Juventus were just moments away from a vital away victory in their pursuit of Champions League qualification, but a dramatic late equalizer from Matias Vecino ensured Lazio secured a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Olimpico.
Both teams entered the match tied on 63 points, battling for fourth place alongside Roma in a fiercely contested race for a Champions League spot. Juventus faced significant absences, missing key players like Teun Koopmeiners, Lloyd Kelly, Andrea Cambiaso, Gleison Bremer, Juan Cabal, Arek Milik, and the suspended Kenan Yildiz. Dusan Vlahovic and Federico Gatti were available on the bench, while Lazio were without Elseid Hysaj, Nuno Tavares, and Patric.
Fast Start and First-Half Chances
The game kicked off at a frenetic pace. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru threatened early, forcing a save at the near post after just two minutes. Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio was called into action multiple times, notably dealing with a tricky cross-shot from Gustav Isaksen. At the other end, Alberto Costa created danger, but his efforts were either blocked or saved by Lazio’s defense.
Juventus Take the Lead
After the break, Juventus found their breakthrough. Weston McKennie delivered a precise cross from the left, and Randal Kolo Muani escaped his marker to head home from close range, giving Juventus a crucial lead.
Turning Point: Kalulu’s Red Card
The match took a dramatic turn when Pierre Kalulu was shown a straight red card for violent conduct after VAR reviewed an incident where he struck Taty Castellanos. This left Juventus down to ten men for the final half-hour, inviting relentless Lazio pressure.
Lazio’s Relentless Attack
With the numerical advantage, Lazio pushed forward. Mario Gila’s header was saved, and Pedro narrowly missed from distance. Renato Veiga made a crucial clearance to deny Boulaye Dia a tap-in, and Juventus manager Igor Tudor made bold substitutions, bringing on Vlahovic and Gatti to shore up the defense.
Late Drama and Equalizer
As the clock ticked down, Lazio’s siege intensified. Alessio Romagnoli headed over from a corner, and the referee initially awarded a penalty when Di Gregorio collided with Castellanos, but VAR overturned the decision for offside.
In stoppage time, Di Gregorio produced a stunning fingertip save to deny Dia, pushing the ball onto the post. But in the 96th minute, after another save from Di Gregorio on a Castellanos header, Vecino pounced on the rebound from three yards out, snatching a dramatic equalizer for Lazio.
The Race Continues
The 1-1 draw leaves both teams still locked in the Champions League race, with Juventus holding onto fourth place and Lazio close behind. The battle for European qualification remains wide open as the Serie A season heads toward its conclusion.
Goals: Kolo Muani 51 (J), Vecino 96 (L)
Lazio (4-2-3-1): Mandas; Marusic (65′ Lazzari), Gila, Romagnoli, Pellegrini; Guendouzi, Rovella (65′ Vecino); Isaksen (53′ Pedro), Dele-Bashiru (53′ Dia), Zaccagni; Castellanos.
Juventus (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio; Savona, Renato Veiga, Kalulu; Alberto Costa (79′ Douglas Luiz), Locatelli, Thuram, Weah; Nico Gonzalez (46′ Conceicao) (86′ Gatti), Mckennie; Kolo Muani (76′ Adzic) (86′ Vlahovic).
