Two weeks after beating Lokomotiv Moscow in a hard-fought match in Italy, Juventus met the Russians once again on Wednesday in the UEFA Champions League. Just like in the Matchday, the Old Lady beat the opposing team 2-1, but this time as visitors. Aaron Ramsey and Douglas Costa scored for Juventus, while Miranchuk scored for the hosts. With the victory, Maurizio Sarri’s team secured a place in the Round of 16.
Juventus opened the scoring after just three minutes in a controversial goal from Aaron Ramsey. It was controversial cause Cristiano Ronaldo’s got a free-kick, and hit a powerful shot at Brazilian goalkeeper Guilherme. It seemed to be an easy save, but the keeper fumbled the ball, as it was crossing the line and ‘selfish’ Ramsey tapped in. Well, some say that the ball was already in when Ramsey tapped, but the fact is that UEFA awarded the goal to the British. 1-0 Juventus.
However, the Italians’ advantage did not stay long on the scoreboard. At 12 ‘, Miranchuk headed a ball into the post from a good set-piece, as the rebound got back to himself, as he left everything the same. 1-1 in Moscow.
After that, both teams had a chance to make the second but ran into a lack of aim. After the terrible howler, Guilherme pulled off some good saves and denied Juve’s second goal.
In the second half, Cristiano Ronaldo had another chance, in yet another powerful shot, forcing Guilherme to make another beautiful save. However, the game got busy, as Lokomotiv grew into the match, and missed a clear chance. On 78 minutes, the Russians set-up a counter-attack, as Krychowiak forced Szczesny to make a good save, as the rebound fell oof to Joao Mario, whose first-time effort was cleared off the line by Bonucci, who saved the Old Lady.
When everyone thought a draw was on the way, substitute Douglas Costa scored a beautiful solo goal on 90+2 and gave the Old Lady the win.
Following the 2-1 away win, Juventus capitalized on Atletico Madrid’s defeat to Bayer Leverkusen and moved up to the top of Group D with 10 points. Lokomotiv Moscow has three points and will fight for a spot into the UEFA Europa League with the Germans.