Juventus was officially eliminated from the Champions League group stage. The Italian giants were beaten 4-3 by Benfica on Tuesday night. It will be the first time in nine years that Juve have failed to reach the knockout rounds of the UCL.
The Serie A club seemed sleepwalking for much of the match in Portugal. Benfica scored its four goals in the first 50 minutes of the game. Antonio Silva and Joao Mario scored in the first half hour, while Rafa Silva scored the last two goals of the game for his team.
However, Juve fought back to close the scoring. Arkadiusz Milik and US men’s midfielder Weston McKennie scored twice in two minutes late in the game. However, it was not enough to save Juve.
The Italian giants can still qualify for the knockout rounds of the Europa League if they finish third in Group H. Juventus are currently level on points with Maccabi Haifa for the Europa League spot. However, Juve have to play group leaders Paris Saint-Germain next Wednesday.
Juventus is out of the Champions League ahead of time
Juve were last eliminated from the UCL group stage in 2013-14. They finished third in the group that season and advanced as far as the semi-finals of the Europa League. Interestingly, Benfica ended that streak in the Europa League.
Elsewhere in Group H, PSG demolished Maccabi Haifa 7-2 in Paris. Superstar Lionel Messi led the show with two goals and two assists on the night. Kylian Mbappé also scored a brace, while Neymar and Carlos Soler also found the back of the net.
Reigning UCL and LaLiga champions Real Madrid suffered their first defeat of the current campaign. RB Leipzig scored a trio of goals from Josko Gvardiol, Christopher Nkunku and Timo Werner. However, Real has already qualified for the round of 16 of the competition.
PHOTO: IMAGO / NurPhoto
