Weston McKennie and Tim Weah were named to Juventus' starting XI, but the Americans couldn't turn the tide in a 2-0 Champions League loss to Benfica.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
McKennie captains JuveWeah starts at right backJuve fall 2-0 to BenficaFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
U.S. international Weston McKennie got the captain armband for Juventus, but that was arguably the sole highlight in an uninspiring 2-0 defeat to Benfica in their Champions League league phase finale.
Juventus entered the match knowing that they had a spot in the next round, even with a defeat. The game's opening goal came in the 16th minute, and it was kickstarted by a Federico Gatti mishap at the back. The ball then fell to Alexander Bah, who slid a pass to Vangelis Pavlidis to give the Portuguese side the 1-0 advantage. They would never look back, as they booked their own place in the knockout playoffs with Wednesday's victory, solidifying their triumph with an Orkun Kokcu insurance goal late on.
As for Juve, they finish outside the top eight with a loss, which means they, too, will be entered in the knockout phase playoffs.
AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE
McKennie started the match with a distinct honor, having been named Juve's captain on the day. And, while he held his own on that left-hand side, it wasn't enough.
In the end, McKennie completed over 90 percent of his passes while creating two chances with dangerous crosses. One of these chances came late on, when the American cut a pass back to Douglas Luiz, who wasn't able to place a shot past the goalkeeper. Defensively, he had a few good moments, too, as he went toe-to-toe with former Juventus winger and Argentine legend Angel Di Maria.
Weah, meanwhile, started opposite McKennie at right-back, and he, too, had some good moments on the attacking end, headlined by one long-range shot on goal. A winger at heart, Weah did well enough defensively, too, winning six of his eight duels while also making two tackles on the day.
Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?
With the start, McKennie has now featured in seven Champions League games this season, with four being starts. It equals his most Champions League appearances in one season. As for Weah, he, too, has featured seven times in this competition, the most in a single season of his career so far.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR JUVENTUS?
Juve will turn their focus back towards Serie A as they play host to Empoli on Sunday. As things stand, the sit fifth in Serie A as they look to push up the table for that top-four finish.
