Juventus' 2-0 victory over Benfica — goals from Khephren Thuram and Weston McKennie plus a late missed Pavlidis penalty — boosts Juve’s momentum. Punters might lean toward Juventus to win or Juventus -0.5 in upcoming markets and consider “Both Teams to Score: No” lines.
Match Report: Juventus 2-0 Benfica
Juventus kept their Champions League hopes alive with a 2-0 home win over Benfica. The Old Lady broke a stubborn deadlock in the second half through Khephren Thuram before Weston McKennie sealed the three points. A late Vangelis Pavlidis penalty was missed, compounding Benfica’s frustration.
First Half: Tense, Open Chances
The opening 45 minutes were cagey but featured several bright moments. Benficas’ Heorhiy Sudakov and Georgiy tested the Juve goal early, while Kenan Yildiz struck just wide after a sharp chance from the edge of the box. Juventus repeatedly struggled when building from the back, forcing goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio into important interventions to keep the match level at halftime.
Second Half: Goals Turn Tide
Juventus finally found a cutting edge after the break. Thuram collected the ball outside the area, combined neatly and drove low into the near corner on 55 minutes to break the deadlock. Nine minutes later McKennie and Jonathan David linked with a quick one-two that let McKennie slot home, his third Champions League goal in succession.
Benfica pushed for a route back: Frederik Aursnes hit the post with a header and several late attempts troubled the Juve defence, but they could not convert. A VAR-reviewed foul on Gleison Bremer led to a late penalty for Benfica that Pavlidis disastrously missed after slipping.
Tactical Observations
Juventus punished Benfica’s transitional vulnerabilities.
When Juve kept play tighter and more vertical after halftime, they created higher-quality chances.
Benfica’s insistence on probing from deep left them exposed to Juve counters and quick combinations between McKennie and David.
The missed penalty underscored Benfica’s growing inconsistency in decisive moments.
Standout Performers
Khephren Thuram was decisive with the match-opening goal and energetic midfield drive. Weston McKennie continued a rich scoring run, providing the second that sealed the result. Michele Di Gregorio’s early saves were key in a match where Juve were punished for risky build-up play.
Implications for Champions League and Next Steps
The win boosts Juventus’ momentum in the group and gives the side renewed belief after mixed domestic form. Benfica’s run of inconsistency continues and injuries to several squad members have hampered selection and depth. Both teams will reassess defensive organization and set-piece defending ahead of the next fixtures.
Betting Angle
Juventus’ improved finishing and recent form suggest punters might prefer backing Juventus to win or Juventus -0.5 in upcoming odds. Given Benfica’s inability to convert chances and Pavlidis’ penalty miss, “Both Teams to Score: No” could be a plausible market to consider for bettors. Always gamble responsibly.
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Juventus thanked midfielders Khephren Thuram and Weston McKennie when beating Jose Mourinho’s Benfica, and a Vangelis Pavlidis penalty miss, to keep Champions League ambitions alive.The Bianconeri m...
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