Juventus starting XI (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio, Kalulu, Kelly, Koopmeiners, McKennie, Miretti (subbed for Thuram), Locatelli (subbed for Openda), Cambiaso, Zhegrova (subbed for Conceicao), Yildiz (subbed for Cabal), David (subbed for Adzic)
Bench: Perin, Scaglia, Bremer, Kostic, Rugani, Joao Mario, Rouhi
Goals: McKennie 67’, David 73’
Pafos starting XI (3-4-2-1): Michail, Luckassen, David Luiz, Goldar (subbed for Pileas), Bruno, Sunjic, Pepe, Orsic (subbed for Jajà), Correja (subbed for Langa), Dragomir (subbed for Bassouamina), Anderson Silva (subbed for Quina)
Bench: Gorter, Petrou, Dimata
The opening 45 minutes saw Pafos frustrate the home side with energetic pressing and quick transitions.
Juventus struggled to assert themselves and mustered only one effort on target before halftime, while Pafos came close to taking the lead themselves—Anderson Silva’s clever effort cannoned back off the woodwork and Juventus keeper Michele Di Gregorio was forced into an early alert stop to keep the scores level.
However, the game changed after the break. Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti’s substitutions brought fresh impetus, with Francisco Conceição and Loïs Openda adding much-needed creativity and pace.
Their influence paid off when Weston McKennie opened the scoring in the 67th minute, turning with the ball in the box and shooting into the near post.
Buoyed by the breakthrough, Juventus pushed forward with more intent and control. Six minutes later the Bianconeri doubled their advantage with a ruthless counterattack finished by Jonathan David.
The win not only delivered Juventus’ first home success of the Champions League season but also lifted them into a more comfortable position in the group standings, strengthening their hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds.
