Socrates

Juventus 1 (3) - PSV Eindhoven 3 (4): Initial reaction and random observations On Wednesday night, Juventus got what they deserved. Despite a 2-1 advantage on aggregate. Despite another long-distance belter from one of their Americans to put them ahead on aggregate. Despite actually heading to the Netherlands with their first notable winning streak of the season. Despite all of that, Juve got what they deserved at the Philips Stadion. And that was to get bounced from the Champions League. Juventus’ performance against PSV Eindhoven was very much a continuation of how the first leg in Turin went eight days ago. But the difference this time is that there was no late heroics to find some sort of escape. Instead, PSV — who entered the decisive second leg with just one win in their last five — was able to flip the aggregate scoreline in their favor and oust Juventus from the Champions League with a 3-1 on the night and 4-3 over the two legs. The one thing that Juve couldn’t afford to do — you know, actually lose Wednesday night — was what ended up playing out and now it’s another hit to a season in which qualifying for the UCL Round of 16 was one of the biggest goals the club had. Instead, they’re out one step short of that. ............ PSV were better on this night. There is no question about that. They dominated much of the second half and extra time before setting up shop and daring Juventus to try and score on them. As much as Juve had their chances in extra time — and they did whether it was Dusan Vlahovic (nice to see you again!) or Khephren Thuram — the only reason why the scoreline wasn’t more in PSV’s favor was thanks to a couple of brilliant saves from Michele Di Gregorio. But, by then, PSV was fully in control and Juve were essentially just hanging on for dear life. But then the ball pinged off Federico Gatti’s foot as he attempted to apparently control the ball right in front of Di Gregorio when he should have instead tried to simply just clear it if at all possible. The result? PSV taking the lead once and for all — something that was about as deserved as anything to happen on this night. Juventus’ defense faltered either thanks to individual errors or just being torn apart by PSV on the counter. The squad’s overall inexperience showed. Their manager’s inexperience on the sideline in these types of situations showed. Thiago Motta way too long to make the triple sub that brought on a whole new double pivot even though one of those “midfielders” was actually Andrea Cambiaso, who came on just 10 minutes in after Renato Veiga was forced off injured. ............ This Champions League campaign began with quite the high-energy return to Europe with a win over this same PSV side. Five months later, it all came to an end in Eindhoven — a result, a performance and overall UCL showing that will leave a whole lot to be desired no matter how you look at it as time goes on. RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS ............ Juventus didn’t even need to win. Seeing the 1,500th draw of the 2024-25 season would have been just fine no matter how they got there. But nope, that wasn’t possible. Prayer circle for Renato Veiga and whatever kind of muscle injury that forced him off after 10 minutes. Who knows if it’s a calf strain or something else, but I’m guessing just how pissed off he looked as he walked down into the tunnel was how a lot of us felt watching from afar. Just another injury to add to the lengthy list of injuries at the back. ............ Motta said that Teun Koopmeiners was playing with a fever — which makes sense considering that the Dutchman’s return to his home country was rather tame. I would also like it if Koopmeiners also got some sort of break health-wise to go his way because this feels like the third or fourth time that he’s dealt with some sort of illness ever since he signed with Juventus. ............ Still not convinced by Lloyd Kelly. He did some good things once he kicked into the center of Juve’s defense for Veiga, but there’s still a whole lot to be desired for a player who is probably going to be playing a lot the next couple of weeks. (And subsequently seeing that obligation to buy kick in for much more than he’s probably worth.) That being said, Gatti and Kelly combined for 25 clearances. That’s a lot. ............ Randal Kolo Muani only had eight touches in the first half, yet within those touches were a couple of very good scoring chances. Funny how this game goes sometimes, ain’t it? Who led Juventus with four tackles in the first half? Of course it was Francisco Conceição, known defensive workhorse out on the wings. ............ I still don’t know why Motta waited so long to make his change in midfield. Even with Timothy Weah scoring when he did, it’s not like Juve were playing well before that. Just make the change right then and there after the goal. Try and lock things up and not even risk PSV ramping things back up against a tiring defense and midfield. Instead, that big swing came right after PSV tied things up on aggregate. Frustrating. I really don’t know how Nicolo Savona didn’t see red for that tackle attempt. It was bad. ............ PSV xG in the second half: 1.55. Juventus xG in the entire game: 1.67. ............ Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2025/2/20/24368805/juventus-psv-eindhoven-2025-champions-league-final-score-result-initial-reaction-random-observations

