They had numerous chances to score. It was just an incredible effort by a new Juve imo. It could easily have finished 4-3 to RB on another day.
We using this thread for Europa League and Conference League matches as well, or no? If here: Maloney starts against Olimpia (CL) Johnny starts against Legia Warsaw (CL) Matarazzo coaching against Dynamo Kyiv (EL)
I'm never going to understand why UEFA created a new, third-tier competition and gave it the same initials as their premier competition. Global football naming conventions need some reevaluation.
Johnny really in a physical battle. Had one brilliant turn in midfield that had the announcer drooling, and now the Poles have fouled him hard twice in two minutes. Heidenheim and Hoffenheim went up 1-0 early.
Maloney great job of chasing down a counterattack and singlehandedly seeing it out of bounds while being fouled - then the ref yells at him. Betis concede on terrible set piece defending - just completely stationary. 1-0 Legia Warsaw.
Some interesting tactics by Heidenheim with Maloney - sometimes in the buildout he's a back to goal pivot player, sometimes looking like a traditional CB. In the actual attack, he's deep as the center back, and on D, he's all the way back. It's making them less predictable in the buildout and uses his skillset, but it also means that sometimes there's no one home in the middle of the D. I assume this is a coaching plan, but it's a bit of a surprise. I think it's helping the fullbacks get very far upfield early with the typical center backs being much wider than normal in the buildout.
Great shot block by Maloney as he backtracks quickly and laterally to cover for a beaten teammate. Didn't get it all the way away, so keeper still has to save the follow-up and concede a corner, but Maloney's initial block was important.
Johnny hit a great chip into the box that beat two lines of defense and almost leads to a good opportunity, but foiled by a poor striker first touch.
Halftime for Betis - Johnny has been one of the best players out there. Winning the midfield battle, losing the war so far.
Well that was ridiculous. Heidenheim have a goal correctly called back from offside, and then Olimpia 30 seconds later, have the ball up the left wing. Crosser gets to the end line just beyond Maloney's challenge and cuts it back header level across the six. Heidenheim's CB Siersleben leaves his man wide open to cover for Maloney too late to be of any help, but early enough to leave a striker wide open for an equalizing header. 1-1.
Olimpia try to the most subtle handball in the box maneuver to prevent a shot, but it wasn't subtle enough. PK for FCH, and Wanner sees the first one saved, but the rebound comes right back to him to finish for a late 2-1 lead. Already two yellows to Ljubljana and we're probably not done. Wanner gets a yellow for some reason - apparently trying to fish the ball out of the net to restart play ... while they have the lead? Not brilliant.
Milan with a rough start against Bruges about 20’ in. Bruges with the only chances (including one off the bar). Ball hasn’t really made it up to Pulisic since they are trying (and failing) mostly up the left. Said for the millionth time — Reijnders + Fofana + RLC l… DOES NOT WORK. And Emerson is weak. Milan center midfield doesn’t hold up, and neother outside back loves to defend. Really bad display. How does Fonawca still have a job?
Morata trying to get Pulisic involved, idk if it is a defensive priority from Brugge, or just poor inclusion from teammates, but CP pretty neutralized in this one thus far
Milan now has taken control of possession, but mostly passes around the back. Finally Leao beats his man but a cross to no one. Ensuing play for a Milan corner after Emerson hustled to retrieve. Puli to take it.
Actually Theo short corner to Leao who lays it off to Pulisic. Beautiful ball in right to Gabbia’s head. But he goes wide.
Leao beats his man with a nice move. Ball gets poked away wide and Puli steps to it for a shot but super acute angle and it’s saved.
Leao on the wing again but dispossessed. Game plan seem to be get ball to Leao and watch. RLC doing all he can to stay as far away from the ball as possible.
Pulisic place to Emerson on the wing who looks him off on the pass back. Emerson proceeds to step over step over step over out for a goal kick. Maignan With another goal, saving dive at the other end.
McKennie starting in midfield for Juve v. Stuttgart with Thuram (Luiz withdrew during warm ups) and Fagioli. Juve have a good front line and their back line has always been a fortress but that midfield.......they are just not getting thru the Stuttgart midfield. 18 minutes in, Stuttgart has 5 shots and Juve 1 (header off a corner). Thuram and Fagioli just aren't UCL ko level imo and I'll leave McKennie for others to pick apart.