Champions League | Juventus 0-2 Benfica: Motta’s men collapse | OneFootball

Juventus are heading for a potentially very difficult play-off draw after their dismal 2-0 home defeat to Benfica.

The Bianconeri were guaranteed a play-off spot, but a series of disappointing stalemates left them in the lower end of the seeding. With Randal Kolo Muani cup-tied, Andrea Cambiaso, Arek Milik, Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal injured, Dusan Vlahovic returned to the starting XI after 26 days and Tim Weah moved to right-back. Angel Di Maria visited his old club, but Arthur Cabral and Alvaro Carreras were suspended, with Renato Sanches and Tiago Gouveia sidelined.

See how it unfolded on the Liveblog.

It was a chaotic start in Turin, as Samuel Mbangula’s header forced a tricky save at the back post, while Mattia Perin had to deny a dangerous Schjelderup angled drive.

Pierre Kalulu limped off injured, replaced by Manuel Locatelli, and as the defence was still trying to get organised, Benfica took full advantage.

Alexander Bah controlled a cross from the right and laid it off for the easiest of Vangelis Pavlidis finishes to silence the home crowd.

TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 29: Nicolas Gonzalez of Juventus is challenged by Florentino Luis of SL Benfica during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 match between Juventus and SL Benfica at Juventus Stadium on January 29, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Trubin rushed off his line to deny Tim Weah, while Pavlidis only grazed his head to the Kokcu cross, allowing Perin to smother.

Benfica threatened a second in first half stoppages, Pavlidis pouncing on a Locatelli error to force a desperate Perin save.

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Douglas Luiz got something to a dangerous Weston McKennie cross, forcing a flying save from Trubin at the back post, while Kenan Yildiz and Marcus Thuram had efforts from distance, but Benfica doubled their lead instead.

Pavlidis was involved again, his through ball finding Orkun Kokcu after a smart Akturkoglu dummy, allowing him to drill into the near bottom corner.

Akturkoglu had a pop himself moments later from distance, flashing the finish just wide.

Juventus 0-2 Benfica

Pavlidis 16 (B), Orkuk Kokcu 80 (B)