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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')

Live Commentary: Manchester City 1-2 Juventus - as it happened

Relive Sports Mole's live text commentary as Manchester City beat Juventus 2-1 in their Champions League clash at the Etihad.
2

Juventus came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory over Manchester City in their opening Champions League group stage match at the Etihad.

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.

Find out how the action unfolded below.


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Hello everyone! It's the first matchday of this season's Champions League and there are some great games taking place across Europe. Here, our coverage will be on the events taking place at the Ethihad, where Manchester City host last season's beaten finalists Juventus.

The Citizens have enjoyed a fine start to the season and they are top of the Premier League after winning their opening five games. They will be hoping to replicate that form in Europe over the coming months, as they have so far struggled to make an impact on the continent.

Meanwhile, Juventus have begun the defence of their title in surprisingly poor fashion, after losing their first two Serie A matches. The Bianconeri did manage to pick up their first point with a draw against Chievo at the weekend and are still regarded as the favourites to win another Scudetto.

Right, there's plenty to get through between now and kick off, but first let's check out the team news and see which players will be starting this evening.

MAN CITY XI: Hart, Sagna, Kompany, Mangala, Kolarov, Toure, Fernandinho, Nasri, Silva, Sterling, Bony

JUVENTUS XI: Buffon, Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra, Sturaro, Hernanes, Pogba, Cuadrado, Mandzukic, Morata

MAN CITY SUBS: Caballero, Otamendi, Demichelis, Fernando, Navas, De Bruyne, Aguero

JUVENTUS SUBS: Neto, Barzagli, Alex Sandro, Lemina, Pereyra, Zaza, Dybala

So, that's how the teams are looking this evening. The big news for Manchester City is that Sergio Auguero is available after limping off against Crystal Palace. He is named on the bench, with Wilfried Bony leading the line. David Silva and Raheem Sterling join him in the attack, with record signing Kevin De Bruyne named among the substitutes.

Meanwhile, Juventus have gone with Alvaro Morata and Mario Mandzukic as their forward pairing for tonight's match, with Paulo Dybala dropping to the bench despite his recent goalscoring form. There are also starts for deadline-day signings Hernanes and Juan Cuadrado, who is on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

This past month could not have gone any better for Manchester City and they are already clear of their main rivals at the top of the Premier League. Their form has led many to believe that they will reclaim the title this season and it is hard to argue after the way that they have been playing.

Raheem Sterling of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team's first goal with his team mates during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Watford at Etihad Stadium on August 29, 2015© Getty Images


City's poor results in pre season, including heavy defeats to Real Madrid and Stuttgart, were quickly forgotten as they romped to a 3-0 victory against West Brom in their first league game and they haven't looked backed. They sent out a strong warning to their rivals in their next match against Chelsea, as they crushed the Blues by the same scoreline in a one-sided encounter.

Further wins against Everton, Watford and Crystal Palace have followed and they will want to keep up their impressive form tonight, as they have not always enjoyed the best time in Europe. In their four previous Champions League campaigns they have been knocked out at the group stage twice and have suffered two exits to Barcelona in the last 16.

The signings that they have made over the summer have further boosted hopes that they can enjoy a successful season in Europe. Raheem Sterling, Nicholas Otamendi and Kevin de Bruyne have arrived for huge transfer fees and have added to a squad that already includes world class talent such as Sergio Augero, Yaya Toure and David Silva.

In contrast to City's good form, it has been a poor start to the season for Italian champions Juventus, who have lost two of their opening three league games. They warmed up for the new campaign with a Super Cup win over Lazio, but when Serie A got back underway they were beaten on the opening day by Udinese.

It got even worse in their next outing, as they were beaten 2-1 by Roma, who are expected to be Juve's biggest rivals for the Scudetto. Miralem Pjanic and Edin Dzeko scored the goals that did the damage, with Patrice Evra picking up a late red card.

Roma's midfielder from Bosnia-Herzegovina Miralem Pjanic (2ndR) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the Italian Serie A football match AS Roma vs Juventus on August 30, 2015© Getty Images


The Bianconeri did manage to salvage a late draw against Chievo at the weekend, but it will do little to silence their detractors. They have gone through a number of changes over the summer, with key players such as Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Carlos Tevez all departing. There is also speculation that Paul Pogba will be following them out of the exit door, as reports have emerged claiming that he will join Barcelona in January.

While Juventus have achieved a huge amount of success in recent seasons in Italy, they had struggled to impose themselves on the European stage until last term when they reached the Champions League final. Having beaten the likes of Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Monaco on their way to Berlin, they were finally stopped by Barcelona in the showpiece occasion.

These teams have never met each other in the Champions League, but they have previously clashed four times in Europe. They shared a pair of 1-1 draws in the group stage of the Europa League five years ago, while in 1976 Juventus beat Manchester City 2-1 on aggregate in the first round of the UEFA Cup, as the Italian side eventually triumphed in the tournament.

