Manchester United beat Juventus 2-1 amidst drama in Turin

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Serie A champions Juventus’ unbeaten, clean sheet run came to an end after they were handed out a shock defeat by Manchester United, who came back up from a goal behind in the second half, climbing to second place in Group H of the Champions League.

After a goalless first half at the Allianz Stadium and a few missed chances, a brilliant Bonucci volley straight into the penalty area and a well timed run & first touch by Ronaldo, who would otherwise have been offside, saw the hosts break the ice in the 65th minute to go 1-0 up. Further missed chances thanks to shots that struck the woodwork hampered the Turin side’s efforts of incrementing the deficit, an opportunity to make a comeback well taken by the English visitors.

Jose Mourinho’s substitutions proved to be a boon and impactful as a substitute Juan Mata free kick, after Pogba was taken down 20 yards away from the post, over an Ashley Young decoy run, curved the ball straight past Szczesny finding the back of the net in the 86th minute, putting the visitors level with the hosts. Less than 4 minutes later, an in-swinging Ashley Young free kick saw the ball behind the goal line after a cramming of both sides’ players at the far post takes Szczesny by surprise, when his attempt to push the ball away is deflected by team-mate Alex Sandro, who couldn’t help but watch it hit him and bounce off into the net, thus doubling the visitor’s lead just at the end of the 90th minute. At the final whistle, post a 4′ stoppage time, Cristiano Ronaldo’s wonder goal is held for nought as Manchester United earn the three points in Italy.

Jose Mourinho is again at the heart of post-match drama as remarks stir up controversy prompting players of the hosts to rally up against him, only for the Portuguese manager to be escorted by the visitors staff.