Dusan Vlahovic’s bittersweet champions league debut
Thumbnail Picture: Denis Doyle/UEFA/Getty Images
22/02/2022.
February 22, 2022.
A peculiar, unique date. For the entire world, and, especially for Dusan Vlahovic.
The Serbian striker — one of the most promising rising stars in European soccer — will certainly remember his Champions League première for many years to come.
Vlahovic warming up ahead of his Champions League debut. Credits: Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images
A debut inevitably linked to the fascinating date in which it actually took place.
On February 22, 2022, at 22 years old, wearing his #22 jersey, Dusan Vlahovic scored the opening goal in Juventus’ Round of 16 first leg against Villareal, becoming the 2nd younger player to score on his first Champions League match in the Bianconeri’s history.
The record is, therefore, still in Alessandro Del Piero’s hands, a Juventus legend, who addressed Vlahovic with encouraging words while commenting the game.
“He “feels” the goal and doesn’t even need to look at it to score.”
Vlahovic’s goal has even been reported to be the quickest ever scored from a starting Champions League debutant.
However, the sweet, initial joy — quite rapid, almost sudden, since it took only 33 seconds of game for him to score — presented its bitter counterpart at minute 66, when Danni Parejo equalised the match, and at the referee’s final whistle, when the result was still stuck on 1-1.
Danni Parejo celebrates, after sneaking into Juventus penalty area and equalising the game. Credits: Pablo Morano/Reuters
“It was huge to score on my debut; it was very emotional” Vlahovic declared. “However, I cannot be 100% satisfied because we have not won the game. We have to keep working hard.”
The still-pending, and quite unpredictable verdict, will be established on March 16, at the Allianz Arena, in Turin.
Vlahovic, and, with him, all Juventus’ supporter, surely hope to live another unforgettable and sparkling night, even if not in such a unique date.