“Juventus vs Sevilla FC: Europa League Semi-Final First Leg Recap and Pogba’s Impact on the Game”

Di Maria had hit hard with a hat-trick against FC Nantes and a goal in the round of 16 first leg against Friborg (1-0). In mid-April, the Italians had ensured the minimum against Sporting (1-1) after their victory (1-0) in the first leg of the quarter-finals. This Thursday evening, Di Maria could not do anything against Sevilla FC (11th in La Liga) in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals.

Despite some situations at the start of the game, Juventus quickly ended up backing down and conceding the first goal of the game. The Andalusians opened the scoring by En-Nesyri (26th) thanks to a fine cross from Ocampos. The Bianconeri were unable to react then lacking inspiration offensively.

The entry of Pogba in place of Di Maria (70th) makes the difference. At 90+8, the French international headed for Gatti who saved his team at the last second. The Italians equalize 1-1 and leave a suspense for the return match next Thursday (May 18). In the other semi-final, AS Roma won at home against Bayer Leverkusen (1-0).

Serious in the league (2nd).

A few months ago, the Turin club had been found guilty in a story of false capital gains on transfers, around thirty in total, between 2018 and 2021. In addition, a dozen leaders and ex-leaders of Juventus had been temporarily suspended. The Turinese had appealed but did not obtain the cancellation of the penalty.

The club has, for the moment, convinced the judges of the Guarantee College (highest level of sports justice in Italy) to refer the case to the Court of Appeal of the Italian Football Federation. The Italians can therefore technically lose these fifteen points again at the end of the affair. Juventus is temporarily 2nd in the Italian championship.