Juventus record hard-fought win against Sporting in Europa League quarterfinal first-leg, but lose key player to injury

Juventus recorded a crucial 1-0 victory against Sporting CP in the first-leg of their UEFA Europa League quarterfinal clash at the Allianz Stadium on Thursday night, April 13, 2023.

Federico Gatti's 73rd-minute strike was enough to secure the hosts' advantage against their Portuguese counterparts in the quarterfinals.

Juventus extended their unbeaten home record in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) to 14 matches with a 1-0 victory over Sporting CP in the first leg of their quarter-final tie at the Allianz Stadium. 

The Old Lady, who had never lost at home in the UEL, started the game brightly with Federico Chiesa seeing his effort saved by Antonio Adán in the early stages. 

Having knocked out current Premier League leaders Arsenal from the competition much was expected from Sporting who eventually grew into the contest having been dominated in the opening exchanges. 

Hidemasa Morita’s shot from distance sailed just wide, before captain Sebastián Coates’ acrobatic volley from a corner was well saved by Wojciech Szczęsny. 

The visitors were visibly growing in confidence, and Juventus suddenly looked troubled and unable to hold on to possession. 

In the 30th minute, Pedro Gonçalves who scored a wonder goal against Arsenal in the previous round, had a shot saved at the near post by Szczęsny, before Nuno Santos’ goalbound effort was blocked by Gleison Bremer. 

However, Juventus' frustrations grew more as they suffered a blow after Szczęsny was forced off through injury before the halftime whistle. 

Sporting started the second half brightly, with Gonçalves’ shot from range well saved by Szczesny’s replacement Mattia Perin two minutes after the restart.

 Juventus looked vulnerable at times against their Portuguese visitors but eventually had to dig deep before the deadlock was broken. 

Federico Gatti forced the ball home from close range in the 73rd minute to open the scoring for the hosts and pretty much settle the first-leg tie, as the Old Lady hold a narrow advantage heading into next week’s second leg in Lisbon. 

The obvious choice for the Pulse Sports Man of The Match would be Federico Gatti. 

The 24-year-old defender proved decisive for the hosts in a much-needed win on Thursday night. 

Asides from scoring the winner, made 3 clearances, 2 interceptions and blocked a crucial shot that could have ended up in the Juventus net.