Dusan Vlahovic and Weston McKennie propelled Juventus to a 2-0 victory against Manchester City in the Champions League, significantly undermining the English champions’ chances of securing a top-eight finish in the group stage.
The defeat marks a continuation of a challenging period for City, who have only managed to secure a single win from their last 10 games across all competitions, raising concerns about their form following their 2023 Champions League title victory.
City midfielder Ilkay Gündogan acknowledged the psychological toll affecting the team’s performance, stating, “Confidence is a big part of it… It has such a big effect on us right now.” He noted that missed opportunities and lost duels have led to a decline in morale.
Vlahovic opened the scoring in the 53rd minute with a close-range header that narrowly crossed the goal line, confirmed by goalline technology. McKennie later added a second goal with a stunning volley from a cross by Timothy Weah in the 75th minute, showcasing Juventus’s clinical finishing.
Despite a valiant effort from City, including dangerous attempts from Erling Haaland and Gündogan, they failed to find the back of the net. Manager Pep Guardiola remarked on Juve’s effective defensive setup, highlighting the challenge of playing against teams that defend deeply and compactly.
As the Champions League group phase nears conclusion, Juventus currently sits 14th in the standings while City has dropped to 22nd, three places away from elimination. City has struggled defensively, conceding the most goals in Europe’s top leagues since early November.
Looking ahead, City will face Manchester United in the Premier League this Sunday, while Juventus prepares for a match at Club Brugge on January 21.
This victory for Juventus not only serves as a morale boost for the team but also demonstrates their resilience in high-stakes matches. Fans can feel hopeful about Juventus’s potential progression in the Champions League as they continue to find their form.