In a spectacular return to the UEFA Champions League, Juventus showcased their dominance by defeating Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven 3-1 in front of a roaring home crowd on Tuesday. The match marked the debut of coach Thiago Motta in European competition, and he couldn't have asked for a better start, thanks to remarkable performances from Kenan Yildiz and Weston McKennie, who both found the net in a stunning first half.

A Historic Night for Kenan Yildiz

The night began with Yildiz, a promising young talent, putting Juve ahead in the 21st minute with a breathtaking curling shot from just inside the box, a moment that left PSV's keeper, Joel Drommel, completely stranded. In an extraordinary feat, at just 19 years and 136 days old, Yildiz not only scored but also set a record as Juventus' youngest goalscorer in Champions League history, surpassing the legendary Alessandro Del Piero, who previously held the record since 1995.

Juventus Extends Their Lead

McKennie added to the excitement in the 27th minute, sliding the ball into the net from close range, enhancing Juventus's lead to 2-0 before halftime. As the game resumed, PSV aimed to regroup; however, Nicolas Gonzalez sealed the victory for Juventus just seven minutes into the second half with a well-placed shot that struck the far top corner, bringing the score to 3-0.

PSV's Late Fight

Despite late-game efforts from PSV, which saw Ismael Saibari find the back of the net in stoppage time, the damage had been done. This loss was particularly challenging for PSV, as they entered the match with a perfect record in the Eredivisie, boasting 15 points from five matches. Furthermore, the absence of first-choice goalkeeper Walter Benítez, who had to leave the team for the birth of his son mere hours before the match, undoubtedly impacted PSV's performance.

A Thrilling Return for Juventus

This encounter between two former European champions was not just a thrilling matchup but also marked a significant return for Juventus, who were eager to re-establish themselves in Europe after a year-long absence due to penalties related to their transfer dealings. Their return to the Champions League was awaited with bated breath, especially after last year's ban stemming from violations of UEFA Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play rules, which Juventus has steadfastly denied.

Looking to the Future

Juventus looked poised to make a strong comeback in this new format of the Champions League, where 36 teams will compete across eight matches in the league phase, replacing the familiar group stage. With this match, fans are left wondering—could Juventus be on their way back to reclaiming their spot among Europe’s elite? Only time will tell, but for now, the Old Lady has certainly made a statement!