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City Edges Juventus in Champions League Thriller

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 8:32 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED KINGDOM, ITALY

Turin, Italy - February 22nd, 2026 - Manchester City narrowly defeated Juventus 2-1 in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie, played at a raucous Allianz Stadium in Turin. A late goal from Juventus injected drama into the match, setting the stage for a potentially explosive return leg in Manchester. The encounter, a tactical masterclass from both managers, Pep Guardiola and Massimiliano Allegri, lived up to its billing as a clash between two European giants.

The match, played on a chilly Tuesday evening, saw Manchester City take an early lead in the 35th minute. A composed finish put the Premier League champions ahead, silencing the home crowd - temporarily. While City has enjoyed a dominant season domestically, their Champions League history is marked by near misses and frustrating exits, making this competition a primary focus for the club. This victory, however, wasn't straightforward.

Juventus, despite a relatively inconsistent Serie A campaign, demonstrated their characteristic resilience and Champions League pedigree. Their early pressure in the opening 15 minutes suggested they weren't intimidated by City's reputation. However, they struggled to convert that initial energy into clear-cut chances. The Bianconeri, historically a powerhouse in European football, entered the match with a wealth of experience in navigating the knockout stages, a factor Guardiola acknowledged pre-match.

The second half saw City extend their lead in the 70th minute, courtesy of a clinical finish from Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker, in exceptional form this season, proved once again why he is considered one of the most lethal finishers in world football. Haaland's goal appeared to seal the victory for City, but Juventus had other ideas.

In a dramatic finale, Juventus found the back of the net in the 93rd minute, igniting the Allianz Stadium and offering a glimmer of hope for the return leg. The goal, a result of sustained pressure and a defensive lapse from City, means Juventus travels to Manchester with a fighting chance. The late goal will undoubtedly boost the morale of Allegri's squad and complicate matters for Guardiola's side.

Tactical Observations:

Guardiola opted for a possession-based approach, aiming to control the tempo of the game and exploit Juventus's defensive vulnerabilities. City's midfield, spearheaded by Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne, dominated possession for large periods, dictating the flow of play. However, Juventus's organized defensive structure, led by veteran defenders, proved difficult to break down.

Allegri, true to his pragmatic style, set up his team to be compact and resilient, focusing on denying City space and hitting them on the counter-attack. While Juventus struggled to create many clear-cut chances, their defensive discipline and tactical awareness kept them in the game. The late goal highlighted their ability to capitalize on opportunities, even when under immense pressure.

Looking Ahead:

The second leg, scheduled for Manchester, promises to be a captivating encounter. Juventus will need to replicate their late fightback and improve their attacking output if they are to overturn the deficit. City, on the other hand, will be confident of progressing to the quarter-finals, but they will be wary of Juventus's experience and the hostile atmosphere expected at the Etihad Stadium.

Analysts predict a cagey affair in Manchester, with both teams likely to prioritize defensive solidity. The outcome of the tie could hinge on which team can maintain composure and capitalize on their attacking opportunities. The weight of expectation will be squarely on Manchester City to finally deliver the Champions League trophy their owners have craved for years, but Juventus, with their proven track record, cannot be discounted. This tie is far from over, and fans can expect another thrilling chapter in the Champions League saga.