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Manchester City logo
Champions League | Group Stage
Sep 15, 2015 at 7.45pm UK
 
Juventus logo

1-2

Chiellini (57' og.)
FT(HT: 0-0)
Mandzukic (70'), Morata (81')

Player Ratings: Manchester City 1-2 Juventus

Sports Mole rates the best and worst players from the Champions League clash between Manchester City and Juventus.

Juventus came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory over Manchester City in their Champions League group stage opener this evening.

The Citizens took the lead when Giorgio Chiellini headed the ball into his own net under pressure from Vincent Kompany.

Mario Mandzukic then levelled for the Bianconeri when he guided Paul Pogba's cross past Joe Hart, before Alvaro Morata fired in a late winner to seal the points.

Here, Sports Mole rates the best and worst performances from the Etihad.


Manchester City's Belgian defender Vincent Kompany (L) celebrates an own goal by Juventus' defender from Italy Giorgio Chiellini during a UEFA Champions League group stage football match between Manchester City and Juventus at the Etihad stadium in Manche© Getty Images

MANCHESTER CITY

Goal

Joe Hart: Made a fine save to deny Sturaro from close range, but was unable to do anything about either of Juve's goals. (6/10)

Defence

Bacary Sagna: Was rarely troubled down his side of the pitch, but offered City little going forward. (6/10)

Vincent Kompany: Played a part in City's opening goal when he pressured Chiellini into putting the ball into his own net. However, he failed to spot the run of Mandzukic for the equalsier, and was soon replaced by Otamendi with an injury. (6/10)

Eliaquim Mangala: Although he won a number of aerial challenges, he was at fault for both goals his team conceded and struggled against Juve's front two. (5/10)

Aleksandar Kolarov: Looked lively going forward in the first half and almost set up Bony with a teasing cross, but his poor attempt at a clearance led to Morata's winning goal. (6/10)

Midfield

Fernandinho: City's best player of the match. Put in a number of strong challenges and came close to scoring with two long-range efforts. (8/10)

Yaya Toure: Quiet night from the Ivorian, who did not make his usual impact on the game. However, he almost earned City a point with a powerful late strike that Buffon tipped over. (6/10)

Samir Nasri: Use the ball well throughout the match and showed plenty of trickery, but lacked any threat in the final third. (6/10)

Attack

David Silva: The Spaniard was not at his best, but still created a number of chances for his teammates. He always looked to get involved, but was closed down well by the visitors. (7/10)

Raheem Sterling: Had two huge chances to score, but saw both of his efforts saved by Buffon. He did little else and was eventually replaced by De Bruyne. (6/10)

Wilfried Bony: Poor display from the striker, who struggled against Chiellini and Bonucci. He was stranded alone up front for large spells, and when chances did come his way, he failed to hit the target. (5/10)

Substitutes

Kevin De Bruyne: Struggled to make any impact when he came on for his home debut. (6/10)

Nicolas Otamendi: Replaced the injured Kompany, but was caught out of position as Morata scored the winner. (5/10)

Sergio Aguero: Came on for the last few minutes as his team searched for an equaliser, but did not have any chances to score. (5/10)


Juventus' forward from Croatia Mario Mandzukic (L) celebrates with Juventus' forward from Spain Alvaro Morata after scoring during a UEFA Champions League group stage football match between Manchester City and Juventus at the Etihad stadium in Manchester,© Getty Images

JUVENTUS

Goal

Gianluigi Buffon: Superb display from the Juventus captain. Made two brilliant saves to deny Sterling from close range and commanded his area with confidence all evening. (8/10)

Defence

Stephan Lichtsteiner: Was given a tough time by Kolarov in the first half, but grew into the match as the game wore on and was rarely beaten after the break. (6/10)

Giorgio Chiellini: Strong display from the Italian who was a rock at the heart of his side's defence. His own goal was unfortunate, but little else got past him as he showed his experience. (8/10)

Leonardo Bonucci: Another fine display from a Juventus defender. Kept Bony quiet all evening and produced a number of vital interceptions. (8/10)

Patrice Evra: Reliable showing from the Frenchman, who rarely gave the ball away and was strong in the tackle. (6/10)

Midfield

Paul Pogba: Classy showing from the Frenchman who showed some neat touches in the midfield. Set up Mandzukic's goal with a superb ball over the top and helped his team to see out the match with some important tackles. (8/10)

Stefano Sturaro: Hard working and committed display from the Italian. Made a number of vital challenges in the centre of the pitch and battled well throughout. (7/10)

Hernanes: Played in a deeper role than usual, but was impressive on the ball and helped Juventus to dominate the latter stages. (7/10)

Juan Cuadrado: Came close with a powerful strike in the first half and looked a threat down the flanks. (6/10)

Attack

Alvaro Morata: Worked hard for his team throughout the match and took his goal brilliantly with a fine strike that left Hart with no chance. (7/10)

Mario Mandzukic: Led the line well for the Old Lady and gave Kompany and Mangala a host of problems. He also dragged his side back into the match with a well-taken goal from Pogba's cross. (8/10)

Substitutes

Paulo Dybala: Was not able to make too much of an impact following his arrival. (6/10)

Andrea Barzagli: Brought on for the last five minutes and helped Juventus to hold on to the win. (7/10)


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Juventus' forward from Croatia Mario Mandzukic (C) scores past Manchester City's English goalkeeper Joe Hart during a UEFA Champions League group stage football match between Manchester City and Juventus at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, north-west Eng
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Match Analysis: Manchester City 1-2 Juventus
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