Juventus starting XI (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio, Kalulu, Gatti, Koopmeiners, Cambiaso, Locatelli (subbed for Miretti), Thuram (subbed for Kostic), McKennie, Conceicao (subbed for Zhegrova), Yildiz (subbed for David), Vlahovic (subbed for Adzic)

Bench: Perin, Scaglia, Openda, Rugani, Joao Mario, Rouhi

Goals: Vlahovic 34’

Sporting Lisbon starting XI (4-2-3-1): Rui Silva, Vagiannidis (subbed for Quaresma), Diomande, Goncalo Inacio, Araujo, Joao Simoes (subbed for Morita), Hjulmand, Quenda (subbed for Catamo), Trincao, Goncalves (subbed for Alisson Santos), Ioannidis (subbed for Suarez)

Bench: Virginia, Reis, Kochorashvili, Ribeiro, Bruno Ramos, Blopa, Mangas

Goals: Araujo 12’

TURIN — The Portuguese side struck first in the 12th minute through Maximiliano Araujo, and came close to doubling their lead before Dusan Vlahovic equalised for the Bianconeri in the 34th minute.

In the second half, Juventus maintained a high tempo but failed to create clear chances against the disciplined Sporting defence. In stoppage time, substitute David went close with a header that narrowly missed the target.

For Juventus, this was their third draw and fourth game without a win under new coach Luciano Spalletti, who took charge only recently. The result leaves the Italians on three points, while Sporting climb to seven, consolidating their position near the top of the group.

“I’m optimistic because I have strong, quality players — if the team keeps this spirit, things can get interesting,” said Spalletti after the match.

“[Sporting] play very good football and press aggressively. We had a difficult start but reacted well and perhaps even deserved to go ahead. Overall, we played a good game and just need to choose our moments better and move the ball faster.”

Spalletti also spoke highly about his home debut at the Allianz Stadium.

“It was a fantastic setting,” he said. “A stadium like this creates a wonderful atmosphere. Together, we can achieve great things.”

Dusan Vlahovic, by far Juventus’s standout performer, scored his third goal in this year’s Champions League but admitted to some frustration.

“We’re not satisfied with the result because we played better than Sporting,” said Vlahovic. “Still, I congratulate the whole team. I asked to be substituted after feeling a slight muscle tightness, but now I’m focused only on Saturday’s derby [against Torino] — in Europe we’ll fight to win all our remaining four games.”

Dutch midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, deployed unusually as a defensive wide centre-back, reflected on his new role:

“I’m comfortable now in this position. I just regret not scoring the second goal tonight, because we really wanted the win.”

ANSA