Matthijs De Ligt dangerously accurate sliding tackle in the final moments of the game saves Juventus from losing tender lead against Atletico Madrid.
Juventus scored an amazing yet absurd goal through Paulo Dybala’s free-kick, but nevertheless the spot-kick by the Argentine international was crucial for the Italians to bag three points.
With the win, Juventus has qualified as the group leaders into the next round with 13 points on the table. Meanwhile, now there will be a battle between Bayer Leverkusen and Atletico Madrid for 2nd position and the Spaniards have to win in order to avoid complications.
Atletico Madrid might have got some air in the table if Matthijs De Ligt had not appeared in the match last night as the Dutch defender denied Los Rojniblancos with his sensational tackle.
Overall, De Ligt had a phenomenal game while he helped his side maintaining a clean sheet and it could be safe to say that he certainly justified the price money Juventus shelled at his acquisition.
But the highlight of his performance was in the 83rd minute, it looked almost certain that Atletico would equalise when Angel Correa looked to have a clear run at goal.
But De Ligt had other ideas. He came charging across and put in a superb last-ditch challenge to prevent Correa from netting an equaliser. The presence of applied by De Ligt was laudable as he detected the poor touch by Correa inside the box, which allowed him to make a risky tackle.
https://twitter.com/CavBianconero/status/1199445430653931520?s=20
Also read: Robert Lewandowski creates history after scoring quickest quadruple in Champions League history
Ever since De Ligt has arrived at the Turin based club, he has constantly been monitored by fans and media, which led to regular criticism over every mistake he has made while playing for the Old Lady.
Thus, De Ligt was asked again whether he was happy at the club following Tuesday’s game. to which the 20-year-old centre back replied:
“When you arrive at a club as important as Juve, there is pressure, but I wouldn’t be here if I couldn’t handle it,” he told Sky Italia, per Football Italia.
“I had to adapt to a new system, but I am satisfied with the way things are going. I want to enjoy this moment, I am satisfied and very happy to be here.”
Surely, De Ligt has a lot of time to grow considering his age and talent but it doesn’t seem it will take him long to shut his doubters if he constantly delivers such performances.
