Juventus secured a narrow 2-1 advantage in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie against PSV Eindhoven, thanks to a late winner from substitute Samuel Mbangula. The Belgian forward’s 82nd-minute strike gave Juventus a slender lead to take to the Netherlands for the second leg next week.
The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating chances. Juventus took the lead in the first half through a thunderous strike from Weston McKennie, but PSV equalised after the break through Ivan Perisic. Mbangula then emerged as the hero for Juventus, scoring the winning goal from close range to give the Italian side the advantage.
Both teams had opportunities to score, with Juventus creating several chances in the first half and PSV threatening in the second. The result leaves the tie finely balanced heading into the second leg in Eindhoven.
Mbangula’s late winner was a crucial contribution from the substitute, who had also seen an earlier effort cleared off the line. His goal gives Juventus a narrow advantage, but they will be aware that PSV are more than capable of overturning the deficit in the second leg.
The second leg will take place in Eindhoven next Wednesday, with both teams aiming to secure a place in the Champions League last 16. PSV will be hoping to capitalize on their home advantage, while Juventus will be looking to defend their lead and progress to the next round.
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