Key Takeaways:
- Juventus and Borussia Dortmund played out a sensational 4:4 draw at the Allianz Stadium in their Champions League opener
- Dušan Vlahović emerged from the bench to score twice and provide an assist, all in the second half’s dramatic exchanges
- Juventus have now conceded seven goals in their past two matches, despite a prolific attack led by Vlahović
Balanced First Half Sets Up Second-Half Spectacle
Juventus were once again involved in a high-scoring encounter, this time sharing the points with Borussia Dortmund in a pulsating 4:4 draw at the Allianz Stadium to open their Champions League campaign. Following a relatively uninspiring first half devoid of clear scoring opportunities, the contest exploded into life after the break, with eight goals scored between the two sides.
Early on, Juventus nearly seized the initiative when Khéphren Thuram’s long-range deflected effort forced Gregor Kobel into a fine save in the fourth minute. From the following corner, Teun Koopmeiners was left unmarked but failed to properly connect with the ball. Borussia Dortmund enjoyed spells of possession, albeit without threatening up front, while the hosts opted for a conservative approach, focusing on counter-attacks. As the half progressed, Igor Tudor’s side began to assert themselves, with Bremer and Jonathan David both missing the target with efforts. David wasted a notable opportunity following a flick-on from Lloyd Kelly, and Loïs Openda was denied from a tight angle just before half-time.
EIGHT, yes EIGHT, second half goals as Juventus and Borussia Dortmund create an instant Champions League classic 🤯 pic.twitter.com/WQfFZ7P8er
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) September 16, 2025
Unforgettable Second Half: Goal Rush and Tactical Changes
The match’s character shifted dramatically after the interval. In the 51st minute, Michele Di Gregorio misjudged a ball in his area, affording Bayer a chance at a sharp angle that struck the post. The visitors capitalised moments later, as Karim Adeyemi broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute, catching the Juventus keeper off guard with a clever finish from the edge of the box.
The Bianconeri pressed for an equaliser but were nearly caught out at the back, with Adeyemi setting up Guirassy, only for the striker to be thwarted at close range. At the other end, Koopmeiners combined with Openda but skewed his shot off-target, while Julian Ryerson intervened to block Andrea Cambiaso’s attempt following another dangerous Juventus attack.
Tudor responded with a double substitution, introducing Dušan Vlahović and João Mário for David and Weston McKennie. The move proved inspired. Kenan Yıldız restored parity in the 64th minute with a brilliant long-range strike. However, Borussia Dortmund retaliated immediately—Felix Nmecha restored the visitors’ advantage with a sublime finish in the 65th minute. Juventus answered back less than three minutes later, as Yıldız turned provider and set up Vlahović, who promptly levelled the score for the second time on the night.
Late Drama: Goals, VAR, and Vlahović’s Decisive Impact
With the game wide open, opportunities flowed at both ends. Borussia Dortmund capitalised on a defensive lapse in the 75th minute when Yan Couto pounced on an error by Thuram, and Di Gregorio could not keep out the shot, putting the visitors 3:2 ahead. Juventus pressed for another equaliser, which opened up spaces for Borussia going forward.
After a long diagonal ball towards Julian Brandt, the midfielder’s touch went astray but nevertheless found Guirassy, whose shot struck Kelly and prompted a VAR check for handball. Despite suggestions that the ball hit the defender’s chest, the referee explained the decision and the penalty stood after a lengthy review. A short dispute between Guirassy and Ramy Bensebaini over who would take the spot-kick ended with the latter converting calmly in the 86th minute, extending Dortmund’s lead to 4:2.
Juventus were far from finished. Vlahović scored his second of the evening in the 90+4th minute after connecting with a low cross from Pierre Kalulu. Shortly thereafter, the Serbian delivered an exquisite cross for Lloyd Kelly, whose header found the net, levelling the match in the 90+6th minute. VAR reviewed the goal for offside, but it stood, sending the Allianz Stadium into raptures.
Having netted four goals so far this season—all from the bench—Vlahović has become a crucial talisman for Juventus. Despite the attacking fireworks, defensive fragility continues to trouble Tudor’s men, who conceded seven times in just two recent fixtures, following their 4:3 victory over Inter days prior.
Match Statistics
| Fixture | Result | Goal Scorers |
|---|---|---|
| Juventus v Borussia Dortmund | 4:4 |
0:1 – Adeyemi (52) 1:1 – Yıldız (64) 1:2 – Nmecha (65) 2:2 – Vlahović (68) 2:3 – Couto (75) 2:4 – Bensebaini (86-penalty) 3:4 – Vlahović (90+4) 4:4 – Kelly (90+6) |
Looking Ahead
Though the result offered thrilling entertainment, Juventus will need to address defensive lapses if they are to progress further in this season’s Champions League. With contract uncertainties lingering around Vlahović, his clinical performances from the bench have nonetheless proven indispensable. Attention now turns to upcoming fixtures as both teams seek stability in Europe’s elite competition.
