French side Lyon eventually did the unthinkable and knocked Juventus out of this season’s UEFA Champions League from the pre-quarters. Even though Juventus won 2-1 on Friday in the second leg, the aggregate score remained 2-2 due to Lyon’s crucial 1-0 win in the first leg in March.
Cristiano Ronaldo was at his usual best and tried to spearhead a Juventus comeback with two goals. But Memphis Depay’s early penalty at the Allianz Stadium was all that Lyon required as they qualified for the quarterfinals on the basis of away goal.
Much to the surprise of many, it was the visitors who made the first breakthrough when Depay successfully slotted the ball past Juventus keeper Wojciech Szczesny from the 12 yards spot. Lyon had earned the penalty after Rodrigo Bentancur was judged to have fouled Houssem Aouar.
Needing to score three goals without conceding any to qualify, Ronaldo seemed to take it upon himself to lead Juventus’ comeback with his years of experience.
Juventus dominated the play in major parts of the opening half. Federico Bernardeschi dribbler past Lyon defenders in the 19th minute before Marcelo cleared the former’s deflected shot in the 19th minute. Ronaldo’s first genuine attempt at goal with a header sailed past over the post two minutes later.
The five-time Champions League winner finally brought level into the game with a penalty of his own in the twilight of the first half when Depay handballed a Miralem Pjanic free-kick.
Ronaldo was on the scoresheet again with a long-ranger in the hour mark to raise hopes for Juventus. The Old Lady had almost got the goal they wanted when Leonardo Bonucci missed a chance minutes later.
Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri introduced Paulo Dybala in the 70th minute mark. But the injured Argentine forward failed to create an impact and instead left the ground limping after 15 minutes.
Ronaldo had come close again to get Juventus their much-desired third goal with a wide header. With just two wins in their last eight league matches, Friday’s result ended Juventus’ season in the worst possible way.
Lyon, meanwhile, did exceptionally well to hold on to their away-goal advantage and set-up a quarterfinal tie with Manchester City who defeated Real Madrid in the other match of the night.