Thiago Motta: ‘Juventus changes forced, but I made decisions at right time’ Thiago Motta reveals he made three ‘forced’ substitutions when Juventus crashed out of the Champions League to PSV Eindhoven, but defends his tactical decisions. ............ Tim Weah cancelled out the Ivan Perisic opener in Eindhoven, but Ismael Saibari forced extra time, where Ryan Flamingo prodded home from point-blank range on a set play situation for 3-1 on the night, 4-3 on aggregate. “We struggled in the second half, had equalised in such an important moment for us and we were not capable of holding on to it,” Thiago Motta said. “It was under control in the first half, it’s true that they pushed harder, while we hit the woodwork. We knew PSV were a quality side who push and attack, but we suffered a lot here. “We cannot be happy with the two goals we conceded, especially with predictable changes of play and Bakayoko allowed to control the ball in our area. We must do much better if we want to compete at this level. ............ “Koop had a fever yesterday and this morning, so he asked to come off. We moved Andrea into midfield with Khephren, but then Cambiaso too had to come off because he’d been out for a while and was not feeling good. All three substitutions were forced.” As Juventus were looking visibly off the pace in the second half, why did Thiago Motta not make changes earlier? “I don’t believe I was late in my changes. Before the opening goal, I wanted to give a bit more energy to the squad, but then we equalised and that was a moment we had to calm things down and retain the balance. I believe I made my changes at the right time.” Juventus had never previously been eliminated in the Champions League after winning the first leg, going through in the previous 11 occasions. Meanwhile, PSV Eindhoven had not won a Champions League knockout tie since 2006-07 against Arsenal. Locatelli told Amazon Prime Video Italia that Juventus “threw the qualification away,” but Thiago Motta did not agree with his own captain. ............ “We did not throw anything away. We tried to the end, but we ultimately weren’t stronger over the whole match, so PSV deserved to go through.” All three Italian teams in the play-offs were eliminated, arguably by weaker opposition on paper, as Milan lost to Feyenoord, Atalanta to Club Brugge and Juventus to PSV Eindhoven. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/thiago-motta-juventus-changes-forced-decisions/

Juventus Player Ratings vs PSV: Woeful Bianconeri Round Off Serie A Misery After Milan and Atalanta on Tuesday, Wednesday night piled more misery on Italian football as Juventus were also eliminated from the Champions League play-off round despite entering the second leg with a one-goal advantage. ............ Juventus (4-2-3-1) Michele Di Gregorio – 7 Despite conceding three goals, he was head and shoulders above the rest of his teammates. This could have been a routing if it wasn’t for his saves. Timothy Weah – 6 The American certainly took his shot well to score an equalizer from long-range, but his mediocre defending skills were constantly exposed by Noa Lang. Federico Gatti – 6 The Italian defender was superb in the early going, but was slow to react on the second goal and then messed up on the third. But at least he fought hard for the cause. Renato Veiga – N/A The Chelsea loanee left the pitch early with a knock. Lloyd Kelly – 5 The Englishman was switched from left-back to the heart of the defence following Veiga’s injury. Should have done better on the second ball, and almost caused more problems with his poor passing. Manuel Locatelli – 6 ............ Teun Koopmeiners – 5 Another anonymous display from the big summer signing who was hardly influential on either phase of the match. Francisco Conceicao – 6 The diminutive winger seemed to be the biggest attacking threat Juventus had to offer, but Thiago Motta decided to haul him off in the middle of the second half, much to PSV’s relief. Weston McKennie – 5.5 ............ Nicolas Gonzalez – 5.5 ............ Randal Kolo Muani – 5 The Frenchman had a few inviting chances to score that went begging. Juventus will certainly rue his misses. Substitutes Andrea Cambiaso – 5.5 ............ Kenan Yildiz – 5.5 The teenager tried to play the savior’s role but saw very little of the ball. Khephren Thuram – 6 The Frenchman was one of the few Juventus players who caused problems for PSV in the final third, but he couldn’t put his shot on target after storming into the box. Nicolo Savona – 5.5 ............ Dusan Vlahovic – 5.5 The Serbian had little to no service but came close to scoring on one occasion. Samuel Mbangula – 5 ............ . Read more -> https://cultofcalcio.com/juventus-player-ratings-vs-psv-woeful-bianconeri-round-off-serie-a-misery/

