The match started in lively fashion, and the Bianconeri supporters were almost cheering an early goal when Anatoliy Trubin needed to be at full stretch to deny Kenan Yıldız’s curling 18-yard effort. There was a sense of déjà vu 10 minutes later, as the Turkey international created space again in a very similar position, only for his second strike to flash inches wide of the post.
The visitors started to enjoy more of the ball as the game progressed, and Benfica’s first significant opportunity arrived at the midway point of the first half thanks to Georgiy Sudakov’s firm shot on target.
His effort forced Michele Di Gregorio to parry the ball in front of him before Lloyd Kelly made a vital clearance in the nick of time to prevent the Portuguese outfit from capitalising on the rebound.
Even though the deadlock remained unbroken, the crowd was being treated to an entertaining, end-to-end affair. After 36 minutes played, Fabio Miretti had everyone on their feet, as his free header from inside the box was steered narrowly over the bar when he should have at least forced Trubin into action.
Luciano Spalletti’s half-time team talk must have been an inspiring one as the hosts began the second half on the front foot and stepped it up a gear. After 54 minutes, Trubin made a good save to thwart Weston McKennie, but the Águias couldn’t withstand the hosts’ pressure for much longer.
On the very next attack, Khephren Thuram drilled the ball into the bottom corner to edge the Old Lady in front and send the crowd wild. Things soon got worse for José Mourinho’s side as McKennie linked up superbly with Jonathan David, before the American international confidently slotted the ball past Trubin to net his third UCL goal of the season.
To the visitors’ credit, Benfica worked hard to try and find a way back into contention and ended up hitting the woodwork with a header inside the box from Fredrik Aursnes.
The visitors then had a golden opportunity to set up a grandstand finale with 10 minutes remaining, after they were eventually awarded a penalty following VAR intervention. Vangelis Pavlidis was the man who stepped up to take the spot-kick, but he slipped at the same time as he struck the ball, sending his spot-kick well off-target to a chorus of huge cheers from the jubilant home support.
Juventus have now recorded three consecutive UCL victories in what has been an impressive response to a very shaky start to the competition. A win away from home against AS Monaco next week could see the Bianconeri finish inside the top eight, as long as several other games go in their favour on what is sure to be a chaotic final league phase matchday.
Meanwhile, Benfica can still qualify for the knockout play-offs round, but the Águias will need to beat Real Madrid at home and hope a series of other matches go their way.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Weston McKennie (Juventus)