Juventus marked their return to the UEFA Champions League with a commanding 3-1 victory over Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday. Two first-half goals from Kenan Yildiz and Weston McKennie set the tone for the match, with Nicolas Gonzalez adding a third after the break in what was a perfect European debut for coach Thiago Motta.
Juventus, back in Europe’s elite competition after a one-year absence, wasted no time in making their presence felt. In the 21st minute, Turkish sensation Kenan Yildiz curled a stunning shot from just inside the box, beating PSV goalkeeper Joel Drommel as the ball ricocheted off the post and into the net. Yildiz’s goal not only gave Juve the lead but also saw him become the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer in Champions League history at 19 years and 136 days, breaking Alessandro Del Piero’s long-standing record from 1995.
Weston McKennie quickly doubled the lead just six minutes later, finishing inside the right-hand post after a close-range attempt moments earlier was blocked. McKennie’s goal cemented Juventus’ first-half dominance, leaving PSV scrambling for answers.
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Despite PSV’s attempts to claw their way back into the game after the break, Juventus remained in control. In the 52nd minute, winger Nicolas Gonzalez scored his debut Champions League goal with a strike into the far top corner, set up by Dusan Vlahovic’s precise cross. The goal all but sealed the victory for the Italian giants.
PSV managed a late consolation goal in stoppage time when Ismael Saibari found the back of the net, but it was too little, too late. Juventus, who have yet to lose in Serie A this season, conceded their first goal of the campaign but maintained their unbeaten streak.
This win marked a significant milestone for Juventus, who returned to the Champions League after missing out last season due to a points deduction and a UEFA ban for breaching Financial Fair Play regulations. The Bianconeri have been keen to reclaim their spot among Europe’s elite, and Tuesday’s performance showed they’re ready to compete at the highest level once again.
PSV, who lead the Eredivisie with a perfect record this season, faced an unexpected setback just hours before the match when first-choice goalkeeper Walter Benitez left Turin to attend the birth of his son. His absence left PSV vulnerable, and despite their efforts to turn the game around, Juventus proved too strong.
