Europa League Matchday Six 2011 - Juventus vs Manchester City - Review

A record was set in Turin tonight, as Juventus drew for they sixth consecutive thime in the Europa league. The result means that they join the likes of AEK Athens as the only team to have drawn every match in the European competition. Nevertheless the draw secured City's place as group leaders in group A, and will proceed through to the knockouts with Lech Poznan.

The game saw Juventus line up with a new look squad, the likes of Grygera, Traore, Sissoko and Giannetti getting a start. Del Piero led the team, and his inspired performance certainly did them good as they took the lead through their teenage sensation Giannetti. His debut goal came as a result of the captain's effort down the wing.

Manchester City almost took the lead in the first few minutes, with a fantastic block by Chiellini denied Jo from securing the opener. As time went on possession evened out and City eventually found themselves on the backfoot. A solid disposession from Felipe Melo found Del Piero and the Juventus talisman cut in and played a ball to the youngster Giannetti who tapped the ball in to give Juventus a 1-0 lead.

City came out inspired in the second half, trying to find an equaliser and secure top spot in Group A. Adam Johnson who had been having another stellar night against the Bianconeri was the playmake behind a bit of cool finishing by Jo. A cut in resulted in a ball through over the Juve defence and into the path of Jo who calmly passed the ball into the net around the helpless Manninger.

The draw was probably a deserved outcome for both teams, who at some point had their chance to take all three points. Manchester City move on into the round of 32, while Juventus direct their efforts to bridging the gap at the top of the Serie A.

Final Score - Juventus 1      -       Manchester City 1
                      Giannetti 43           Jo  77

Man of the Match : Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus)