In a tense Champions League encounter, Juventus managed to secure a 1-1 draw against Lille, thanks to a controversial penalty converted by Dusan Vlahovic. The result keeps the Italian giants in contention for knockout stage qualification, though they were pushed to their limits by the impressive French side.
Lille, who have been this season’s surprise package in the Champions League, took the lead through Jonathan David. The Canadian striker finished off a lightning-fast counter-attack, initiated by Edon Zhegrova’s surging run down the right flank. David’s clinical finish past Michele Di Gregorio gave the hosts a deserved advantage.
Juventus, who had won their first two group matches before a shock home defeat to VfB Stuttgart, struggled to find their rhythm for much of the game. They did have the ball in the net twice through Teun Koopmeiners, but both efforts were ruled out for offside in the build-up.
The turning point came late in the second half when Francisco Conceicao went down in the Lille box after minimal contact from Andre. The referee pointed to the spot, and Vlahovic stepped up to coolly convert, leveling the score and silencing the raucous home crowd.
Despite the equalizer, Juventus continued to push for a winner, leaving themselves vulnerable to Lille’s counter-attacks. The hosts nearly snatched victory in the dying moments, with Zhegrova forcing a save from Di Gregorio and Andre heading over from the resulting corner.
The draw leaves both teams still in contention for qualification, with the group finely poised heading into the final two matchdays. Juventus will rue missed opportunities but will be relieved to leave France with a point, while Lille can be proud of another impressive performance against one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Goals: David 27 (L), Vlahovic pen 60 (J)
Lille (4-2-3-1): Chevalier; Mandi, Diakite, Alexsandro, Gudmundsson (’81’ Bakker); André Gomes, Bouaddi; Zhegrova, Angel Gomes (55′ Mukau), Sahraoui (’87’ Fernandez-Pardo); David.
Juventus (4-3-3): Di Gregorio; Cambiaso, Gatti, Kalulu, Cabal (68′ Savona); Locatelli, Thuram (68′ McKennie); Conceicao, Koopmeiners, Yildiz (’81’ Mbangula); Vlahovic (68′ Weah).
