In a breathtaking night of Champions League football, Juventus staged a remarkable comeback to draw 4-4 with Borussia Dortmund in Turin on Tuesday. The match, which saw eight goals scored in a frenetic second half, was capped by Lloyd Kelly’s dramatic equalizer in the dying seconds. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur capitalized on a bizarre own goal to secure a 1-0 victory over Villarreal in London.
Juventus found themselves two goals down as stoppage time loomed, but a late surge saw them claw back to level terms. Kelly’s last-gasp header, following Dusan Vlahovic’s earlier strike, sent the Allianz Stadium into raptures. The result mirrored Juve’s recent knack for late drama, having snatched a win against Inter Milan with a similarly timed strike just days earlier.
Juventus and Dortmund Deliver a Spectacle
The match began quietly, with little action until Karim Adeyemi opened the scoring for Dortmund in the 52nd minute. His goal ignited the contest, leading to a flurry of activity. Maximilian Beier had come close moments before, hitting the post from a sharp angle.
Juventus responded through Kenan Yildiz, whose curling effort in the 63rd minute drew comparisons to Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero. However, Dortmund quickly regained the lead thanks to Felix Nmecha’s strike. The back-and-forth continued with Vlahovic leveling the score once more, only for Yan Couto to restore Dortmund’s advantage.
“Eight goals were scored in a frantic second half as Dortmund and Juventus settled for a 4-4 draw in their Champions League opener in Turin.”
With Dortmund seemingly set for victory, a penalty converted by Ramy Bensebaini in the 86th minute appeared to seal the deal. Yet, Juventus refused to relent, with Vlahovic and Kelly ensuring a share of the spoils in a pulsating encounter.
Tottenham Benefit from Villarreal’s Blunder
In London, Tottenham Hotspur marked their return to the Champions League with a narrow win over Villarreal, courtesy of a comical own goal. Luiz Junior, the Villarreal goalkeeper, inadvertently turned Lucas Bergvall’s cross into his own net just four minutes into the match.
The error handed Tottenham a perfect start under new manager Thomas Frank, who took over from Ange Postecoglou in June. Frank, formerly of Brentford, has guided Spurs to an impressive run of form, with the Villarreal victory marking their fourth win in five competitive matches this season.
“Villarreal have played 15 previous matches against English opponents in the Champions League and are still looking for their first victory.”
Despite Villarreal’s attempts to find an equalizer, including close efforts from Nicolas Pepe and Juan Foyth, Tottenham held firm. The win was a significant boost for Frank, who is navigating his first Champions League campaign.
Madrid Edge Marseille Amid Controversy
Elsewhere, Real Madrid secured a contentious 2-1 victory over Olympique Marseille, with Kylian Mbappe converting two penalties. The match was marred by Dani Carvajal’s dismissal for a headbutt, adding to the drama at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Timothy Weah had given Marseille an early lead, but Madrid’s resilience shone through. Mbappe’s penalties, the second of which followed a debatable handball decision against Facundo Medina, ensured the Spanish giants began their campaign with a win.
“Madrid finished the second game running with 10 men after Carvajal squared off with Rulli and then pushed his head into the goalkeeper’s.”
Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, in his first European match at the helm, faced early challenges, including an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, his side’s ability to secure victory despite adversity will provide encouragement for the matches ahead.
Looking Ahead
The opening round of the Champions League has set a high bar for excitement and unpredictability. Juventus and Dortmund’s thrilling draw, Tottenham’s fortunate win, and Madrid’s controversial triumph highlight the diverse narratives unfolding in Europe’s premier club competition.
As the group stage progresses, teams will look to build on their starts, with Juventus seeking to tighten their defense and Tottenham aiming to maintain their momentum. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will need to manage their squad effectively as they contend with injuries and suspensions.
Fans can anticipate more drama and intrigue as the Champions League continues, with each fixture offering the potential for unforgettable moments and unexpected outcomes.
