Juventus vs Manchester City Analysis | Champions League 2024/25

In this highly anticipated Champions League duel, Juventus and Manchester City face off as both teams look to regain form after a difficult period. Juventus, currently 22nd in the league phase, have only managed two wins in their last ten matches across all competitions, drawing seven and losing one. Meanwhile, Manchester City, sitting 20th, are also struggling, with just two victories in their last ten games, suffering six losses and two draws.

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are boosted by the return of key players like Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, and Jérémy Doku, although they continue to miss influential names like Rodri and John Stones. For Thiago Motta’s Juventus, injuries have also forced tactical adjustments, including a reshuffled defense and the return of star striker Dusan Vlahovic.

Starting XI’s Juventus vs Manchester City

Juventus (4-2-3-1)

• Goalkeeper: Di Gregorio
• Right Back: Savona
• Center Backs: Gatti, Kalulu
• Left Back: Danilo
• Midfielders: Thuram, Locatelli
• Right Winger: Conceiçao
• Attacking Midfielder: Koopmeiners
• Left Winger: Yildiz
• Striker: Vlahovic

Manchester City (4-3-3)

• Goalkeeper: Ederson
• Right Back: Walker
• Center Backs: Gvardiol, Dias
• Left Back: Rico Lewis
• Central Midfielders: Bernardo Silva, Gundogan, De Bruyne
• Right Winger: Doku
• Left Winger: Grealish
• Striker: Haaland

First Half Analysis: Juventus vs Manchester City

City’s Dominance in Possession

The first half saw Manchester City dominate possession with 65% of the ball, but they struggled to exploit it. Despite 34 entries into the final third compared to Juventus’ 8, they lacked the clinical edge to break down a compact Juventus defense.

City relied heavily on De Bruyne’s creativity and Grealish’s positioning in the left channel, but their offensive play lacked depth. The forwards, including Haaland, Silva, Grealish and De Bruyne often dropped deeper to receive the ball instead of making runs in behind, limiting their ability to stretch the Juventus backline.

Juventus’ Compact Defense and Counter-Attack Strategy

Juventus adopted a deep, compact defensive setup, giving up possession and relying on quick counters. Their defensive solidity was evident as they limited City to an xG of 0.49 and just one shot on target. However, Juventus’ xG of 0.09 and only two touches in City’s penalty area show their struggles in creating opportunities.

One of their few bright moments came from Yildiz, who managed to create a couple of half-chances, including a blocked shot after cutting inside from the left. Meanwhile, Conceição’s speed offered abit of hope on the counter, as Juventus tried to exploit the spaces left by City’s high press.

Key Moments and Missed Opportunities

The 40th minute produced the half’s biggest chance. De Bruyne, playing between the lines, played a brilliant through ball to Haaland, whose shot was miraculously saved by Juventus’ goalkeeper. The resulting counter-attack saw Danilo take a shot, but it went straight to Ederson.

Despite their dominance, City often found Juventus’ defense impenetrable in central areas. With 12 touches in Juventus’ penalty area, most of City’s opportunities have come from the flanks, but they’ve yet to exploit on this.

What to Expect in the Second Half

For City, more deep runs from attackers like Haaland, Doku or even full-backs as Walker could prove importance, as their current setup of players receiving with their backs to the goal hasn’t been effective. Juventus will need to continue defending deep but must take better advantage of the gaps in City’s midfield when countering.

Full-Time Analysis: Juventus vs Manchester City

Juventus secured a 2-0 win over Manchester City in a game that saw both teams struggle to find rhythm in the first half, but Juve’s clinical counter-attacks proved decisive in the second half. The game was largely dominated by City, who had 69% possession, but Juventus proved to be effective with their limited opportunities, especially on the counter.

Possession and Possession Play

Despite City’s dominance in terms of possession (69% vs. 31%), the xG for both teams was relatively close (0.93 for Juventus vs. 0.97 for City). This suggests that Juve made the most of their chances, while City struggled to take advantage on their dominance. The number of touches in the penalty area tells the same story, with City registering 34 compared to 12 for Juventus, underlining the constant pressure on Juve’s defense. However, Juventus defended well and exploited City’s high line with clinical counter-attacks.

Juventus’ Defensive Solidity

Juventus’ defense, especially the pairing of Gatti and Danilo, was resolute, with City having a higher number of final third entries (58) compared to Juventus’ 22. However, City’s attackers struggled to break down the well-organized Juventus backline. The xG numbers are close, but Juve‘s two well-executed goals were the difference.

Key Moments

• Vlahovic’s header off a brilliant Yildiz cross gave Juventus the lead in the second half.
• McKennie’s stunning volley from a well-executed counter, starting with a fantastic defensive play by Danilo, sealed the victory for Juve.

Manchester City’s Missed Opportunities

Despite their dominance in possesion, City lacked the final touch, with De Bruyne‘s long-range shot going wide and Haaland‘s one-on-one chance miraculously saved by Di Gregorio. City’s pressing game grew stronger in the second half, but they couldn’t break through.

In conclusion, Juventus vs Manchester City was a tactical game. Juventus made the most of their opportunities while City struggled to create high-quality chances, despite their control of the game. A well-earned 2-0 victory for Juventus, who remain solid in defense while taking advantage of City’s defensive lapses. Juventus is now in the 14th place and Manchester City in the 22nd place of the Champions League league Phase.