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Juventus 1-0 Chelsea: Player ratings as Juve down the European champions

By James Cormack

TURIN, ITALY, SEPTEMBER 29:Federico Chiesa (L), of Juventus, celebrates with his teammates after scoring during the UEFA Champions League Group H match between Juventus and Chelsea FC at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy, on September 29, 2021. (Photo by Isabella Bonotto/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY, SEPTEMBER 29:Federico Chiesa (L), of Juventus, celebrates with his teammates after scoring during the UEFA Champions League Group H match between Juventus and Chelsea FC at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy, on September 29, 2021. (Photo by Isabella Bonotto/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) /
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Juventus defied the odds to beat European champions Chelsea 1-0 in Turin on Wednesday night. The victory means they’ve secured back-to-back wins in the Champions League, and they now sit atop Group H.

The Bianconeri took advantage of a sloppy Chelsea in the opening period, but the two sides went into half-time at 0-0 after Juve spurned two glorious openings in transition. The hosts wouldn’t have to wait long for the opener, however, as Federico Chiesa broke the deadlock in the first minute of the second half.

The Blues huffed and puffed for the remainder, with Romelu Lukaku and Kai Havertz missing good chances after Federico Bernardeschi should’ve put Juve 2-0 up. Eventually, a dogged Juventus would hold onto a 1-0 victory. What a win!

Here are our Juventus player ratings from Wednesday night.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Juventus’ centre-backs were outstanding. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)
Juventus’ centre-backs were outstanding. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images) /

Wojciech Szczesny (GK) – 7/10 – Despite Chelsea’s possession and territorial domination, Szczesny didn’t have a serious save to make. However, he commanded his box brilliantly throughout.

Danilo (RB) – 8/10 – The Brazilian was superb tonight after an unsure opening. Allegri’s adjustment, however, allowed him to thrive. He shut out Hakim Ziyech between the lines before the Moroccan’s withdrawal; defending with such poise and aggression as a right centre-back after the break. He’s invaluable to Allegri.

Leonardo Bonucci (CB) – 9/10 – Romelu Lukaku started tonight, by the way. Just in case you forgot. The Belgian’s quiet outing was largely down to two factors: 1. His manager’s misuse of him (let him run a channel!) and 2. Leonardo Bonucci. The veteran Italian marked him out of the contest. Thou shall not pass was his mantra tonight. Exceptional stuff.

Matthijs de Ligt (CB) – 9/10 – Wow. What a monstrous effort from the Dutchman. Alongside the wily Bonucci, de Ligt starred. He had the tricky task of marking the crafty Kai Havertz but the German didn’t get a sniff from the Juve defender. Like Bonucci, de Ligt produced a centre-back display of the highest order. One that substitute Chiellini would’ve adored.

Alex Sandro (LB) – 7/10 – Alex Sandro struggled in the face of Chelsea’s press early on before his possession responsibilities were swiftly reduced. His defensive performance was great. In the opening period, he timed his engagements on Cesar Azpilicueta superbly to prevent Chelsea from progressing down the right. After the break, the Brazilian defended astutely in his own third.

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