Juventus’ 2-0 victory over Benfica secures a Champions League knockout-playoff spot and highlights Spalletti’s impact. Punters may lean toward Juventus in future knockout markets and favor bets like Juventus to win with both teams not to score or backing under totals, given the clean sheet and growing defensive stability under the coach.
Spalletti’s Juventus Seal Champions League Knockout Spot with 2-0 Win Over Benfica
Juventus booked their place in the Champions League knockout-playoff with a 2-0 victory over Benfica, a result that underlines Luciano Spalletti’s growing influence on the squad. The win, achieved with a game to spare in the group stage, keeps Juventus on course for a deeper European run and improves confidence ahead of their final league-stage fixture at Monaco.
Thuram Breaks Deadlock as Juventus Improve After Half-Time
Khephren Thuram supplied the decisive moment, opening the scoring early in the second half after a cagey first 50 minutes. The match featured a tense halftime atmosphere with fans expressing frustration, but Juventus regrouped and showed the resilience Spalletti has demanded.
Thuram reflected on the collective response, saying: “I always try to do the best for my team. I scored, and when you do that, you surely feel a bit better. Today we won, and it was the most important thing. It’s true that the situation at the beginning of the second half was a bit difficult, but we know that against these teams, a difficult moment always comes. We must not concede and suffer together, and tonight we did it well.”
Under Spalletti, Juventus have won 11 of 17 matches, a run that underpins the team’s upward trajectory.
Locatelli’s Leadership Shines in Crucial Win
Captain Manuel Locatelli played a steady hand in midfield and earned a warm standing ovation when substituted late on. He acknowledged a challenging period in recent years but emphasized commitment and pride: “I’ve had difficult moments in these years, but I always given my heart. Today, it was great to receive it from the fans of the team I love. Now I’m happy, I’m okay, and in the end, winning is the most important thing.”
Locatelli’s consistent performances under Spalletti — despite being overlooked for the Euros in the past — have become an important element of Juventus’ midfield stability.
Implications for Juventus, Benfica and Betting Markets
This result strengthens Juventus’ case as a team to watch in the knockout phase: improved defensive organization and the ability to grind out results after shaky patches suggest a side growing in temperament. For punters, likely betting angles include:
Juventus to progress or advance in knockout ties; confidence may shorten their odds in outright progression markets.
Juventus win combined with both teams not to score looks value, reflecting the clean sheet and compact defending.
Consider under total-goals markets when Juventus keep a tight structure, as the game showed containment after a quiet first half.
Benfica will need to respond in their final group match to keep momentum, while Juventus head into their next fixture buoyed by a pragmatic victory.
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Khephren Thuram and Manuel Locatelli praise Luciano Spalletti after Juventus’ 2-0 win over Benfica in...
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