Locatelli: PSV ‘wanted it more’ than Juventus Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli admits PSV wanted qualification for the Champions League Round of 16 ‘more’ than the Bianconeri: ‘We are all responsible.’ ............ “It hurts so much because we had it in our hands and threw away a qualification. We are all responsible”. ............ “Now, we need to come together and get out of this moment, but it hurts a lot. Right now, I don’t have an explanation. They played better than us. They wanted it more. The pitch always speaks, the rest is just talk,” Locatelli continued. “The pitch said they deserved to win. We need to look each other in the eyes and understand what went wrong.” Will Juventus need to change their plans after this exit, especially since qualification for the Round of 16 was the club’s minimum target? “That’s a question for the club; we have to train at our best and be available,” said Locatelli. ............ “I don’t think there’s much to say right now,” Locatelli replied. “Those who have been here longer need to take responsibility. Only together, through hard work and determination, can we get through moments like this. It hurts, but we have to give our all.” Juventus will meet Cagliari away in the next Serie A match. The Bianconeri currently sit 4th in the standings, level on points with Lazio. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/locatelli-psv-wanted-it-more-juventus/

I problemi della Juventus attuale sono stati ricorrenti anche nelle passate stagioni quando Collinet non c'era ancora. Nello staff medico ci sono invece professionisti lautamente pagati che lavorano alla Juve da molti anni e non li conosce quasi nessuno perché lavorano dietro le quinte. Luca Stefanini é piuttosto noto, oltre a lui ci sono il medico Marco Freschi e Duccio Ferrari Bravo. Quest'ultimo lavora alla Juve da molti anni come si nota dalla sua foto. Si occupa della condizione atletica dei giocatori e comanda quindi i preparatori atletici. Io un sospetto ce l'ho su chi é il vero responsabile dei problemi fisici dei giocatori della Juventus.

Thiago Motta under scrutiny after Juventus’ Champions League exit Juventus have failed to reach their minimum Champions League target by facing elimination in the knockout playoff and coach Thiago Motta will be ‘under scrutiny’ until the end of the season. ............ Reaching the Champions League Round of 16 was the minimum target for the Old Lady. ............ The Bianconeri already failed to reach the Supercoppa Final this season by losing to Milan in the semis in January. They are still in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals and sit fourth in Serie A, level on 46 points with Lazio. Motta signed a three-year contract in Turin last summer, and despite the club’s public support, he must secure Champions League qualification this term to remain at the helm in 2025-26. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/motta-scrutiny-juventus-champions-league-exit/

PSV dumps Juventus out of the Champions League after extra time. Juventus were beaten 3-1 by PSV in the second leg of the Champions League, exiting the competition after falling in extra time. PSV started the game on the front foot, knowing they could still progress with a strong performance. ............ Things went from bad to worse for Juve as Renato Veiga was forced off after just 12 minutes, with the Bianconeri losing yet another key player. Juve thought they had won a penalty after 21 minutes, but even after a VAR review, the referee remained unconvinced and did not award it. ............ At the break, Juve were content with the scoreline, but PSV began the second half strongly as Ivan Perisic forced Michele Di Gregorio into a brilliant save after just three minutes. ............ PSV eventually capitalised on their next big opportunity, with Perisic finishing well to complete a fine team move. The Dutch side began to dominate and put Juve under pressure, with Luuk de Jong coming close next. As PSV failed to extend their lead, Timothy Weah stunned the hosts with a terrific equaliser for Juve. However, the parity was short-lived as Ismael Saibari rifled in another PSV strike to level the tie on aggregate. The home side continued to dominate possession and create the better chances, but no one could find the net again, sending the match into extra time. Eventually, the home side got their reward, as Ryan Flamingo put them back in front. Juve responded and almost found a way back, but a fine effort from Nicolo Savona was well saved by the PSV goalkeeper. The Bianconeri then had another huge chance, but Dusan Vlahovic struck the post! ............ However, the Old Lady ultimately bowed out, becoming the third Italian team to exit the competition in the knockout phase. . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/psv-dumps-juventus-out-of-the-champions-league-after-extra-time/

