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Manchester United beat Juventus 1-0 to safe a Champions League knock-out play-off tie with OH Leuven or Atletico Madrid, because of Jess Park’s first-half strike.
First-half
United began the significantly better of the 2 sides as they confirmed attacking intent from the beginning. Fridolina Rolfo was offered with an early probability however she couldn’t beat Pauline Peyraud-Magnin together with her effort.
It was then Juventus’ flip to check United’s defence they usually practically broke the impasse when Amalie Vangsgaard nearly capitalised on an error. Nevertheless, goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce interevened to maintain the ball out of the again of the online.
United wanted simply 18 minutes to take the lead they usually did so in gorgeous vogue. Park, who has seamlessly slotted into life on the membership since becoming a member of from Manchester Metropolis in the summertime, obtained on the top of a ball from Rolfo earlier than she curled it into the highest nook, properly previous the attain of Peyraud-Magnin.
Melvine Malard nearly doubled United’s benefit with a long-range try however she couldn’t fairly hit the goal.
Elisabeth Terland additionally had a sight of aim however dragged her effort simply large.
Park, who was having fun with a sensational recreation, launched into a surging run deep into Juventus territory earlier than she made the choice to shoot. Her strike was blocked for a United nook.
Although a single-goal benefit is a precarious place, the larger takeaway for United would have been the standard of their efficiency in Turin.
Second-half
Unsurprisingly, United’s ranges got here down a degree or two within the second half, with Marc Skinner’s aspect seemingly keen to guard the 1-0 scoreline.
Nevertheless, the guests nonetheless created the occasional alternative to place the sport past doubt. Park remained United’s most threatening participant, as soon as once more forcing the Juventus goalkeeper right into a save.
However it was skipper Maya Le Tissier on the again who stole the present in the course of the second 45 minutes.
The England worldwide swung into motion to disclaim Juventus what appeared like a sure aim after United had recklessly given the ball away. Moments later, Le Tissier was at it once more, this time producing a superb sort out to thwart a promising attacking alternative for Juventus.
Juventus’ foothold on the sport elevated as they stepped up their seek for an equaliser however United had a solution for every little thing that was thrown at them.
There was a controversial second when Terland was introduced down contained in the field by Juventus captain Cecilia Salvai. It appeared like a stonewall penalty however the referee didn’t give it. VAR agreed with the choice.
Fortunately for United, it didn’t matter an excessive amount of as they held on for all three factors. United have missed out on computerized quarter-final qualification, which is reserved for the highest 4 groups. As an alternative, they may progress to the two-legged play-off spherical.
The draw will happen on Thursday at 12:00 GMT.
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