PREDICTION: It's set up to be a great match at the Etihad this evening and we should see plenty of excitement. City are the form side coming into the tie, but they have not always produced their best in Europe. They will hope to take advantage of a misfiring Juventus, but I feel that the visitors can raise their game and come away from Manchester with a point in a 1-1 draw.

Following tonight's game, Manchester City are back in Premier League action with a clash against West Ham United at the Etihad. Sports Mole have teamed up with Carlsberg to give you the chance to win tickets for that match, and you can find all of the details of the competition right here.

The teams have just made their way out onto the pitch to a great reception from the supporters at the Eithad. Once we hear the famous Champions League anthem and get the pre-match formalities out of the way, then tonight's clash will get started.

KICKOFF! We are underway at the Etihad!

CHANCE! City almost make a perfect start to the evening when Fernandinho steals possession in the centre of the pitch and strides forward, before slipping in Sterling. The forward then sees his effort at the near post stopped by Buffon, before the keeper is up quickly to deny Silva from turning in the rebound.

Although Juventus have almost found themselves behind early on, they have showed some promising signs in the opening five minutes. They are looking sharp down the flanks and the City defence have to be alert to block a shot from Pogba on the edge of the box.

Juventus have seen slightly more of the ball than City so far this evening, but neither side are really dominating at this stage. We have also seen a couple of big tackles flying in and you wouldn't rule out a number of cards as the match progresses.

GOAL DISALLOWED! The visitors have the ball in the back of the net, but it is quickly chalked off by the linesman. Pogba arrived at the back post to turn in Cuadrado's fine cross, and although he was onside, Morata was standing in an offside position and interfering with play as he tried to get a touch ahead of the Frenchman.

CLOSE! Juventus have settled into this tie and they are playing the better football at the moment. They also create another chance as Hernanes curls in a free kick looking for the bottom corner, but the ball flashes a few inches wide of Hart's far post.

Down the other end of the pitch City break forward with Bony picking the ball up just outside the box. He then gets a shot away, but Chiellini is quickly in to block the ball behind, with City unable to make anything from the resulting corner.

The pace of the match is really suiting Juventus at the moment and Pogba is helping his side to dominate the midfield. The crowd has also gone slightly quiet, which is another plus for the Italians.

SHOT! What a goal this would have been from Fernandinho. The Brazilian makes a great tackle to steal the ball from Pogba and charges towards the box. He is at a slightly wide angle, but fires in a shot looking for the far corner that ends up heading a few inches over the top.

SHOT! City win a free kick 25 yards out from goal and Kolarov comes across to take it. The Serb looks to bend a low strike across Buffon and into the far corner, but it was never finding the target and goes comfortably wide of the post.

SHOT! Another effort on goal, but again it fails to hit the target. This time Morata fancies his chances with a low drive from range that doesn't have the power to really trouble Hart as it trickles wide.

It's just gone a little bit quiet at the moment after those recent attempts on goal. City have begun to dominate the ball more as the half has wore on, but they are struggling to get in behind the Juventus defence, with Bony looking stranded on his own up front.

SHOT! Cuadrado made little impact during is time at Chelsea, but he has shown a few signs of getting back to his best form tonight. He comes close here when he works some room outside the box and lashes in a powerful drive that flies just wide of the post with Hart at full stretch.

CHANCE! How City must be wishing Aguero was on the pitch right now. Bony wastes a huge chance when he is found on the edge of the box, with the Juventus defence backing off. He has Sterling making a run to his left, has acres of space and a clear sight of goal, however, his final effort is poor and goes well wide of the post.

Wonderful play from Kolarov down the left, who drives past Lichtsteiner and gets to the byline before delivering a teasing low ball across the six-yard box. Bony goes in to meet it, but Chiellini is there to fend him off and prevent the striker from getting a tap-in.

As we approach half time, City are looking the more dangerous side, but they are up against a very well-organised Juventus defence. The visitors have not given too much away this evening and they are doing a great job of closing down the space for their opponents.

SHOT! Fernandinho looks in the mood to score a goal this evening and he comes close again here. He latches onto a headed clearance a few yards outside the box and lashes in a sweet half-volley. The effort looks to have Buffon worried, but it ends up swerving narrowly wide of the far post.

City are desperately pushing for an opener before the break and they have pegged Juventus back deep inside their own half. They are still lacking a clinical edge in the final third, and if things stay the same we may see Aguero in the second half, provided the Argentine is fit enough to play.

HALF-TIME: Manchester City 0-0 Juventus

It's half time at the Eithad and it's still goalless between Manchester City and Juventus. The Citizens have probably had the better chances, with Raheem Sterling testing Gianluigi Buffon in the opening minutes, but Paul Pogba did have an effort ruled out for the Italian champions.

