06 September 2022
Juve opened their Champions League campaign for season 2022/23 with defeat at the Parc des Princes. The story of the match was encapsulated in the three efforts on target in the first half. While Arek Milik was his point-blank header parried by Gianluigi Donnarumma, Kylian Mbappé volleyed his two shots past Mattia Perin.
Weston McKennie pulled a goal back after the break but the Bianconeri could not find a way to draw level with Paris Saint Germain in Group H Matchday 1.
NEYMAR-MBAPPE LINK UP
In employing a three-player defensive line, the Bianconeri were attempting to hold out against Paris Saint German’s stellar front three. However, after just five minutes, two of those forwards linked up to make the early breakthrough. Neymar chipped the ball over the defensive line, MBappé raced in to smash his volley into the far corner.
Exactly the start Juve wanted to avoid.
MIRACULOUS DONNARUMMA
Juventus came close to striking back almost immediately. Arek Milik met a cross with his head and the striker seemed to have done enough to score his third goal in as many appearances in the black and white. However, Donnarumma had other ideas and somehow kept the effort out.
MBAPPE BAGS HIS BRACE
On 22’ Achraf Hakimi received a pass in space from Mbappé and quickly completed the one-two for Mbappé to add his second with another volley finish. Two chances, two shots and two goals for the home side. That remained the difference between the two sides at half-time.
LIFELINE FOR JUVE
Weston McKennie was thrown on at the restart and the substitute made an immediate impression, most importantly by dragging Juve back into the contest with a goal in 53’. Before the goal, however, Filip Kostić had tested Donnnarumma with a volley at the edge of the area, while at the other end Perin saved from Neymar and Mbappé hit the side netting with only the keeper to beat. Then the goal. A hanging Kostić cross caused confusion in the home defence and McKennie took full advantage to place his header into the back of the net.
THE EQUALISER ELUDES JUVE
A couple of minutes later Juve created a glorious opportunity for the equaliser. Again McKennie was involved as he powered forward from midfield. His pass found Juan Cuadrado, who flighted in a cross, this time met by Vlahović, whose header was parried away by Donnarumma.
Inside the final 10 minutes, with neither side willing to run too many risks, Manuel Locatelli found a way into the PSG penalty area. The midfielder’s cut back from the bye-line was intercepted again by Donnarumma with Vlahović ready to pounce. The last chance fell to PSG, but Perin blocked Neymar’s fierce volley as Juve’s European campaign started with a defeat, but a defeat that leaves a solid foundation for next week’s crucial Matchday 2 meeting with Benfica at the Allianz Stadium.
PARIS SAINT GERMAIN 2-1 JUVENTUS (HT: 2-0)
Scorers: 5’ & 22’ Mbappé (P), 53’ McKennie (J)
PARIS SAINT GERMAIN: Donnarumma; Kimpembe, Marquinhos, Sergio Ramos; Hakimi (78’ Mukiele), Vitinha (78’ Danilo), Verratti (87’ Renato Sanches), Nuno Mendes; Messi 84’ Soler); Neymar, Mbappé.
Subs not used: Navas, Rico, Ruiz, Bernat, Sarabia, Ekitike.
Coach: Galtier.
JUVENTUS:
Perin; Bremer, Bonucci, Danilo; Cuadrado (74’ De Sciglio), Rabiot (87’ Kean), Paredes, Miretti (46’ McKennie), Kostic; Vlahovic, Milik (68’ Locatelli).
Subs not used: Pinsoglio, Garofani, Alex Sandro, Gatti, Rugani, Soulè, Fagioli.
Coach: Allegri.
REFEREE: Taylor.
ASSISTANTS: Beswick, Nunn.
FOURTH OFFICIAL: Coote.
VAR: Fritz, Dingert.
