Juventus continued their strong European form on Wednesday night with a 2–0 victory over Benfica at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, a result that not only earned three points but also secured the Old Lady a place in the UEFA Champions League playoff rounds.
The Italian giants went into the match with something to prove after mixed results in recent weeks, including a disappointing Serie A defeat against Cagliari. However, under coach Luciano Spalletti, Juventus produced a disciplined and controlled performance to grind out a deserved win against the Portuguese side.
After a fairly even first half in which both teams had moments of promise but few clear chances, Juventus took the lead just ten minutes after the break. Midfielder Khephren Thuram broke the deadlock with a composed finish into the bottom corner, weaving past defenders to create space and fire home with confidence.
The Old Lady extended their advantage shortly after, in the 64th minute, with Weston McKennie doubling the lead. McKennie’s goal came after a clever one-two with teammate Jonathan David, leaving him with a clear sight of goal and the composure to slot the ball past Benfica’s goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.
Juventus controlled much of the game after taking the lead, defending smartly and preventing Benfica from building meaningful momentum. The visitors did have a chance to get back into the match with a late penalty, but Vangelis Pavlidis slipped at the crucial moment and failed to convert, sending his attempt wide and keeping Juve’s clean sheet intact.
The victory was significant on several fronts. It marked Juventus’s third consecutive European win, bolstering their confidence in continental competition and virtually guaranteeing them at least a playoff spot in the Champions League — an important step toward progressing further in Europe this season.
For coach Spalletti, the result was a demonstration of his team’s resilience and tactical discipline. Speaking after the match, he acknowledged some tension from fans earlier in the game but praised his squad for staying focused and executing the game plan — especially in the second half when control and patience paid off.
In Serie A, the club recently suffered a setback with a 1–0 loss to Cagliari, a result that dented their league title hopes.
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