Lloyd Kelly’s Essential Equalizer Saves Juventus in Eight-Goal Champions League Thriller vs Dortmund

Juventus and Borussia Dortmund produced one of the vital memorable Champions League video games in current reminiscence, with a record-breaking eight targets being scored within the second half alone.

English defender Lloyd Kelly, who was signed by Juventus from Newcastle on the finish of the summer season, ended up being the shock hero after heading in a dramatic equalizer late in stoppage time.

Kelly’s Redemption Story

Kelly would not overlook the night time when Juventus survived the Dortmund scare. According to The Guardian, he had earlier given away a penalty that noticed Dortmund take their result in 4-2. However, on the time Juventus wanted him most, he delivered.

Barely minutes after Dusan Vlahovic diminished the deficit within the 94th minute, Kelly got here by means of with a volley from a cross by the Serbian striker within the 96th, grabbing a 4-4 draw and triggering chaotic celebrations within the Allianz Stadium.

Eight Goals in One Half

What characterised this match as really distinctive was the utter insanity of the second half. Following a cautious, scoreless first half through which each groups threatened little, the gates had been then flung open after the 51st minute.

Dortmund‘s Karim Adeyemi got here out on prime within the scoring stakes with a scientific aim, however Juventus hit again nearly instantly by means of Kenan Yildiz’s breathtaking long-range strike.

The back-and-forth continued with Felix Nmecha and Vlahovic buying and selling targets in fast succession. Dortmund then regained management when Yan Couto’s low drive discovered the nook, adopted by Ramy Bensebaini’s penalty that gave them a two-goal cushion. But Juventus refused to fold, with Vlahovic and Kelly putting in damage time to safe a well-known draw.

This encounter has now descended as solely the second Champions League match of all time to include eight targets in a half: the opposite being Bayern Munich‘s 9-2 thrashing of Dinamo Zagreb final time period.

How Both Camps Reacted to the Eight-Goal Match

Juventus coach Igor Tudor was left speechless after the ultimate whistle. He mentioned that he praised the group for being “lucky” to think about themselves till the final second.

Meanwhile, Dortmund’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl complimented each groups on their attacking efficiency, even in frustration. He lauded the hassle of the 2 golf equipment and admitted that he was “actually satisfied” with the way in which Dortmund carried out, even when it didn’t go as deliberate.

Vlahovic instructed the reporters:

These final two matches have been very helpful for us. Today, given how the match unfolded, it was essential to not lose, and we managed to do this. We are a younger group. We want to begin studying the sport higher and shutting it out earlier. We cannot concede a aim instantly after scoring. I all the time attempt to do my greatest; I’m by no means glad. I all the time have excessive expectations, and that is what drives me to wish to enhance daily. I play for one of the vital essential groups on this planet, so it is regular that I all the time wish to push myself past my limits. I’m discovering stability, however I can nonetheless enhance lots.