VfB Stuttgart secured a historic 1-0 victory over Juventus in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, ending the Italian side’s unbeaten run in dramatic fashion. The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time when substitute El Bilal Toure struck to give Stuttgart their first Champions League win of the season. The German side’s aggressive, high-intensity performance overwhelmed Juventus, and the victory catapulted them back into contention in Group D.
Stuttgart’s Aggressive Approach Pays Off
From the opening whistle, they showed their intent to take the game to Juventus. They dominated possession and pressed high up the pitch, forcing Juventus to retreat into a defensive shell. Juventus, missing key players and opting for a more cautious approach, struggled to assert any real control over the match.
The visitors created several chances throughout the game, looking dangerous every time they advanced into Juventus’ half. Deniz Undav had a goal disallowed for handball early in the second half, a moment that seemed to take the wind out of Stuttgart’s sails temporarily. However, they kept pushing forward and continued to test Juventus’ defense with sharp, incisive attacks.
Stuttgart’s manager, Sebastian Hoeness, had clearly instructed his team to exploit Juventus’ defensive gaps, and the tactic worked to perfection. They used their width effectively, with frequent overlapping runs from their full-backs causing problems for the Juventus defense.
Juventus’ Struggles and Perin’s Heroics
Juventus, under new coach Thiago Motta, were uncharacteristically passive in their approach. They appeared to lack the fluidity and control usually associated with their play in recent weeks. Despite being at home in the Allianz Stadium, the Italian giants could not find any rhythm in possession and were often left chasing the game.
Mattia Perin, Juventus’ backup goalkeeper, was their standout performer on the night. Perin made crucial saves to keep his side in the game, including a brilliant penalty stop in the 86th minute. After a VAR review, Danilo was judged to have fouled Stuttgart’s Anthony Rouault, earning him a second yellow card and a sending off. Enzo Millot stepped up to take the penalty, but Perin produced an outstanding save, diving low to his right to deny Stuttgart the lead at that moment.
Perin’s save seemed to lift Juventus briefly, but their numerical disadvantage became too much to handle as Stuttgart continued to apply pressure.
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Toure’s Late Strike Breaks Juventus
As the match entered stoppage time, it appeared destined for a goalless draw. However, Stuttgart remained determined to capitalize on their dominance, and in the 92nd minute, they finally found a breakthrough. El Bilal Toure, who had been introduced as a substitute, pounced on a defensive lapse by Juventus and slotted the ball past Perin from close range, silencing the home crowd.
Toure’s composure in such a high-pressure moment underlined Stuttgart’s belief and determination to claim all three points. The goal not only sealed Stuttgart’s first Champions League victory of the season but also provided a significant psychological boost for the team, who had been struggling in recent matches.
The win snapped Stuttgart’s four-match winless streak across all competitions and propelled them to four points in Group D, while Juventus remained on six points. Stuttgart’s victory also dealt a blow to Juventus’ hopes of securing early qualification for the knockout stages, leaving the group wide open.
Thiago Motta: “Stuttgart Deserved the Win”
After the match, Juventus coach Thiago Motta was candid in his assessment, acknowledging that his side was second best throughout the encounter.
“Stuttgart certainly deserved it, they were better than us from the first minute,” Motta told Sky Sport Italia. “We couldn’t manage to take away the control of the game that they had. They’re a well-organized team with good players. We suffered today, and I repeat, they deserved to win.”
Motta also lamented his team’s inability to handle Stuttgart’s aggressive pressing and possession-based play. He admitted that Juventus must quickly recover and refocus ahead of their next crucial league fixture against Inter Milan.
Stuttgart’s Champions League Revival
Stuttgart’s win in Turin breathes new life into their Champions League campaign. With four points from three matches, they remain very much in the race for a spot in the knockout stages. The German side had endured a difficult start to the group stage, with only one point from their first two games, but this victory could be the turning point they needed.
Sebastian Hoeness praised his team’s effort and determination, stating, “We played with great intensity and belief. This is a huge win for us, but we know we have more work to do. Juventus is a top team, and to beat them on their home turf shows the character of this group.”
Looking Ahead: Key Fixtures in Group D
The result leaves Group D finely balanced as the competition moves toward Matchday 4. Juventus will face a tricky away trip to LOSC Lille, while Stuttgart will welcome Atalanta to Germany in what promises to be another tough encounter. With both Stuttgart and Juventus needing points to strengthen their position, the next round of fixtures could prove decisive.
For Juventus, the loss serves as a wake-up call. Despite being in a strong position with six points, they will need to recover quickly to avoid slipping further in the group standings. For Stuttgart, the win provides momentum and belief that they can compete against Europe’s elite.
Stuttgart’s Breakthrough Moment
El Bilal Toure’s stoppage-time winner was the decisive moment that earned them a famous victory over Juventus in the Champions League. Stuttgart’s relentless approach and Juventus’ defensive frailties were exposed, and despite Mattia Perin’s best efforts in goal, it was the German side that walked away with all three points. With this win, Stuttgart has revived their chances of progressing in the competition, while Juventus must regroup ahead of their upcoming matches.
As the Champions League group stage reaches its midpoint, the race for knockout-stage qualification is heating up, and Stuttgart’s dramatic victory over Juventus will be remembered as one of the key moments of this season’s tournament.
