A crucial Serie A encounter in the race for Champions League football between Atalanta and Juventus ended 1-1 at Stadio di Bergamo on Sunday night.
With both sides struggling for fluidity in the attacking third, it looked like a 0-0 outcome was inevitable as we entered the final 15 minutes. Juve's rearguard had been highlighted by the play of Matthijs de Ligt and Danilo, and it was the two Old Lady defenders who'd prove instrumental in both goals.
First, in the 76th minute, De Ligt was beaten (for the first time all evening) on the turn and resorted to a hack on Ruslan Malinovskyi that earned the Dutch center back a yellow card. It seemed like a smart tactical foul given the distance from goal, but Malinovskyi dusted himself off and smashed a thunderbastard that Wojciech Szczęsny couldn't get to.
What a hit.
RUSLAN MALINOVSKYI FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF BERGAMO. pic.twitter.com/1tWDF9eAjL
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 13, 2022
This angle of Ruslan Malinovskyi's GOLAZO pic.twitter.com/5VxI7OYh0r
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 13, 2022
Atalanta figured to have landed a stunning blow in the race for the Champions League, but a Paulo Dybala corner kick in stoppage time was met by Juve's other standout defender, Danilo, to snatch a point.
DANILO WITH THE EQUALIZER IN STOPPAGE TIME.
Weston McKennie enjoyed that one. pic.twitter.com/dLoqrzLo8P— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 13, 2022
Weston McKennie lasted 81 minutes in midfield before being replaced by striker Moise Kean as Juve went in search of a goal. He had a couple sensational moments to continue his run of good form.
We see you Weston McKennie pic.twitter.com/ReM7XPzUQd
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 13, 2022
What a great pass from Weston McKennie for Paulo Dybala. Should’ve had an assist in today’s match. Hope to see more of this from McKennie.pic.twitter.com/lfIkzNVxQr
— USMNT Otaku (@USMNTOtaku) February 13, 2022
The team turns its focus to the derby match against Torino on Friday before traveling to Spain to play Villarreal in the Champions League on Feb. 22.
