UEFA Europa League 2023: Juventus Beat Freiburg 2–0 in Last-16 Second Leg, Advance Into UEL Quarters
Just before halftime, VAR awarded Juventus a penalty, breaking the score. Dusan Vlahovic defeated Freiburg goalkeeper Mark Flekken by being composed on the spot. As a result of Manuel Gulde receiving a second yellow card for handling the ball within the area, the hosts were down to ten men.
Berlin, March 17: Freiburg crashed out of the UEFA Europa League after losing 2-0 in the last-16 second leg, and 3-0 on aggregate, to Juventus on Thursday night. The hosts assumed control from the start and created chances through Ritsu Doan, who unleashed a dangerous effort in the fifth minute, and Matthias Ginter, who tested Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny with a 22nd-minute header. Juventus broke the deadlock as VAR awarded them a penalty just before the break. Dusan Vlahovic kept his nerves from the spot and beat Freiburg custodian Mark Flekken. The hosts were reduced to 10 men as Manuel Gulde was sent off for his second yellow card after handling the ball inside the area. Real Betis 0-1 Manchester United, Europa League 2022-23: Marcus Rashford Scores As Man Utd Qualify for Quarterfinals (Watch Goal Video Highlights).
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Freiburg came out with guns blazing in the second half as Michael Gregoritsch and Lucas Holer came close from promising positions after the restart, a Xinhua report said. The Breisgauer pressed frenetically but couldn't do any damage to Juventus' well-positioned defense, whereas the visitors searched for counterattack opportunities.
Federico Chiesa nearly caught Freiburg's defense flat-footed, but Flekken was on guard and tipped his effort onto the crossbar in the closing stages.
Chiesa kept it bowling though and doubled the advantage in injury time after Adrien Rabiot's cutback allowed the striker to put the result beyond doubt.
"We gave everything but also had a bit of bad luck in crucial moments. We performed very well but we missed the chance to score a goal and that hurts," said Gregoritsch.
"It was important to go through. We played well in the first half but looking at the second half we need to improve. We made technical mistakes and some wrong choices," said Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 17, 2023 11:19 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).