Savona ha voglia di fare una doccia calda in anticipo

La risolve Dusan

2-1

Quello é un altro

Hanno in comune la leggerezza dell'essere

Gli olandesi sono cosí. Cercano sempre di far ridere ma non ci riescono quasi mai.

Mi ricorda Giovinco

Guardalinee sicuramente con origini olandesi

TIM WEAH 1-1

Gol dell'interista

Motta: Second leg vs. PSV ‘is the most important match of our season so far’ Thiago Motta and Teun Koopmeiners discuss Wednesday’s knockout Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven After their momentous victory against Inter over the weekend, Juventus have quickly turned their attention to Wednesday night’s Champions League play-off round decider against PSV Eindhoven — which, according to coach Thiago Motta, represents their most important match thus far. Ahead of the game at PSV’s historic Philips Stadion, Motta and Dutch midfielder Teun Koopmeiners discussed team dynamics and tactics. Both player and coach asserted that despite the Bianconeri’s 2-1 lead, the team should approach Wednesday’s match with intensity and remain wary of PSV’s home advantage. ............ “This is the most important match of our season so far,” Motta said. “We want to continue our journey, we have to put in a complete performance and raise our level to the maximum in all aspects of the game, both physically and mentally, in order to progress to the Round of 16.” ............ “The objective is clear, it is an important opportunity, the most important so far, we know that a draw is enough, but we have always played to win and tomorrow we will do the same,” he said. “Managing the game will be important in the closing stages, but the attitude will be the same as always: going onto the pitch to win, with focus and determination, working hard in and out of possession. There are no secrets, we must earn it. Qualifying is not a foregone conclusion, but we have never failed in our commitment, attitude and desire. I’m sure it will be like that until the last day.” ............ Similarly, Dutch international Koopmeiners echoed his coach’s sentiments and argued that despite Juventus’s one-goal advantage, anything can happen — especially away from home. “We have to be aware that against PSV it’s a new challenge, in a new context, it’s not a foregone conclusion that we will win, we will have to be very aggressive and play with intensity and energy, the match will require this and the team knows it,” Koopmeiners said. “They will play in a different style, the result is decided over the course of two games, it will be difficult in their stadium and their fans will also make a difference. We start with a 2-1 lead, but we must not sit back, we want to play to win. If we only think about managing the result, we risk not expressing ourselves at our best, we have to bring energy, pressure and urgency in possession, when we play like this we do better.” ............ Motta reflected on the performance, emphasizing its significance ahead of the PSV clash. “We put in an excellent performance against Inter, especially in the second half,” Motta said. “Tomorrow, we expect to face a strong opponent playing at home. In the first 95 minutes, we were superior and earned the result. Tomorrow, we must do the same, managing every moment of the match.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2025/2/19/24368210/juventus-psv-eindhoven-thiago-motta-2025-champions-league-playoff-round-leg-2-match-preview-quotes

