With Luciano Spalletti in and a 100% Serie A win rate as Juventus head coach, adding to this run seemed vital for Juventus fans to forget about his Napoli tattoo. An early goal would have been loved by all those in attendance at the Allianz Stadium, but Sporting Lisbon broke the deadlock on 12 minutes following a fantastic move and strike from left winger Maximiliano Arajuo.
However, there was still plenty of time left in the game and it was Dusan Vlahovic who tapped home the equalizer on 34 minutes. With his contract expiring in the summer, no one knows how long he has left with the Old Lady.
The second half saw Juventus dominate Sporting Lisbon in every aspect of the pitch, but were unable to make this count with another goal.
JUVENTUS PLAYER RATINGS
Di Gregorio - 5/10
The Italian shotstopper didn't have much to do in the first half. Sporting Lisbon rarely tested him. He was unable to stop Araujo's fantastic finish across goal, and a few minutes later was fortunate to see Francisco Trincao's effort bounce back towards him after crashing off the crossbar.
Kalulu - 6/10
The hybrid center-back/full-back completed a high percentage of his passes and was strong in his duels. He pushed up into midfield at times when the frontmen would engage in the press, which resulted in Juve winning the ball back in the midfield third of the pitch. A display that didn't set the world alight but a very solid performance.
Gatti - 6/10
The Italian international was clumsy and poor throughout the first half. He seemed a step behind everyone else. Was more like a brute at the back than a clever, solid defender that the Bianconeri tifosi have seen over the years.
Koopmeiners - 7/10
The former Atalanta hybrid defender was very clever in his play. He defended superbly in his box, but seemed a bit lost during the few pressing moments in the game. He looked fantastic on the overload, especially in the opening moments of the game.
Cambiaso - 6/10
Confident and direct going forward. A sign of a wing-back that is in top form. However, defensively he looked far from it. He was unable to win many 1v1 scenarios and looked nothing short of nervous when defending in a mid-lock. By all means not a bad performance, but an unnecessary yellow card in the first half saw him walking on eggshells for the remainder of the affair.
McKennie - 7/10
The American midfielder by trade has played well out wide. His overlapping runs have been dangerous and if it wasn't for Vlahovic being a striker and desperate to score, he could have seriously improved his rating. He put in a delicious cross to Vlahovic, which produced one of the saves of the tournament early in the opening half. When drifting into the midfield he was sublime and a joy to watch.
Locatelli - 7/10
The captain of the Old Lady was solid but may have suffered a hamstring injury. A sturdy defensive display from the Italian international who dominated the midfield for Juventus. He was encouraged to attack when needed, and also screen the backline for the majority of the game. He gave the reigns to Khephren Thuram to attack and have multiple shots on goal.
Thuram - 7/10
The Frenchman was given license to attack and play as a box-to-box ace. He helped join attacks expertly in the second half and had a couple of blazed efforts at goal on the hour-mark. Despite these shots being sent towards Milan, he was able to pick up great positions and this can only be applauded.
Conceicao - 7/10
The tricky winger was fantastic. He used his blistering pace and angelic dribbling to weave in and out of the Sporting Lisbon defense. He set up multiple great attacks. His flair and technique on the ball drew the eye of fans and two defenders at all times. The only thing that was lacking from the Portuguese international was a goal contribution.
Yildiz - 7/10
The Turkish talent was sublime on Europe's biggest stage. Direct, tricky and performative. Although the stats may not show it, he helped make the equaliser. Drew multiple defenders before simply gently tapping it to Vlahovic, who snatched the equalizer.
Vlahovic - 8/10 (Old Juve man of the match)
The in-demand striker bagged the equalizer yet on another night could have had hit a hat-trick. He was a threat in behind, but mixed up his runs by dropping short and linking play with Kenan Yildiz and Francisco Conceicao. A dominant figure up top, and playing like a striker that would like to stay employed by the Bianconeri.
JUVENTUS SUBSTITUTES
Zhegrova - 7/10
The Kosovan looked sharp, ready and hungry when he came on in the 72nd minute. He looked to put in deep crosses when possible, and if that wasn't an option then he would simply dribble in between defenders and won fouls in dangerous positions.
Kostic - 6/10
The Serbian was also a fantastic substitution from Spalletti. The wide man looked to create from the touchline but wasn't as direct or impactful as fellow 72nd-minute substitute Zhegrova.
Adzic - 6/10
The 19-year-old replaced goal scorer Vlahovic in the 83rd minute. He seemed a bit lost in the commotion that was the finale. Wasn't able to get a hold in the game, but to rank the teenager any lower or higher would be harsh.
Miretti - 6/10
The product of the great youth academy in Turin replaced captain Manuel Locatelli as his focus will be on the Derby della Mole with Torino at the weekend. He wasn't able to impact the game from a midfielder's point of view, but was able to deliver a good corner following a Rui Silva save to deny Jonathan David scoring a deserved winner.
David - 6/10
The out-of-form Canada international striker came on with little time left to impress. Was able to still impact the game, causing a great save from Silva in added time.