Juventus keep alive Champions League hopes

Juventus have retained their chances of progressing to the last 16 of the Champions League with a 3-1 home win against Copenhagen in Group B.

The victory at Juventus Stadium in Turin lifts the former European champions to second in the group, two points ahead of Galatasaray and the Danish giants.

© Getty Images

Antonio Conte's side put the pressure on their visitors right from the start, with Carlos Tevez showing his strength inside the area and connecting well with Fernando Llorente in the opening exchanges.

The Bianconeri's pressure finally paid off just before the half-hour mark when they were awarded a penalty.

Lars Jacobsen handled the ball inside the Copenhagen penalty box after being put under pressure by Paul Pogba, who was looking ready to pounce on Andrea Pirlo's delivery.

The referee had no hesitation in awarding Juve the spot kick that Arturo Vidal slammed home to put the hosts 1-0 up heading into the half-time interval.

© Getty Images

The hosts were stunned in the opening stages of the second half as Olof Mellberg restored parity in the 55th minute.

Juventus failed to clear the danger from a long throw and the veteran defender volleyed home from close range against his old club after picking up the loose ball.

© AFP

However, the Italian champions regained their lead just past the hour mark from another penalty. Mellberg brought down Llorente inside the Copenhagen box and Vidal made no mistake from the spot.

Vidal completed his hat-trick just three minutes later when he headed home Pogba's chipped cross.