Despite the record goal by 70 million man Dusan Vlahovic, Juventus lost an ideal starting position for reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
The Italian football top club did not get past 1: 1 (1: 0) at FC Villarreal after a lightning lead after 33 seconds. With the away goals rule overturned, Juventus need a win at home in the second leg on March 16 to progress.
Signed by Serie A rivals Fiorentina at the end of January, Vlahovic was released with a through ball shortly after Danilo kicked off. The 22-year-old attacker fired directly at two defenders, his right-hand shot found its way into the long goal corner. No debutant had ever scored faster in the Champions League.
The previous record was held by 1990 world champion Andreas Möller, who scored after 37 seconds for Borussia Dortmund in 1995 – against Juventus. Dani Parejo (66th) scored the equalizer with a direct acceptance.
Europa League winners Villarreal were unimpressed after falling behind early on, Giovani Lo Celso hitting the outside of the post after 13 minutes.
Juventus, who failed in the round of 16 in the last two seasons, showed a more mature performance for a long time in the game led by Daniel Siebert – the Italians’ defense fell asleep when Parejo equalized, who was completely free in front of Juve- Keeper Wojciech Szczesny stood.