PSV Eindhoven vs Juventus: Preview and Prediction One may have to go as far back as 2007 when PSV Eindhoven won a knockout game in the UEFA Champions League when they eliminated Arsenal. Their record at this phase of the competition remains dreadful, and once again, PSV Eindhoven are the underdogs to advance into the round of 16 as they welcome Juventus to Eindhoven. Peter Bosz will undoubtedly hope to avoid a third defeat to Juventus in this season alone, as he knows only this game counts over the others, which will likely see PSV give their all. ............ Meanwhile, Juventus are hot favourites to go through to the round of 16 following a stellar upturn in the form of late. The Bianconeri had struggled for significant phases this season and only recorded their first four-game winning streak this season under Thiago Motta on Sunday. The Turin outfit answered a few questions about their league status compared to big rivals with a significant victory over Inter Milan on home soil. A second-half strike from Francisco Conceicao proved enough to keep hold of the Nerazzurri and take all three points. Their win over PSV Eindhoven was also part of this four-game winning run, as the Bianconeri proved strong on home soil when the Dutch side came visiting. Goals from Weston McKennie and Samuel Mbangula on either side of an Ivan Perisic strike proved enough for Motta’s men to take an advantage into the reverse leg, as Juventus are hot favourites to go through to the next phase of the Champions League. Team News & Tactics PSV Eindhoven ............ Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Benitez; Ledezma, flamingo, Obispo, Junior; Veerman, Saibari, Schouten; Bakayoko, De Jong, Perisic Juventus Motta might tinker a bit when naming the lineup for this second leg, as he now looks to balance his act ahead of some crucial games. There are no fresh injury concerns following the win over Inter Milan, although he will have Andrea Cambiaso fit and likely to make the starting lineup for this one. Nicola Savona could be moved to the right-back slot, or Motta could continue with Timothy Weah there following some impressive performances from the American. There will be changes to the lineup despite the winning form Motta’s team are in, as he could shuffle his midfield a bit. Weston McKennie could be rested on the bench, where he could see Teun Koopmeiners come back into his attacking midfield place. Manuel Locatelli could partner Khephren Thuram in central midfield, while Kenan Yildiz could replace Nico Gonzalez on the left wing. Randal Kolo Muani will continue to lead the line for Juventus, which will mean another game on the bench for Dusan Vlahovic. Sunday’s match-winner, Conceicao, will surely start on the right side, as Juventus will name a strong lineup to face PSV in this second leg of their Champions League playoffs. Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio; Weah, Gatti, Veiga, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Thuram; Conceicao, Koopmeiners, Yildiz; Kolo Muani Key Stats PSV Eindhoven are winless in three games for the first time this season. PSV have progressed from three of their 11 European Cup/UEFA Champions League knockout stage ties when losing the first leg – against Hajduk Split in 1975/76, Fenerbahce in 1978/79 and FCSB in 1989/90. On the other hand, Juventus have progressed from their last 20 European Cup/UEFA Champions League knockout stage ties when winning the first leg, including each of their 11 since the 1992 rebrand. Their last defeat was against Rangers in 1978/79 (1-0 home, 0-2 away). Juventus are on a four-game winning streak for the first time this season. Juventus have beaten PSV Eindhoven twice in this season’s UEFA Champions League. Only five teams have won three games against an opponent in a single campaign in the competition – Ajax vs Milan (1994/95), Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid (1999/00), Liverpool vs PSV (2006/07), Manchester United vs AS Roma (2007/08) and Barcelona vs PSG (2014/15). PSV Eindhoven are unbeaten in their last 12 home matches in major European competition (W7 D5), including winning each of their last three. They last won four home games in a row in the UEFA Champions League between May and December 2005 (4). Player to Watch Francisco Conceicao ............ A match-winning performance against Inter Milan on Sunday will have boosted his confidence further, as he can become the next big performer after Randal Kolo Muani for Thiago Motta’s side. A top display in the second leg will further improve his confidence. Prediction PSV Eindhoven 1-2 Juventus PSV are under pressure to perform following a dismal run that has seen them fall behind in the Eredivisie race. Bosz will be hopeful of turning around the narrow deficit against Juventus, although, given the visitors’ form, it could be yet another disappointing night in Eindhoven. Thiago Motta is looking to build momentum in his side, who have recorded four wins across all competitions for the first time this season. He will be eager to continue on that run and even add to it, as well as take advantage of Juventus’s superior form against PSV in the three games prior in this campaign alone. The Bianconeri are the favourites to go through and win in Eindhoven with a scoreline similar to the first leg. . Read more -> https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2025/02/19/psv-eindhoven-vs-juventus-preview-and-prediction/

