Manchester City travelled to Turin this evening for their first group fixture against Juventus. They were greeted by adverse weather conditions that had left the normally impressive Moccagatta Stadium sodden.
Both sides started slowly as they struggled to adapt to the playing conditions; any attempts to pass or run with the ball were severely hampered. This did however lead to mistakes which made for an exciting game for spectators.
After an even half it was Man City who struck first. A well taken corner from Lopes found Meppen-Walters who finished well with an accurate header, and the teams went in for half-time at 1 – 0.
Juventus came out fighting in the second half, and soon had a string of chances. On 53 minutes Padovan broke free in the box and went down after a strong tackle, his appeals for a penalty were met with a yellow card for diving.
Minutes later they did however get a penalty, which Lawlor did incredibly well to save and keep his side in the lead.
As the rain continued to fall heavily the home side continued their search for an equaliser. In the 84th minute they got their reward. Rugani was the quickest to react after a shot rebounded off the cross bar and he tapped in the equaliser.
The remainder of the game was an even contest, and on the full time whistle a draw was probably a fair result. This leaves the sides neck and neck on 5 points, and piles the pressure on next week’s fixture where they face each other in Manchester. (Click here to see the group table.)