Samuel Mbangula’s late goal in the 82nd minute secured a 2-1 victory for Juventus over PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their Champions League play-off clash in Turin.
The Belgian forward came off the bench to snatch the winner, capitalizing on a rebound after PSV goalkeeper Walter Benitez parried a shot, ensuring Juventus carry a slender advantage into next week’s decisive second leg in the Netherlands.
The two sides had previously met in the league phase earlier this season, where Juventus triumphed 3-1.
Once again, Thiago Motta’s men made a strong start in front of their home fans. Federico Gatti’s delivery into the box caused chaos in the PSV defense before Weston McKennie unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the area to give Juve the lead in the 34th minute.
PSV responded well after the break, leveling the score through Ivan Perisic, who turned 36 earlier this month.
The Croatian veteran drove a low shot past Michele Di Gregorio at his near post just 10 minutes into the second half to make it 1-1.
However, Juventus struck late through Mbangula’s composed finish, setting up an intriguing return leg in Eindhoven, where the tie will be decided.
The match in Turin pitted youthful energy against seasoned experience, with the young Juventus side coming out on top.
PSV fielded their oldest starting XI in a Champions League game since September 2004, averaging 27 years and 259 days—also their oldest ever in a knockout fixture.
On the other hand, Juventus featured their youngest starting XI in a Champions League knockout match, with an average age of 25 years and 172 days.
Notably, all nine of Juve’s starting line-ups this season rank among the youngest in the club’s history in the competition.
Ivan Perisic’s equalizer ended his 19-game drought in the Champions League, making him the oldest player to score for PSV in the competition at 36 years and nine days.
Despite his historic goal, it was Mbangula’s late heroics that gave Juventus the edge going into the second leg.
