Juventus produced a breathtaking late rally to hold Borussia Dortmund to a 4-4 draw in a Champions League thriller at the Allianz Stadium, with every goal arriving in an astonishing second half.
Defender Lloyd Kelly became the unlikeliest of heroes, capping the comeback with a stoppage-time header, while substitute Dusan Vlahovic delivered a game-changing performance, scoring twice and setting up the dramatic equaliser.
The first 45 minutes offered little indication of the chaos to come, but the contest erupted after the interval.
Maximilian Beier rattled the frame of the goal to signal Dortmund’s intent, and moments later Karim Adeyemi coolly slotted into the bottom corner to break the deadlock.
Kenan Yildiz responded in spectacular fashion, curling a stunning effort over Gregor Kobel, but Dortmund immediately retook the lead through Felix Nmecha’s composed finish after fine work by Adeyemi.
Vlahovic’s introduction shifted momentum once more, the Serbian striker racing onto Yildiz’s pass to restore parity, only for Yan Couto to restore Dortmund’s advantage with a powerful drive.
The visitors appeared in control after Ramy Bensebaini converted from the penalty spot following a handball by Kelly, but Juve refused to yield.
Vlahovic struck again with a close-range effort before turning provider deep into stoppage time, whipping in a perfect delivery for Kelly to head home. A lengthy VAR check confirmed the defender had stayed onside, sparking wild celebrations in Turin.
For long stretches, it seemed Dortmund would end Juve’s proud record of never losing their opening home match in a European Cup/Champions League campaign.
Instead, Igor Tudor’s men produced a comeback for the ages, with Yildiz and Vlahovic central to their fightback.
Yildiz topped the charts for both shots (four) and chances created (three), while Vlahovic was ruthless, scoring from both of his efforts and adding a sublime assist. Juventus finished with 19 attempts and 1.95 expected goals, numbers that justified their share of the spoils.
For Dortmund, who led on three separate occasions, surrendering victory so late will sting. For Juventus, it was proof that they simply refuse to know when they’re beaten.
