Wed Feb 25 21:50:00 UTC 2026: ### McKennie’s Goal Not Enough as Juventus Crashes Out of Champions League
The Story:
Juventus’s Champions League hopes were dashed despite a valiant comeback effort against Galatasaray in the second leg of their play-off round tie on Wednesday. After a disastrous 5-2 defeat in the first leg in Turkey, Juventus managed to level the aggregate score thanks to goals from Manuel Locatelli, Arturo Gatti, and Weston McKennie. However, two late goals in extra time from Victor Osimhen and Baris Alper Yilmaz sealed Galatasaray’s progression to the Champions League proper, ending Juventus’ campaign. McKennie’s strong form continues, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.
Key Points:
- Juventus lost to Galatasaray in the Champions League play-off round despite a comeback attempt in the second leg.
- The first leg ended 5-2 in favor of Galatasaray.
- Weston McKennie scored Juventus’s third goal in the second leg, leveling the aggregate score.
- Galatasaray scored two goals in extra time to win the tie.
- McKennie has been in excellent form, scoring four goals in the Champions League and four goals in Serie A since the start of 2026.
- Juventus is currently in fifth place in Serie A and will face fourth-place Roma on Sunday.
Key Takeaways:
- Juventus’s poor performance in the first leg proved too difficult to overcome, even with a strong showing at home.
- Weston McKennie continues to be a key player for Juventus, demonstrating consistent goal-scoring ability.
- Juventus’s failure to qualify for the Champions League will have significant financial and sporting implications for the club.
- The upcoming Serie A match against Roma is crucial for Juventus’s chances of qualifying for next year’s Champions League.
- Galatasaray demonstrated resilience and tactical strength to secure their place in the Champions League.
First Piper 