Champions League: Juventus Secure Narrow 2-1 Victory Over PSV in First Leg

Juventus gained a slender advantage in their Champions League playoff tie against PSV Eindhoven, winning the first leg 2-1 at home thanks to goals from Weston McKennie and Samuel Mbangula.

The Italian side took the lead in the 34th minute when McKennie fired home from the edge of the area after good work from Federico Gatti down the right flank. PSV equalized early in the second half through Ivan Perisic, who cut inside and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner.

However, Juventus restored their lead in the 82nd minute as substitute Mbangula tapped in from close range after the PSV goalkeeper could only parry Francisco Conceicao’s initial effort.

The result gives Juventus a narrow lead to take into the second leg in Eindhoven on February 19th. Both teams had chances throughout an evenly-contested match, with Tim Weah and Nico Gonzalez going close for the hosts while Luuk de Jong threatened for PSV.

New Juventus signings Randal Kolo Muani and Lloyd Kelly both started the game, while Dusan Vlahovic was left on the bench. The introduction of Mbangula at half-time proved decisive as the young forward netted the winning goal late on.

PSV pushed hard for an equalizer in the closing stages but were unable to find a way through the Juventus defense. The Dutch side will need to overturn the deficit on home soil to progress to the Champions League group stage.