En-Nesyri’s Coup and a Narrow Turin Result
Seville was approaching a milestone in a tense Europa League evening in Turin. Juventus hosted the Spaniards with a reputation to defend, and the visitors showed early courage, pushing their way forward from the first whistle. A dangerous start for Juventus came undone when a headed strike from En-Nesyri opened the scoring for the guests, signaling that Nervión would not merely sit back. The goal arrived as Seville pressed high, taking advantage of moments when the Italian side left space behind their defense. Soon after, Szczesny faced another danger as En-Nesyri pressed forward, keeping the pressure on the Juve defense. The first half carried a sense of immediacy and risk for both sides, with Juve relying on set pieces to create chances while Seville looked to exploit gaps and counter at speed.
As the game unfolded, the home side clung to belief at every turn. The visitors were not timid in possession, and Sevilla’s counter play looked sharp and purposeful. Badé, along with Bade and Gudelj, formed a compact back line that resisted Juve’s attempts to impose themselves with quick, direct play. The encounter remained intense as the clock moved forward and the players exchanged blows in a battle to seize control before the break.
At the 25th minute, a moment of incisive counterattack from Sevilla concluded with a goal that changed the dynamic. En-Nesyri found the back of the net, and the visitors celebrated a breakthrough that reflected their clinical approach in Europe this season. The striker had previously built momentum after the World Cup, scoring consistently across the post-tournament period, and his strike in Turin underscored that form. Sevilla pressed forward with renewed confidence after the opener, as Allegri sought to recalibrate his defense and midfield to stem the tide. A minute later, En-Nesyri looked set to seal the score, but Szczesny got a crucial touch that kept the balance in favor of Juventus. The home team then reorganized as the clock advanced, with Mendilibar substituting to inject fresh energy as Ocampos reported an injury, forcing Navas to lead and Montiel to shift back in defense.
In the stands and on the pitch, the match radiated a Europa League atmosphere that carried Porto’s and Nervión’s pride in equal measure. The midway point of the game brought both sides into a cautionary rhythm, with Sevilla defending stoutly and Juventus seeking to break through on the wings. The Juventus front line of Di Maria, Kostic and Rabiot looked to create unpredictability while Vlahovic aimed to impose himself as a lone focal point. Yet the Seville defense remained resolute, and the half hour brought an even contest instead of a clear advantage for either side.
Juventus Take Back the Initiative
After the restart, Allegri reshaped the forward lines, deploying Federico Chiesa and Iling Júnior from the flanks. The changes added width and a greater presence in the final third, but they also shifted Juventus to a more forward-focused configuration with a four-man defensive line that tested Seville’s patience. The visitors adjusted to the new shape by cooling the tempo and tightening the lines, refusing to cede space in key zones. The tactical battle intensified as Di María and Chiesa became constant threats, while Vlahovic was held in check by Bade and Gudelj. The home side grew more aggressive in pressing but found it difficult to sustain sustained pressure that could unlock Seville’s block.
As the hour passed, Sevilla appeared to fade slightly in terms of ball retention, while Juventus grew more dangerous on the flanks. The Italian side never managed to conjure a clear chance that would turn the game decisively, yet their wing play caused enough concern to keep Seville honest. Iling Júnior emerged as a potent agitator, testing the visitors with pace and trickery, and the decision to bring on Milik to replace Vlahovic suggested Juventus’ hunger for a late breakthrough. Mendilibar read the evolving situation and responded by bringing Papu Gómez into the fold, adding legs and experience to the midfield without disrupting the compact shape protecting the defense.
One Step Away from Budapest
With the clock ticking, the match narrowed to a tactical duel and a contest of nerves. Juventus pressed for a decisive moment, but the Seville defense held firm, tutoring the tempo and denying clean openings. A contentious moment arose when Bade challenged Rabiot in the box, yet the referee and VAR stayed silent. Mendilibar urged his players to sustain discipline, and the Sevilla squad responded with stubborn resolve. Juventus, despite their resources and reputation, faced a day when the goal simply would not bend to their will. The match finished with a sense that both teams had left everything on the pitch, securing a draw that left the tie perfectly poised for the return leg in Nervión.
Economy and resilience defined the night. Juventus, once the confident ship of a storied club, showed signs of caution as Seville, guided by Mendilibar, demonstrated a pragmatic approach that prioritized structure and work rate. The result left the bookmakers with a near even line ahead of the second leg, while Nervión looked forward to the decisive clash in their home arena. No dramatic flourish, just a hard-fought, disciplined performance that encapsulated the spirit of this Europa League encounter. The 1-1 result in Turin kept the dream alive for both sides and set the stage for a high-stakes return in Spain.
When Sevilla stroked the victory in Turin, a cool moment of precision held back a decisive break. The night closed with social media reflections and the shared sentiment among fans that the tie was finely balanced, with a single goal capable of rewriting the narrative in Budapest or Nervión. The drama of the Europa League continued to unfold, keeping both sides hopeful as they prepared for the next leg in front of their home supporters.
Data sheet:
1 – Juventus: Szczesny; Danilo, Bonucci (Gatti, art.61), Alex Sandro; Meydan, Miretti (Chiesa, m.46), Locatelli, Rabiot, Kostic (Iling-Junior, m.46); Di Maria (Pogba, m.70) and Vlahovic (Milik, m.61).
1 – Seville: To connect; Jesus Navas, Badé, Gudelj, Acuña; Fernando, Rakitic; Ocampos (Montiel, m. 34), Óliver Torres (Papu Gómez, m.74), Bryan Gil (Lamela, m.81); and En-Nesyri.
Goals: 0-1, M.26: En-Nesyri. 1-1, M.97: Gatti.
Judge: Daniel Siebert (Germany). Locals Rabiot (m.43), Lacatelli (m.77) and Chiesa (m.79) and visitors warned Rakitic (m.72), Bryan Gil (m.78), Bade (m.82) and Lamela (m.93).
events: The first leg of the Europa League semi-finals was played at the Juventus Stadium, which was packed with forty thousand spectators, including 1,500 Sevilla fans. It rained during some parts of the match.