It was deemed to be a battle of philosophies as two astute coaches faced off in the group stages of the Champions League. Instead, it ended as a contest of temperament as Juventus rallied to defeat Sevilla 3-1 at the latter’s home.
The win ensures Juventus’ qualification for the knockout stages and with a game against minnows Zagreb upcoming, the Old Lady will fancy their chances of topping the group. Sevilla, on the other hand, have their task cut out as they look to consolidate their position to qualify for the next stage.
Let us reflect on the top 5 talking points of the match
#5 Sevilla looked the more threatening side in the first half
It was the familiar pressing game from ex-Chile national coach Jorge Sampaoli’s Sevilla side. Known to be an absolutely radical manager, Sampaoli pressed the Old Lady throughout the first 45 minutes. Incisive passing and quick movements saw the home side take the lead as early as in the 9th minute.
The Spanish side were playing a breed of football which was creating ripples in the Juventus back four. However, the away team did not relent and launched occasional counter attacks. But, during the first 45 minutes, Sevilla looked like going home with 3 points.
#4 Massimiliano Allegri was forced to field a 4-3-3
Injury woes meant Juventus were without many of their key players. Names like Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala, Marko Pjaca, Andrea Barzagli and Medhi Benatia were ruled out prior to the contest. This meant, Juan Cuadrado and Alex Sandro partnered striker Mario Mandzukic in a 3-man attacking formation.
The move initially seemed to backfire as Juventus were on the backfoot in the first half. Apart from Cuadrado, the team seemed to be crumbling under the relentless pressure. However, once the game settled in, the Bianconeri displayed their full colours. Fantastic ball players in the form of Sami Khedira, and Claudio Marchisio imparted the composure in the midfield. The pacey wingers provided the attacking flair which eventually grounded the home side.
#3 Occasion got the better of the relatively younger Sevilla side
It was expected to be an even match with both the teams head and shoulders above the other group members. Instead, it turned out to be an unruly evening with tempers flaring on both sides. Cynical fouls and rash challenges ruined the gameplay of the home side.
The first casualty was Franco Vázquez, who was sent off in the 36th minute, after receiving two yellow cards for visibly needless challenges. They were untowardly and absolutely unwarranted in the scheme of the play. Referee Mark Clattenburg had no hesitation in sending the Italian midfielder for an early shower. Maybe it was the lack of big game experience that got the better of the Spanish side. Juventus, having the more experienced heads in their ranks, took advantage of the same.
#2 It was a night to forget for the Copa winner Jorge Sampaoli
When his team took the lead in the 9th minute, it was a cloud 9 moment for the Argentinian Sampaoli. But, the lack of experience of playing in Europe’s biggest club competition, proved costly for his side. From being a man down in the 36th minute to being sent to the stands in the 56th minute, it was a torrid night for the Sevilla manager.
Right at the stroke of half time, Sevilla gave away an easy penalty by virtue of a ludicrous shirt pull. It was 1-1 at the end of first half and Juventus were back in it. A man down and scores levelled, Sampaoli was livid with the referee and had to be cordoned off to the tunnel.
Instead of soothing the players’ nerves, he resumed his diatribe towards Mark Clattenburg. Consequently, he was sent off to the stands by the referee. The coach passed on his instructions from the first row of the stands, in clear violation of the guidelines. However, that did not seem to damage the visitors’ case as they comfortably sealed a 3-1 win.
#1 Sevilla’s hapless second half performance
It was a fantastic start for the 2015 UEFA Cup winners. Taking the early lead, it was the perfect recipe to provide a fitting blow to the Old Lady. But that start was squandered carelessly, as the side lost cohesion. Ridiculous tackles, needless fouls - all of these combined to take the plot away from the Spanish side.
The coach failed to guide his team and see off the match. They were playing at a frenetic pace in the first half but gave it all away in the second 45 minutes. It was a performance replete with naivety and puerile tactics.
Otherwise, with the quality at his disposal, Sampaoli could have trumped the injury-depleted side of Juventus. Instead, the Bianconeri ran amok in the second half, scoring twice and running away with all three points.
