UEFA Europa League – First half review: Juventus versus Red Bull Salzburg
The first half kicked off in aggressive fashion for the Bianconeri as Momo Sissoko became the first player in the match to get booked in the 12th minute of the first half for his rash challenge on an opposing player
inside his own half. It was a dangerous challenge which was rightly punished with a yellow card by the referee. Salzburg found it hard to get their rhythm in progress early on in the match but they soon found their feet as in the 13th minute
right after Sissoko got booked, Nikola Pokrivac in RB Salzburg was presented with a shooting opportunity. But his strike was blocked by the covering defence of Juventus F.C
In the 15th minute, Pokrivac followed Sissoko’s example as he foolishly got himself booked as well for an ill timed tackle on Alessandro Del Piero. In doing so, he became the first Salzburg player on the night to
get booked by the referee. In the 17thminute, Juventus had their first proper chance of the match to open the scoring as the ball fell to Del Piero’s feet; however the Italian strikers shot was acrobatically saved by the Salzburg keeper as the score
line remained at nil all.
As the first half approach the half way mark, Juventus grew in confidence as they were playing in front of their home crowd in the Stadia Della Apia. However Salzburg didn’t give up and they fought for every loose ball with the ex-Italian
champions. Nicola Legrottaglie had a glorious chance to open the scoring for Juventus in the 29th minute of the match as the defender connected accurately with a corner from Del Piero but his header went wide of the mark as Salzburg
were once again left off the hook.
From the 25th minute to the 35th minute, Juventus had a good succession of corners but they couldn’t capitalize on their set pieces as Salzburg just did enough to keep the home side at bay.
The men in white and black found it hard at times to break down the organized Salzburg defence which did very well to deal with most of the trickery that was thrown at them by Aquilani and Co.
Juventus were on the move right before the first half ended as well as once again it was Del Piero in the thick of the things. However, the striker was again off the mark with his finishing. A few minutes before the half time whistle was
blown by the referee, Ibrahim Sekagya got a yellow card for his tackle on Krasic. Eventually, the half ended with the score line at nil all.
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