Champions League | Juventus 1-1 Sporting: Vlahovic not enough for first victory

Juventus were held 1-1 by Sporting in Turin, highlighting Juve’s persistent Champions League struggles. Betting angle: favour Both Teams To Score and Sporting + draw double chance rather than backing Juventus outright — punters should be cautious on heavy single-team stakes.

Juventus held 1-1 by Sporting as European concerns deepen

Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw by Sporting in Turin, a result that extends their winless run in this Champions League group. Maximiliano Araujo put Sporting ahead with a well-worked finish before Dusan Vlahovic levelled midway through the first half. Despite late pressure, Juventus could not find a winner at the Allianz Stadium.

Match summary

First half drama

Sporting took the lead after a slick move from right to left saw Francisco Trincão lay the ball off for Maximiliano Araujo, whose angled drive ricocheted in off the far post in the 12th minute. Juventus responded with several chances; Rui Silva produced outstanding saves to deny Dusan Vlahovic on more than one occasion. Juventus drew level in the 34th minute when Khephren Thuram’s surge down the left produced a low cross that Vlahovic slid home from close range.

Second half and key saves

Early in the second half Araujo made a crucial interception to deny Francisco Conceição a simple tap-in. Juventus pushed for a winner — Fabio Miretti made his season debut as a substitute and Filip Kostic hammered a strike that was tipped over late on — but Sporting defended stoutly. In stoppage time Jonathan David had a header acrobatically saved, and a last-gasp Kostic volley was blocked on the line as the match finished 1-1.

Tactical observations

Juventus showed attacking intent but lacked a cutting final ball at decisive moments. Teun Koopmeiners operated in a deeper defensive role, attempting to provide balance, while Kenan Yildiz returned from injury and injected energy in the final third. Sporting looked compact and dangerous on the break, with Francisco Trincão and Araujo proving the most threatening outlets. Rui Silva’s reflex saves were decisive in denying Sporting a larger margin and keeping Juve in the game.

Spalletti expected not to change Juventus system on his debut

Injuries and squad news

Key absences affected both sides: Lloyd Kelly, Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal were unavailable for Juventus, while Sporting were without Nuno Santos, Daniel Bragança and Ivan Fresneda. Kenan Yildiz returned from a knee injury to feature for Juventus.

Champions League implications

The draw leaves Juventus still searching for a first Champions League win this campaign and under pressure in the group stage. Sporting’s away resilience will boost their confidence as the group progresses, while Juventus must convert home chances into victories to avoid slipping in the standings.

Betting takeaways

Both Teams To Score looks the most attractive market after another match in which both sides found the net. Punters may prefer Sporting + draw double chance over backing Juventus outright, given Juve’s inconsistent European form. Consider value in goalkeeper saves and late-goal markets, reflecting several late attempts and key stops.

Final score and goalscorers

Juventus 1–1 Sporting — Maxi Araujo 12', Dusan Vlahovic 34'.

Dusan Vlahovic cancelled out the early Maximiliano Araujo goal, but it was not enough for...

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