English defender Lloyd Kelly went from villain to hero as his stoppage-time header earned Juventus a dramatic 4-4 draw with Borussia Dortmund in Turin, capping an extraordinary second half that produced all eight goals.
The former Newcastle centre-back, who conceded a penalty that put Dortmund 4-2 ahead, redeemed himself by rising to meet Dusan Vlahovic’s cross in the 96th minute. Just two minutes earlier, Vlahovic had reduced the deficit with a clinical finish, setting up a finale that will live long in Champions League memory.
It was only the second time in the competition’s history that eight goals have been scored in a single half, the first being Bayern Munich’s 9-2 victory over Dinamo Zagreb last season.
The match had given little hint of its impending chaos during a goalless first half, where both sides largely cancelled each other out. But the game ignited after the interval, with Karim Adeyemi curling Dortmund into the lead on 51 minutes.
Kenan Yildiz responded for Juventus 11 minutes later with a spectacular strike into the top corner, only for Felix Nmecha to restore Dortmund’s lead almost immediately with another superb finish.
Vlahovic levelled once more when through on goal, before Yan Couto’s low drive and Ramy Bensebaini’s penalty appeared to have secured Dortmund a famous away win.
But Juventus refused to fold. Vlahovic’s late effort off the woodwork gave them hope before Kelly, atoning for his earlier error, completed the rescue act with virtually the last touch of the game.
“How do you comment on a match with eight goals scored in the second half? You tell me,” said Juventus boss Igor Tudor. “Joking aside, it’s difficult to explain. In football, it’s never over, and we did well to believe in ourselves until the end.”
Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl praised both sides despite the late heartbreak. “Two teams played outstandingly well in the second half. It went back and forth, it was open, and fantastic for the spectators. Overall, I’m actually satisfied with the team’s performance, even if it sounds a bit skewed after the final minutes.”
The draw leaves both clubs with plenty of positives but also defensive concerns. For Juventus, the resilience and spirit under Tudor was clear; for Dortmund, the quality of their finishing shone, though their inability to hold onto a two-goal cushion will frustrate Edin Terzić.
What is beyond dispute is that this match will be remembered as one of the most breathtaking spectacles of this Champions League season.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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