sending an unstoppable shot into the top corner. Felix again was involved in 31 ', when his shot hit Semedo's back and ended up in the net.
A devastating one-two.
Paolo Montero's half-time pep talk must have been special. Only three minutes were needed for Mbangula to open the contest with a fine finish from outside the box.
Benfica's reaction was less threatening than expected and Juve sensed the tide had turned, and tied the match in the 63rd minute. Yildiz won a penalty, which Hasa converted.
A minute later, Turco had a chance to completed the turnaround after being picked out by Hasa, but he let the hosts off the hook.
With 11 minutes to play, the masterpiece. Hasa received a pass from Mbangula, threw a dummy to lose his marker and create enough space to fire an unstoppable shot into the net.
A lethal blow for Benfica.
Three points on the back of another comeback and a huge step towards qualifying for the second phase of Youth League.
POST-MATCH COMMENTS
PAOLO MONTERO
"I am very happy. Both sides had a half each. We're bringning an important result home against a very strong and famous team, with quality players. We have been effective, even if there is still room for improvement with our finishing. We have shown pride, personality and courage. We must demonstrate on every pitch that we are Juventus. Now we have to be calm, think about winning against PSG to get through the round avoiding the playoffs."
SAMUEL MBANGULA
"We talked to each other in the dressing room at 0-2. There was a bit of frustration, but then we came back with the right mentality. This is a very important victory for all of us. Obviously I'm happy with this goal, which gave everyone a boost in our comeback."
UEFA Youth League - Match Day 5
BENFICA 2-3 JUVENTUS
Scorers: 28' Hugo Félix (B), 31' Semedo (B), 48' Mbangula (J), 63' (pen) & 89' Hasa (J).
Benfica: André Gomes (cap), João Tomé (65' José Precatado), Coser, Jevsenak, Diogo Spencer (80' Iuri Moreira), Nuno Félix (79' João Veloso), Hugo Félix (80' João Rego), N'Dour, Luis Semedo (79' Dju), Diego Moreira, João Neves. Subs not used: Mendes-Dudziński, Hugo Faria. Coach: Luis Araújo
Juventus: Daffara, Valdesi (1' st Turco S.), Rouhi, Huijsen, Dellavalle (cap), Turco N. (29' st Mancini), Hasa, Mbangula, Ripani (1' st Doratiotto), Yildiz (45' st Anghelè), Nonge (38' st Maressa). Subs not used: Scaglia, Domanico. Coach: Paolo Montero
Referee: Nuza
Bookings: 31' Huijsen (J), 38' Hugo Félix (B), 52' Nonge (J), 57' Nuno Félix (B), 82' Coser (B), 87' Doratiotto (J), 90'+3 N'Dour (B).