Vlahovic scores on Champions League debut but Villarreal holds Juventus

• Villarreal hosted Juventus in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 between the two sides on Tuesday, Feb 22 2022.
• Juventus scored early on in the first minute through debutant Dusan Vlahovic but Villarreal equalized later on.
• Vlahovic scored one of the quickest goals in Champions League history.

Dusan Vlahovic scored on his Champions League debut as Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw by Villarreal in the first leg of their last-16 tie in Estadio de la Ceramica, Villarreal.

The former Fiorentina forward broke the deadlock after just 32 seconds at El Madrigal, netting the fastest goal in the competition by a Juventus debutant.

Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic celebrates after scoring the opener for his side against Villarreal in the UEFA Champions League in Villarreal on Tuesday, February 22 2022. | PHOTO: Getty Images |

But the Bianconeri were pegged back when Dani Parejo capitalised on sloppy defending by equalising in the 66th minute.

Neither side could then find a winner, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the return leg in Turin on March 16.

Leading the line in the Champions League for the first time since his move from Fiorentina, Vlahovic wasted no time in making his mark.

Latching onto Danilo’s long ball, he brilliantly slotted into the far corner past Geronimo Rulli, becoming only the second Juventus player to find the net in the opening minute of a match in the competition.

Villarreal forward Dani Parejo celebrates after netting the equalizer against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League last-16 in Villarreal on Tuesday, February 22 2022. | PHOTO: Getty Images |

Villarreal looked to respond in the 13th minute; Alfonso Pedraza embarked on a driving run into the box before feeding Giovani Lo Celso, who was denied by the post.

Wojciech Szczesny was then called into action as he produced smart reflexes to block Arnaut Danjuma’s clever flick towards the goal.

The hosts turned up the pressure after the break and were rewarded with an equaliser midway through the second half.

Completely unmarked, Parejo collected Etienne Capoue’s lofted ball into the area before neatly sweeping past Szczesny.

Adrien Rabiot was fortunate to avoid further punishment when booked for his rash challenge on Samuel Chukwueze, and Juve held on as Villarreal enjoyed a greater share of possession as the clock ticked down.