Going into the game against Genoa on matchday 16, Juventus found themselves behind league leaders AC Milan by as many as 14 points.
A win against the Rossoblu at home, therefore, was crucial.
Massimiliano Allegri’s men did not disappoint, opening the scoreline within the first 10 minutes.
Juventus’s first goal, also the prime highlight of the game, came from Juan Cuadrado. The Colombian international scored a direct goal from a corner to get his side on the scoresheet, one which sent the crowd buzzing through the roof at Allianz Stadium.
Cuadrado scored what is known in footballing jargon as an Olympic goal, or an “Olimpico”, which is essentially a goal directly scored off a corner.
Just eight minutes into the game, the former Chelsea forward swung in the ball home. And alternate angles to the goal reveal the amount of bend the ball took while in-flight before taking a sharp dip and going over Salvatore Sirigu’s head and into the net.
It wasn’t the first time such a goal had been produced, but it certainly was a first for the Colombian, who appeared jubilant as much as surprised at finding the net.
Cuadrado even went as far as to suggest that the goal was intentional, saying:
“I always try to go for the near post from the corner flag and this time it went well.”
Intentional or otherwise, fans were ecstatic to see their team get off to a great start.
And once Dybala walloped the ball into the net for a second goal in the 82nd minute, handing the home side a breathing room with a 2-0 lead, collective exhales went about the crowd.
Juventus thus secured their second straight win in the league, rising up to fifth place in the table seven points short of a Champions League spot.
