Juventus have eliminated Sporting CP from the Europa League after earning a 2-1 on aggregate victory in the quarter-finals, continuing Serie A’s dominance against Primeira Liga clubs in 2022/23. It was a great night off the pitch too for the Bianconeri as they had 15 points reinstated in Serie A and they jump up to third in the table.
The Bianconeri drew 1-1 against the Portuguese giants in the second leg at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on Thursday evening and they were able to deal with waves of attacks from the home side.
Adrien Rabiot went from hero to zero after opening the scoring with a scrappy goal early in the first half, and then he fouled Manuel Ugarte in the penalty area minutes later, with Marcus Edwards equalising with the spot kick.
Despite a few late scares, Juventus held on for their first European semi-final appearance since 2016/17, when they eventually lost the Champions League Final to Real Madrid.
Juventus continue Italian dominance over Portuguese clubs in Europe
Aside from Juventus’ defeats to Benfica in the group stage of the Champions League, Serie A clubs have emerged victorious in their respective European ties against their Primeira Liga counterparts in 2022/23.
Inter eliminated FC Porto in the Round of 16 of the Champions League and then sent Benfica packing in the quarter-finals, Fiorentina progressed from the Round of 32 of the Europa Conference League at the expense of Braga, and now the Bianconeri have eliminated Sporting CP.
It was an embarrassing Champions League campaign from Juventus in the first half of this season, but they have demonstrated their ability to grind out results in Europe’s second-tier competition and they have reached a European semi-final as well as played a part in a fabulous year for Italian clubs.
Vlahovic continues to disappoint for Juventus
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri started the out-of-form Dusan Vlahovic, and the Serbia international disappointed up front once again.
Not only did he disappoint in open play, he squandered a great opportunity to seal the tie early with a header from point-blank range, but he could not guide his attempt on target.
With Arsenal reportedly interested in acquiring the 23-year-old, it might be the best for both parties for the Serbian to leave Turin and regain his confidence elsewhere.
Juventus will face Sevilla in the semi-finals after the Spanish side knocked out Manchester United.
