The French side, Olympique Lyon shocked the footballing world when they defeated star-studded Bianconeri in the first leg of knockout fixture of European elite competition on Wednesday. Olympique Lyon defeated Juventus by a solitary goal margin but it is considered as an ominous sign for the French outfit but a question mark over Maurizio Sarri’s tactics and performance.
Olympique Lyon’s solitary goal came in the first half of the game when Lucas Tousart netted the ball past Italian shot-stopper. Lyon started the game on a high tempo and were the threatening side in the initial 20 minutes. IN the 20th minute, Karl Toko Ekambi flicked the header over the Italian outfit goalkeeper but the crossbar denied the goal for the French side.
https://twitter.com/brfootball/status/1232807942619045890
The hosts took the lead in the first half when the current season signing, Matthijs de Ligt was off the pitch for treatment and Juventus were only with 10 men on the pitch. Matthijs de Ligt was injured due to accidental stamp by his own teammate and left-back, Alex Sandro. Aouar assisted the ball for Tousart who sent the thunderous volley past Szczesny.
In all the plans to score the crucial away goal, Juventus started the second period of the game on a higher note. To their vain, Maurizio Sarri led side couldn’t find the ball past the goalkeeper even once from their 14 efforts. They couldn’t even take a shot on goal. This leaves Bianconeri to do much in the second leg of the fixture which will be held on March 17 in Turin.
When there were just three minutes to be played for in the second half, Paulo Dybala came close to equalize and snatch the important away goal. However, the goal was ruled out for offside which broke the heart of many fans. In the injury moments, Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala were on the ground in the six-yard box of Lyon but the referee denied award penalties for Juventus.
It remains how Juventus will react in Turin. Can Juventus avoid an early exit in the Champions League? or will it be the same as the previous year?
