DUSAN VLAHOVIC made a dream start to his Champions League debut in Spain, but it wasn’t enough to secure victory for Juventus.
The Serb fired Juve ahead at Villarreal with a cool finish after just 31 seconds.
But Villarreal equalised in the second half after Dani Parejo latched on to a brilliant ball from former Watford star Etienne Capoue.
Away goals do NOT count in this tie following a change in Uefa rules.
That’s all from Estadio de la Cerámica
Nothing splits these two sides as they head into the second leg of this Champions League round-of-16 fixture.
Juventus and Villarreal will meet again in Turin on March 16 to determine who will progress to the quarter-finals.
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Dusan Vlahovic reacts
“It was huge to score on my debut, it was very emotional.
“However, I cannot be 100% satisfied because we have not won the game. We have to keep working hard.
“We played a good game and we could have won. There are some regrets but we must just focus on the next game.
“We tried to play well also in the second half but sometimes the opponents do not allow you to do what you want to do so congratulations to them for equalising.
“Personally, I have already forgotten this game and I’m focused on the next.”
Massimiliano Allegri reacts
“We made a bad mistake on their equaliser.”
“We perfectly knew that they were trying that move and we still allowed them to score.
“However, the team played a good game in general. We made a few mistakes also in attack, straying offside when we had good chances on the counter attack.
“In general, I’m quite satisfied with the performance.”
Injury woes continue
Juventus’ injury list continues to grow.
Weston McKennie was forced off late in the game with what looked to be a serious ankle injury.
Paulo Dybala, Federico Chiesa, Daniele Rugani, Giorgio Chiellini and Federico Bernardeschi were all absent this evening.
McKennie’s knock adds to Allegri’s list of concerns.
Credit: EPA History Maker
Dusan Vlahovic has broken the record for the fastest goal ever scored on a Champions League debut.
It took him 32 seconds to open the scoring.
He has beaten Andreas Moller’s time of 38 seconds, recorded in 1995.
Credit: Getty Full Time – Villarreal 1-1 Juventus
Villarreal dominated possession throughout the game.
During the first half they failed to do anything effective with it, but they turned things around after half time.
The Yellow Submarine continued to press high throughout the second half, forcing Juventus onto the back foot.
They also did a fantastic job in capitalising on the mistakes of the opposition and creating goalscoring opportunities from them.
Villarreal will certainly be approaching the second leg with some confidence as they travel to Turin.
Credit: AFP Full Time – Villarreal 1-1 Juventus
Juventus had a positive start with Vlahovic scoring in the opening minute.
But, they lacked the cutting edge in front of goal whilst they were on top, preventing them from taking a comfortable lead.
Some sloppy play during the second half turned the game around, putting the Old Lady on the back foot.
They were lucky not to go down to 10 men after Rabiot went in with a dangerous high challenge on Chukwueze.
Credit: Reuters Full Time – Villarreal 1-1 Juventus
An early goal from Vlahovic was cancelled out by Parejo to make the score 1-1.
Villarreal dominated the second half of the game and could be considered unlucky to only come away with a draw.
Credit: AP 90+4. Villarreal 1-1 Juventus
Pino looks energetic as he breaks into the box.
He attempts to send the ball across goal but Cuadrado is there to head it away.
90. Villarreal 1-1 Juventus
Villarreal make two more changes.
Groeneveld is replaced by Dia.
Chukwueze is replaced by Pino.
Four minutes will be added on…
87. Villarreal 1-1 Juventus
Juventus make another change.
De Sciglio is forced off and replaced by Pellegrini.
84. Villarreal 1-1 Juventus
Vlahovic receives the ball on the edge of the penalty area.
The Villarreal defence close him down quickly but he somehow manages to get the shot away.
Rulli does well to make the save.
Credit: Getty 81. Villarreal 1-1 Juventus
Juventus make another change.
Mckennie is forced off with an ankle injury and is replaced by Zakaria.
78. Villarreal 1-1 Juventus
Villarreal make two changes.
Moreno limps off and is replaced by Trigueros.
Alfonso is replaced by Estupinan.
73. Villarreal 1-1 Juventus
Rabiot is booked for a dangerous challenge on on Chukwueze.
The Villarreal players believe it should be a red and Rulli is booked for a confrontation with the referee.
The challenge is not reviewed by VAR, much to the frustration of the home side.
Credit: AFP
71. Villarreal 1-1 Juventus
Juventus make another substitution.
Arthur comes on to replace Locatelli.
67. Villarreal 1-1 Juventus
Capoue sends the ball through to Parejo in the box.
He is completely unmarked and can simply place the ball into the bottom left corner to level the score!
A deserved goal for Villarreal.
Credit: AFP 66. GOOOAAAAAALLLLL VILLARREALLLLL!!!!!!!
Parejo levels the score!!!
65. Villarreal 0-1 Juventus
Juventus have been sloppy in possession so far in this second half.
Emery’s side are not afraid to capitalise on loose passes – they look like they could get the equaliser soon.
57. Villarreal 0-1 Juventus
Lo Celso does well to capitalise on a loose ball.
He breaks forward before unleashing it to Pedraza who squares it to Moreno, but he cannot get the shot on target.
Villarreal are throwing everything at their opponents right now.
54. Villarreal 0-1 Juventus
Parejo sends a free kick into the box.
Bonucci does well to head it behind for a corner, but nothing comes of it for the Yellow Submarine.
50. Villarreal 0-1 Juventus
Cuadrado does well to break into the penalty area before sending the ball to Mckennie on the edge of the six-yard box.
Foyth does just enough to make the crucial tackle before the danger is cleared.
47. Villarreal 0-1 Juventus
Juventus have come out all guns blazing!
Cuadrado sends a fantastic pass over to Morata, who is left in acres of space.
He attempts to volley it towards goal but his effort heads wide.
Credit: AP Kick Off – Villarreal 0-1 Juventus
We’re back underway!
Juventus have made their first substitution.
Bonucci has come on to replace Sandro.
Half Time – Villarreal 0-1 Juventus
Dusan Vlahovic has become the second youngest player to score on their Champions League debut for Juventus.
What a signing!
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
