Juventus 3-0 Bayer Leverkusen: 5 Players who impressed/were poor | UEFA Champions League 2019-20

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Juventus v Bayer Leverkusen: Group D - UEFA Champions League
Juventus v Bayer Leverkusen: Group D - UEFA Champions League

#2 Sven Bender played poorly for Bayer Leverkusen

Juventus v Bayer Leverkusen: Group D - UEFA Champions League
Juventus v Bayer Leverkusen: Group D - UEFA Champions League

The experienced defender may have helped to ensure his team did not lose by more than three goals, but his mistakes aided the Juventus in scoring at least one.

He was unable to mark down Higuain in the open play that led to Bernadeschi's goal, tackling too early and leaving Higuain free in the penalty box. Paulo Dybala's pass also went right through Bender's legs, opening up the entire defence and allowing Ronaldo to put in Juventus' third goal.

Sven Bender won only one tackle, one interception, and had two clearances; poor for a defender of his calibre. It's perhaps worse for him that his much younger defensive partner managed more tackles, clearances, and interceptions.


#1 Cristiano Ronaldo was arguably the best player on the field today

Juventus v Bayer Leverkusen: Group D - UEFA Champions League
Juventus v Bayer Leverkusen: Group D - UEFA Champions League

While the Portuguese maestro had a somewhat quiet first half, he picked himself up in the second half and totally took charge of the proceedings in the final third.

His communication with striking partner Higuain was on full display today, and it led to the second goal. Ronaldo fashioned out chances for himself and for his team, taking five shots at goal with three on target, and he was eventually rewarded with a goal in the 88th minute.

Notably, he made more passes than the entire Juventus attack and midfield, excluding Miralem Pjanic. He also got more touches on the ball than his creative colleagues.

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