Juventus Beats Lecce As Vlahovic Strikes Early To Boost Champions League Hopesnewsline24

Juventus moved up to third place in Serie A after a 1-0 victory away to Lecce, secured by Dusan Vlahovic’s goal after only 12 seconds. The early strike decided a tight match and strengthened Juventus’ push for Champions League qualification next season.

The visitors controlled much of the game and created the clearer chances, finishing with 15 shots and 2.16 expected goals. Lecce managed eight attempts worth 0.88 expected goals, while Juventus also saw two second-half efforts ruled out by offside after VAR checks.

Vlahovic’s breakthrough at Via del Mare came straight from kick-off, as Andrea Cambiaso delivered a precise cross from the right. Vlahovic controlled the ball cleanly and finished from close range past Wladimiro Falcone, giving Juventus the perfect start before some fans had settled.

The timing of that finish made history for Juventus in Serie A. Timed at 12 seconds, it was the club’s quickest league goal since detailed time data started in the 2004-05 season. It beat Arturo Vidal’s previous club best against Inter in November 2012, which arrived after 18 seconds.

Across the competition, only Rafael Leao and Hirving Lozano have scored faster league goals, at six and nine seconds. Juventus also extended a strong defensive run on their travels, recording a fourth consecutive away clean sheet in Serie A, a feat last achieved between October 2022 and January 2023.

Juventus thought the lead had doubled soon after half-time when Vlahovic scored following a rebound, but VAR ruled the striker offside. Another Cambiaso cross led to Pierre Kalulu turning the ball home on 59 minutes, though replays showed Kalulu slightly beyond the last defender.

Lecce rarely broke through Juventus’ defence, with substitute Konan N’Dri going closest when firing into the side-netting 12 minutes before full-time. Francisco Conceicao had earlier hit the post as Juventus chased a second goal, but the early strike proved enough to close out an important Serie A away win.