Dybala’s astonishing free-kick wins it for Juventus

There was a lot of build-up for this fixture as the encounter between Juventus and Atletico Madrid has never disappointed. Yesterday, however, the two clubs failed to produce goals and entertain their fans but displayed some phenomenal defending skills.

The Old Lady had a lot of possession, but once again their midfielders failed to be creative. The Rojiblancos, on the other hand, took 16 shots, however, none of them could end at the back of the net.

The first-half goal from Paulo Dybala separated the two sides at the end of the contest. The Argentine placed the ball at an acute angle right outside the box and fired a stunning free-kick that got Juventus ahead in the game.

None of us thought that Dybala could score from that angle, however, he proved everybody wrong and is now going to be a prime contender for the Goal of the Week of Matchweek 5.

Without further ado, let’s look at the talking points from the game:

1) Atletico’s attacking problem continues

The visitors did create a lot of chances and had more than a double number of shots in comparison to Juventus but still couldn’t put the ball behind Wojciech Szczęsny.

The Rojiblancos’ offensive line hasn’t been impressive this season. They have the likes of Alvaro Morata, Joao Felix, and Diego Costa. Still, they are not able to score goals, be it in La Liga or UCL. The Spanish club has scored six goals in five Champions League fixtures and 16 goals in 14 league games.

This is quite low when we compare it to their previous season. We all know that defense is the strongest skill of Atletico Madrid, however, one has to score goals to win the game.

The Rojiblancos have to rectify their attacking issues before it’s too late because they have a decent squad and can go far into the UCL this season.

2) Is Ronaldo’s performance declining?

From being the top goalscorer of the Champions League for six consecutive seasons to not even appearing in top-five highest goal scorer of UCL this season. Is this the downfall of one of the greatest football legends?

The Portuguese has scored only one goal in his five UCL appearances this season. His performance in the league isn’t different as he has scored only five goals in 10 games.

The Juventus winger has set his mark too high and now to see him like this will make anybody sad and worried about him. Because it makes us feel that ‘Is this the end of CR7?’ Well, we can’t say that with surety because his physique is phenomenal, and he can get past anybody with his pace. His quality of the game, however, has declined since he joined Juventus.

Nevertheless, Ronaldo has always made a strong comeback and I’m hoping that this time also he turns the table around and help his side in winning all the major competitions.

3) Juventus’ rock-solid defense

The day Giorgio Chiellini suffered a long-term injury this season, it opened a way for Mathijs de Ligt to the playing XI of Juventus. The defender, however, failed to give out solid performances that he gave last season and based on which he was signed by the Old Lady.

This, however, has changed and now the defensive line of Juventus is back to its old days, where they didn’t use to let any club score goals easily.

The Old Lady have conceded the least number of goals in the league (10 goals). Even in Group D, the Juventus have conceded only four goals and are league leaders currently.

If the defensive line of the Italian club keeps performing in such a manner, then it’s going to difficult for any club to get past them. Also, with such talented offensive line, they are the prime contenders to win the Champions League this season.

Cover picture credits: Scroll.in