Juventus–Borussia Dortmund 4-4: a draw that speaks volumes about the present… and perhaps the future. Last night at the Allianz Stadium, a truly insane match was played, to say the least, with an unimpressive first half, an explosive second half, and a heart-stopping finale that showed Juventus possesses players with character, talent, and hunger.
Eight goals in the second half, nonstop excitement, and repeated twists and turns: a Champions League night that will remain etched in our memories, not only for the result but for the feeling that Juventus has found new confidence.
The Protagonists
- The Turkish Gem
Kenan Yildiz continues to shine. The 2005-born player scored a goal that cannot fail to leave anyone indifferent: control, cutback, and curled a shot into the top corner. A technical feat that immediately brought to mind Alessandro Del Piero‘s famous goal against the same Borussia Dortmund in 1995, exactly thirty years ago. A twist of fate, a line of continuity that Juventus fans immediately grasped, seeing in the “Starboy” the symbol of the future.
Yildiz’s recent numbers speak for themselves: six goals and seven assists in the last ten games. It’s not just talent, but also consistency, personality, and the ability to carry the team on his shoulders in crucial moments. Juventus has a talent at home who is no longer simply blossoming: he’s already decisive. (LINK)
- Lethal Weapon
If Yildiz lit the spark, Dusan Vlahovic ignited the fire. Starting from the bench, the Serbian came on with half an hour to go and completely changed the face of the match. Two goals, the first with his right foot, the second with his left, and the assist to make it 4-4. In just over thirty minutes, Vlahovic displayed his full repertoire: finishing, power, determination, and selflessness.
The center forward appeared in exceptional physical and mental condition, contradicting those who had considered him an underdog in the pecking order. His post-match comments, full of hunger and a desire to silence the critics, confirm his newfound confidence. If Juventus wants to compete at the highest levels, the best Vlahovic is an essential weapon. (LINK)
Underperformers
Not everyone shone on the evening at the Allianz. Jonathan David offered a lackluster performance, devoid of any noteworthy elements. Little movement, few quality plays, and an almost total absence in the build-up phase. Much more is expected of him, especially when he starts.
Kind of the same can be said, in part, for Lois Openda: a few bursts of speed, a few isolated bursts, but nothing that truly troubled Dortmund’s defense. An inconsistent performance that isn’t enough to make a mark in a Champions League match.
Dutch midfielder Koopmeiners also didn’t shine. Deployed to provide balance and quality in possession, he appeared slow and predictable, never truly taking control of the midfield. More than physically struggling, he still seemed “out of Tudor’s league”: the crowd began to grow impatient, even booing him at certain points during the match.
The unexpected hero
While the spotlight was rightly on Yildiz and Vlahovic, Lloyd Kelly surprised everyone. Having already played a decisive role against Inter a few days ago, the English defender repeated his feat by heading in the final 4-4 equalizer at the death. A header worth its weight in gold, not only for the result, but for his ability to believe in it to the very end. In two consecutive matches, Kelly has transformed from a supporting player to an unexpected protagonist, embodying the spirit of a team that never gives up!
The match, Tudor, and the decisions
- First half: questionable choices
Igor Tudor had set up a Juventus side that was focused on attacking from deep and making quick counterattacks, but that didn’t quite materialize. In the first half, the Bianconeri never seriously threatened Borussia, incapable of playing vertically and too slow in moving the ball. The David-Openda partnership didn’t make an impact, while McKennie and Thuram looked tired and less vibrant than usual.
- Second Half: Eight Goals and a Spectacular
After a 0-0 first half, the second half was a rollercoaster of emotions. Adeyemi broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute, Yildiz responded with his gem, but Dortmund immediately regained the lead. Then Vlahovic arrived to restore balance. A constant exchange of blows culminated in Borussia’s penalty, making it 2-4. It seemed over, but in the final ten minutes, Juventus displayed pride and quality: Vlahovic pulled one back, and Kelly scored the equalizer.
Defensive mistakes and a goalkeeper in difficulty
The 4-4 draw cannot hide defensive weaknesses. Juventus conceded too easily, paying the price for individual errors and a lack of unity across the entire team. Michele Di Gregorio, in particular, appeared very uncertain between the posts: several goals fell on his post, a feat he was largely responsible for. Without defensive improvement, it will be very difficult to compete at the highest European levels.
Where improvement is needed
- Match management: Starting timidly and constantly having to chase is a limitation that must be overcome.
- Defensive stability: Too many individual errors, increased concentration needed at key moments.
- Performance of starting attackers: David and Openda must give more; Juve can’t rely solely on Yildiz and Vlahovic.
- Tactical choices: Tudor will need to better balance control and verticality.
- Physical freshness: Some key players, such as McKennie and Thuram, as well as Yildiz before being substituted, appeared to be out of shape.
A Call to History: Del Piero and Destiny
Kenan Yildiz’s goal wasn’t just an extraordinary piece of skill. It was also a bridge to history. The same opponent, the same European stage, the same trajectory that Del Piero charted thirty years ago. Then the “goal alla Del Piero” was born; today it could become the “goal alla Yildiz”.
There’s something poetic about this parallel: the number 10, the youth, the elegance of the gesture. Juventus, which has always thrived on symbols and continuity, seems to have found in the young Turkish-German a new face on which to project hopes and dreams.
The Old Lady is coming back
The 4-4 draw against Borussia Dortmund isn’t a result to celebrate, but it’s not a result to be dismissed either. It’s a snapshot: light and shade, defensive errors and offensive magic, fragility and character.
Juventus still has a lot to improve, especially in management and defense. In the Champions League, all of this isn’t “forgiven.”
But it has also found fundamental confirmation. The road is long, but if Juve can iron out its imperfections, the future is truly in good hands.