Juventus struggled against Villarreal but Vlahovic proved he can be Bianconeri's main man
The past week hasn't been the best for Juventus and Max Allegri. The Bianconeri are currently on a three-game winless run in all competitions that is threatening their domestic and European ambitions.
Allegri's side drew 1-1 with both Atalanta and Torino in Serie A, making their position in the league table shaky. They were once again held by the same scoreline against Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday.
It took just 32 seconds for January signing Dusan Vlahovic to make his mark after registering his first Champions League goal on his debut.
However, the Bianconeri couldn't build on the early goal. They were pegged back by Villarreal in the second half when Dani Parejo took advantage of a mistake from Adrien Rabiot to score the equalizer.
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𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿 📜✍️
#DV7 with the quickest-ever #UCL debutant starting goal ⏰🔥⚽️
#VillarrealJuve #JuveUCL #ForzaJuve https://t.co/niCtg0LfiW
Bianconeri struggle against Villarreal
Juventus have struggled in the Champions League in recent years and not even the acquisition of Cristiano Ronaldo could change their fortunes in the competition.
Against Villarreal on Tuesday, it was déjà vu for the Bianconeri, who couldn’t match the intensity of their opponents. Despite taking an early lead, Juventus’ performance dropped as the minutes wore on.
On the contrary, Villarreal continued to grow into the game and seized complete control after grabbing the equalizer. The Spanish side ended the match with more shots on target (3 - 2) and a better possession percentage (60% - 40%).
It’s fair to say Juventus were lucky to get a draw and, with the away goals rule now canceled, the Bianconeri hold no advantage ahead of the second leg.
#UCL #Vlahovic
Not bad for a Champions League debut. It took 32 seconds. Ladies and gentlemen, Dusan Vlahović. ⭐️🇷🇸 #UCL #Vlahovic
…yes, it’s first Champions League appearance of his life. https://t.co/DwZdjZNwWr
Vlahovic can be Juventus' main man
If there was any positive from Juventus' performance, it came from Vlahovic. The Serbian striker joined Allegri's side from Fiorentina in January and has already hit the ground running.
His £66.6 million transfer fee looks like a complete bargain after scoring on his Serie A and Champions League debuts for the Bianconeri.
Even better, the 22-year-old has more to his game than just goals. He’s skillful, has great dribbling ability and can play with his back against the goal.
"My dream has come true at Juve, but I am not happy because we didn’t win and we all really wanted the victory today," Vlahovic said after the game against Villarreal, as quoted by Team Talk.
"It didn’t happen, so we move forward. I think we did what we had prepared in the locker room, but of course a lot depends on the opponents.
"We congratulate Villarreal on their performance, we tried to continue the way we started. I have personally already forgotten this match, we just have to look forward to the next game."
Vlahovic has been tipped as a generational talent and is already proving his worth at Juventus. The Serbian forward has played just two matches but his performances prove he can be their main man.