Champions League Preview: PSV Eindhoven vs Juventus – Team News, Line-ups & Prediction High-flying Juventus head to the Philips Stadion to take on PSV Eindhoven in the second leg of their Champions League knockout playoff tie. Thiago Motta’s charges carry a narrow one-goal advantage into the return fixture after snatching a 2-1 home win last week. Juventus left it late to beat PSV at the Allianz Stadium. Weston McKennie broke the deadlock in the first half, only for the Eindhoven outfit to draw level 11 minutes after the break through ex-Inter winger Ivan Perisic. However, second-half substitute Samuel Mbangula broke the tie in the 82nd minute to hand Juventus a crucial lead. ............ PSV failed to impress in their domestic championship last weekend. Indeed, Peter Bosz’s side shared the spoils with fellow Eredivisie rivals Utrecht in a goal-glutted 2-2 draw on this ground, falling two points behind table-topping Ajax. More importantly, that result extended the Peasants’ winless run in all competitions to three consecutive matches (D2, L1). As a result, optimism has become a rare commodity among the home faithful, which doesn’t bode well ahead of Juventus’ visit. Match Preview PSV Eindhoven ............ Juventus PSV’s dire form looks promising from Juventus’ point of view as the visitors aim to build on their recent resurrection. The Italians head into proceedings on a four-game winning run in all competitions – a feat they’ve achieved for the first time this season. History firmly backs Juventus for success. They have progressed from the last 20 Champions League ties when emerging victorious from the first leg. You’d need to go back to 1978/79 for the last time they squandered a first-leg lead in this competition. Furthermore, Juventus could do something they last did in 2016/17 when they defeated Monaco in both legs of their semi-final tie en route to the infamous Cardiff showpiece. That was the last time they won each leg of a Champions League knockout tie. However, Juventus have not fared well on the road lately, winning only two of their last ten competitive away matches (D7, L1). Team News ............ Juventus cannot call upon Arkadiusz Milik, Gleison Bremer, Juan Cabal, and Pierre Kalulu. Randal Kolo Muani should start in the front third ahead of Dusan Vlahovic, with Renato Veiga likely to partner up with Federico Gatti at the back. PSV Eindhoven vs Juventus Potential Starting Line-ups PSV Eindhoven (4-2-3-1): Benitez; Ledezma, Flamingo, Obispo, Junior; Schouten, Veerman; Bakayoko, Saibari, Perisic; De Jong. Juventus (4-2-3-1): Di Gregorio; Weah, Gatti, Veiga, Cambiaso; Thuram, Locatelli; Gonzalez, McKennie, Yildiz; Kolo Muani. PSV Eindhoven vs Juventus Prediction A draw will do the trick for Juventus, and that’s something they’ve gotten their fans used to this season. Seven stalemates from their last ten road matches highlight the potential for an evenly contested game, and Motta probably wouldn’t mind sharing the spoils again. We back Juventus to progress on aggregate. Prediction: Draw / Juventus to Qualify . Read more -> https://cultofcalcio.com/champions-league-preview-psv-eindhoven-vs-juventus-team-news-line-ups-prediction/

Paolo Di Canio explains how effective Muani is on the pitch Paolo Di Canio has been thoroughly impressed with Randal Kolo Muani since the French striker joined Juventus, highlighting his ability to make a real difference on the pitch. ............ Unlike Vlahovic, who has at times struggled to capitalise on his opportunities, Muani has shown a clinical edge in front of goal. His determination and relentless work rate have set him apart, earning him praise from Di Canio. Speaking about the forward’s impact, the Italian pundit shared his thoughts on Muani’s qualities. He said: “Kolo Muani doesn’t have the same characteristics as Osimhen, but he’s always fired up, he’s very stubborn. Even if he touches the ball twice, he always creates something. He has this fire inside that lights up the others too.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/paolo-di-canio-explains-how-effective-muani-is-on-the-pitch/