Second-half goals from Dušan Vlahović and Weston McKennie secured a 2-0 victory for Juventus over Manchester City in Turin, leaving Pep Guardiola’s side on the brink of an early Champions League exit. The result piles more pressure on City, who have now won just one of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
The visitors arrived at the Juventus Stadium desperate for a positive result to keep their fading European hopes alive. However, their struggles were evident during a cagey first half in which they controlled possession but created little in the way of clear chances. Their best opportunity came when Kevin De Bruyne’s clever through ball split the Juve defense, setting up Erling Haaland for what seemed a certain goal. Yet, the Norwegian striker saw his delicate chip expertly clawed away by goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, keeping the score level at the break.
That missed chance proved pivotal, as Juventus took the lead just eight minutes into the second half. Kenan Yıldız delivered a teasing ball to the back post, where Vlahović rose highest to power a close-range header past Ederson, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans.
City, knowing they needed at least a draw to maintain realistic hopes of progression, responded with urgency. Bernardo Silva and İlkay Gündoğan both came close to equalizing, but their efforts failed to find the target. Then, with 15 minutes left, Juventus struck on the counter to seal the result. Timothy Weah broke down the left flank and, after his initial cross was blocked, delivered a pinpoint ball to McKennie. The American midfielder made no mistake, hammering a spectacular volley past Ederson to double the lead and effectively end City’s hopes on the night.
The defeat leaves Manchester City languishing in 22nd place in the new Champions League standings, with only two group matches remaining. To avoid a shock early exit, they must now beat Paris Saint-Germain away and Club Brugge at home while relying on other results to go their way. For Guardiola and his team, the dream of European glory looks increasingly out of reach.
