Juventus have been eliminated from the Champions League following their 4-3 defeat against Benfica in the group stage on Tuesday.
The Portuguese giants took the lead with the help of Antonio Silva before Dusan Vlahovic equalised shortly after.
The Old Lady’s defence failed to withstand Benfica’s relentless pressure, who went 4-1 up by the 50th minute courtesy of a penalty from Joao Mario and a brace from Rafa Silva.
Juve showed some fight towards the latter stages after goals from Arakadiusz Milik and Weston McKennie. However, they couldn’t prevent Benfica from wrapping up three points and securing their place in the next round.
The Serie A club have failed to qualify for the round of 16 for the first time since the 2013/14 season. They have also suffered four defeats in the group stage for the first time in their history.
Juve manager Max Allegri offered his thoughts on exiting the group stage, putting his fingers on the poor showing in the first half.
The Italian gaffer told Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia): “After the equaliser, you cannot concede another goal immediately like that on a penalty.
“We made life difficult for ourselves, didn’t take two chances with Vlahovic, then after the break went 4-1 down.”
Allegri urged his side to put their troubles behind them and focus on Serie A.
“This elimination hurts, we are angry and disappointed, but we have to focus now on Serie A and catching up because it has not been a good start to the season and we need to recover physical and mental energy,” Allegri added.
It has been so far a disastrous season for Juventus, who are out of the Champions League and eighth in Serie A.
It remains to be seen how the UCL exit will impact Allegri’s future, with the Italian manager under enormous pressure.
Juve’s chances of entering the Europa League are not secure either, as they will face Paris Saint-Germain on the final matchday.
The worst-case scenario would be Juve failing to pick up a win and Maccabi Haifa securing three points against Benfica next week.