Wilfred Bony of Manchester City is tackled by Giorgio Chiellini of Juventus during the UEFA Champions League Group D match between Manchester City FC and Juventus at the Etihad Stadium on September 15, 2015© Getty Images


City have gradually seen more of the ball as the game has progressed and they ended the first half with 58% of the possession. They also had eight shots on goal, with one finding the target, while Juventus failed to test Joe Hart with any of their four attempts.

In tonight's other Group D match, last season's Europa League winners Sevilla are sharing a goalless draw with Borussia Moenchengladbach. Elsewhere in Europe, Manchester United are currently level at 1-1 with PSV Einhoven, Real Madrid are beating Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 and a goal from Angel Di Maria has given PSG a 1-0 lead over Malmo.

RESTART! Juventus take the kick off and get the second half started.

A huge cheers goes up around the ground as Aguero starts to warm up on the touchline. City have really missed him this evening, but they will be wary of rushing him back into action if he does still have a problem.

It's been a good start to the half for Juventus, who are playing the ball around neatly between their midfielders. They almost manage to get Mandzukic through on goal as Bonucci plays a superb long-range pass over the top, but the striker is flagged for being narrowly offside.

Pellegrini will not be happy with his players, as they just haven't got started since the break. They are allowing Juve plenty of time and space on the ball and gaps are starting to open up in front of their defence.

GOAL! Manchester City 1-0 Juventus (Giorgio Chiellini own goal)

City have made the breakthrough, but it's a controversial goal that has infuriated Juventus. From a corner, Kompany is climbing all over Giorgio Chiellini and the ball ends up hitting the Italian defender, before ending up in his own net. The visitors complain that a foul should be given, but the referee dismisses their appeals and the goal stands.

SAVE! The Citizens are on top now and they almost grab a quick second. Sterling is slipped into the box by Silva and looks to guide an effort into the corner, but Buffon gets down brilliantly to stop his attempt. Silva then tries to turn in the rebound, but Juventus get men back on the line to block the ball out for a corner.

SAVE! At the other end of the pitch it is City who are indebted to their keeper after a fine save. Sturaro is found inside the box by Mandzukic and he fires in a low effort that brings out a superb stop from Hart.

Half a chance for Juventus, as Pogba breaks free at the back post following a corner and has time to measure a volley. However, the midfielder doesn't catch the ball cleanly, and he blazes his effort wide of the post.

Juventus will feel hard done by if they fail to get anything out of this match, and Allegri is sure to have some complaints about the match officials. A foul really should have been given against Kompany and it has given the hosts a slender advantage.

GOAL! Manchester City 1-1 Juventus (Mario Mandzukic)

Juventus are back on level terms with a goal of the highest quality. Pogba swings a brilliant ball into the box that Mandzukic stretches to meet, before guiding a low strike into the corner and beyond the stranded Hart. It was a fine team move and we are now set up for a great finish to the match.

SUB! City make their first change of the match with De Bruyne coming on for his home debut in place of Sterling.

SUB! It's another change for City, as Kompany heads off to be replaced by Otamendi. There were no clear signs that the captain was injured, but it will be a worry for the supporters.

SUB! Juventus are making a change now as Dybala comes on to replace Mandzukic, who has been struggling with a problem in the past few minutes.

GOAL! Manchester City 1-2 Juventus (Alvaro Morata)

What a fantastic goal this is by Morata to give Juventus the lead with just nine minutes left to play. The Spaniard latches onto a loose ball just outside the box, before bending a stunning strike out of the reach of Hart and into the far corner.

SUB! City respond to falling behind by bringing on Aguero for Nasri. The Argentine knows a thing or two about scoring late goals and his side need him to produce the goods once again tonight.

SUB! Juventus are bringing on Barzagli for the last five minutes in place of Morata, whose goal looks to have won the match this evening.

Juventus have the ball deep inside the City half and they are keeping it well. They are looking to use all of their experience to see out the remaining minutes, with City looking short of ideas at the moment.

SHOT! Out of nothing Toure almost brings City level. The Ivorian picks the ball up in space midway through the Juve half and fancies his chances. He then fires in a powerful drive, that looks headed for the top corner, but Buffon gets across his line to tip the ball over the bar.

There are going to be at least three minutes of stoppage time.

FULL-TIME: Manchester City 1-2 Juventus

The final whistle blows and Juventus have held on to start their Champions League campaign with three crucial points at the Etihad. Giorgio Chiellini's own goal gave City the lead, but strikes from Mario Mandzukic and Alvaro Morata secured a comeback win for the visitors.

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© Getty Images


I'm afraid that's all we've got time for this evening, after a great opening night to the group stage of the Champions League. We'll be back with more European action tomorrow, as Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona all get their campaigns underway. Until then, goodbye!

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