Juventus' Champions League Quest: Can They Conquer Villarreal?
Juventus are eager to secure their first Champions League victory of the season as they prepare to face Villarreal. Despite an undefeated start in Serie A, with three wins and two draws, and a thrilling 4-4 draw against Borussia Dortmund in their Champions League opener, coach Igor Tudor remains grounded, focusing solely on the upcoming match.
Tudor's Pragmatic Approach
Tudor emphasizes the unpredictable nature of football and avoids dwelling on potential title aspirations. "We are just beginning," he stated, highlighting the 33 league games still ahead. He acknowledges the upcoming match against AC Milan but stresses that the immediate focus is on the Champions League encounter with Villarreal. Tudor's priority is the team's well-being and a commitment to winning, praising the players' efforts and sacrifices.
Past Performance and Current Odds
While Juventus boasts a strong start to the season, their recent Champions League record is mixed. Since winning their first two group stage matches in the 2024-25 season, they have only won two of their last nine games in the competition. Currently, they are given a 10.4% chance of winning Serie A but are not expected to make a deep run in the Champions League, with only a 1% chance of reaching the final.
Villarreal's Threat
The match against Villarreal promises to be a challenging encounter. In their recent clash, Villarreal led 1-0 at halftime thanks to a goal from Mikautadze. Despite Juventus dominating possession after the 20th minute, Villarreal created several scoring opportunities, forcing Juventus goalkeeper Perin into crucial saves. Jonathan David's penalty appeal was dismissed, and Yildiz missed a couple of chances for Juventus. The game was marked by intense physicality, with both sides battling fiercely for control.
Meanwhile, in another Champions League fixture, Dortmund defeated Athletic Bilbao 1-0, with Svensson scoring the decisive goal. This result underscores the competitive nature of the tournament and the challenges Juventus will face.
Can Juventus overcome Villarreal's challenge and secure their first Champions League win of the season? The answer will unfold on the pitch.