Weston McKennie is finally off the mark for Italian club Juventus.
McKennie delivered his eighth-career UEFA Champions League goal on Tuesday in a 3-2 road victory over Bodo/Glimt. The American midfielder played the full 90 minutes as Luciano Spalletti’s squad erased an early deficit in Norway.
Bodo/Glimt struck first as Ole Blomberg propelled the hosts in front 1-0 after 27 minutes. However, Juventus wouldn’t need much time in the second half to turn things around.
Lois Openda equalized for Juventus three minutes into the second half before McKennie powered the visitors in front.
Fabio Miretti drove down the left wing before crossing into the box, allowing McKennie to rise over a Bodo/Glimt defender and head home. It was McKennie’s first goal of the season in all competitions.
Bodo/Glimt thought it would walk away with one point after Sondre Fet tied the match after 88 minutes but Jonathan David had other ideas.
The Canadian international delivered in the first minute of second-half stoppage time for a 3-2 result.
McKennie won eight duels, made five tackles, and five clearances in one of his better performances of the season.
Juventus will resume Serie A play on Saturday against Cagliari.
Tim Weah assists once in Marseille’s home victory over Newcastle United
Ligue 1 side Marseille needed a second-half rally as well on Tuesday to pick up three points in UCL play.
Tim Weah assisted on the go-ahead goal for Roberto De Zerbi’s men as Marseille defeated visiting Newcastle United 2-1 at the Orange Velodrome. The result was Marseille’s third victory in a row across all competitions.
Despite Harvey Barnes propelling Eddie Howe’s men in front after six minutes, Marseille didn’t falter after halftime.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang equalized for the hosts in the 46th minute before Weah played in the Gabon international four minutes later for his second goal in quick succession. Weah created enough space on the right wing to drill a low cross into the box that Aubameyang directed home.
Weah now has four goal contributions in 14 appearances for Marseille this season.
Marseille will next face off with Toulouse in Ligue 1 play this weekend.
Malik Tillman helps Bayer Leverkusen down Man City
Bayer Leverkusen pulled one of the shocks of the UCL so far this season.
Malik Tillman played the full 90 minutes on Tuesday as Bayer Leverkusen downed Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium. Alejandro Grimaldo and Patrik Schick both scored for the visitors while goalkeeper Mark Flekken made made nine saves to preserve the clean sheet.
Grimaldo propelled Kasper Hjulmund’s squad in front after 23 minutes, drilling a right-footed shot into the bottom-right corner. The goal came off a great team play from Leverkusen, which Grimaldo capped off in sublime fashion.
Schick gave the Bundesliga visitors an insurance goal in the 54th minute, powering home a header past James Trafford. Ibrahim Maza’s floated a cross into the box giving Schick the opportunity to rise above Nathan Ake and head home.
Despite continuous pressure from Man City, Leverkusen’s backline stood firm, with Flekken also delivering a Man of the Match performance.
Tillman and Bayer Leverkusen are back in Bundesliga action on Saturday at the BayArena against Borussia Dortmund.
Weston climbing for the dunk!
Good day for American players. Tillman may not have scored or assisted, but he was everywhere for Leverkusen and was very good. Hockey assist on the second goal.
Thats why I tend to think Weah may be starting over Dest come the WC. He can deliver great crosses while Dest doesn’t have that in his locker. Dest likes to combine and looks for more short passes and cut inside.
But Dest may be the starting LWB if Jedi doesn’t get back playing and to his best.
Don’t forget about McKennie. He won’t be a 6 and probably not a 10 so outside halfback is prob where he will end up. I don’t see him not being a first 10 pick for most games. If everyone stays healthy, knock on wood, maybe Poch will be able to do some rotation in group play. If they make it out of the group would make for a much fresher squad in knockout round(s).