Juventus vs Pafos Player Ratings: Kenan Yıldız 9/10 Rated as McKennie and David Seal Comfortable 2-0 Win

The Champions League encounter at the Allianz Stadium was a tale of two halves. Juventus eventually secured a deserved 2-0 victory over a resilient Pafos FC side. The first half was a surprisingly cagey affair. We saw both teams trade blows without finding the breakthrough.

Pafos FC showed some early intent. They created a few half-chances and looked organized at the back. However, Juventus gradually asserted their dominance as the half wore on. They just couldn't find that final, killer ball.

The second half was a completely different story. Juventus came out with renewed purpose and intensity. The pressure finally told in the 67th minute when Weston McKennie pounced after a corner to break the deadlock. Just five minutes later, a swift counterattack saw Jonathan David double the lead, effectively ending this match. It was a clear demonstration of Juventus's quality when they shifted through the gears. Here are Sportsdunia's Juventus vs Pafos player ratings:

Juventus Player Ratings vs Pafos

Check out the Juventus player ratings for the Juventus vs Pafos fixture.

Goalkeeper

Michele Di Gregorio - 8.0: What a commanding performance from the man between the sticks. He made 4 crucial saves, including a couple from inside the box that kept his clean sheet intact. We noticed his distribution was excellent, with a 90% pass accuracy. He also claimed the ball with authority, showing no signs of nerves. It felt like nothing was getting past him today. An all-around top display.

Defenders

Lloyd Kelly - 7.5: A very solid and composed outing for Kelly at the back. He was a rock, winning 5 of his 7 duels and making some key tackles. His passing was crisp and accurate, helping build attacks from the defence. He even popped up with a headed assist attempt from a corner. From our perspective, he barely put a foot wrong all game and was crucial to the clean sheet.

Teun Koopmeiners - 7.5: Playing in a deeper role, he was a real presence. He was strong in the air winning his aerial duels and made several important defensive actions. What stood out to us was his ability to switch play, completing 3 of his 5 long balls. He even had a decent header that just went over. A powerful and reliable performance.

Pierre Kalulu - 7.0: A quiet but very effective game from Kalulu. He didn't need to make flashy tackles because his positioning was so good, evidenced by his two interceptions. His pass completion of 94% shows how tidy he was in possession. He just went about his business without any fuss. Sometimes the best defenders are the ones you barely notice.

Midfielders

Manuel Locatelli - 7.0: The captain led by example for the 60 minutes he was on the pitch. He was everywhere, making 5 tackles and winning most of his duels. His passing was metronomic, spraying the ball around with ease. He did pick up a yellow card for a cynical foul, which was probably the only blemish on his performance before being substituted. A solid shift.

Weston McKennie - 8.5: My goodness what an engine. He was relentless, covering every blade of grass and popping up with the crucial opening goal. It was a classic poacher's finish after a corner. Beyond the goal, he made 6 ball recoveries and contributed defensively with key clearances and interceptions. He brought the energy that turned the game in Juve's favour. A fantastic all-action display.

Fabio Miretti - 6.0: A frustrating night for the young midfielder. We noticed he was trying to make things happen, creating 3 chances, but he was so wasteful in possession losing it 17 times. He seemed to be forcing the issue a bit too much. He had a few shots blocked and just couldn't find his rhythm before being taken off. A learning experience for him.

Andrea Cambiaso - 7.5: Provided the crucial assist for the second goal, capping off an energetic performance. He was a constant outlet on the wing, always willing to take on his man and deliver a cross. He also did his defensive duties diligently, making 7 ball recoveries. He was a bit loose with the ball at times but his attacking contribution was vital. A very positive display.

Forwards

Kenan Yıldız - 9.0: The highest-rated player and an absolute magician on the ball tonight. He was the creative hub for Juventus, creating a staggering 4 chances and grabbing an assist. His dribbling was a joy to watch; he constantly had defenders on the back foot. From our perspective, he was the man who unlocked the Pafos defence time and again. An outstanding performance that deserved a goal, our man of the match.

Edon Zhegrova - 5.5: A really disappointing first half for the attacker. He just couldn't get into the game at all. He lost the ball cheaply and was caught offside when trying to get in behind. It wasn't a surprise to see him hooked at halftime. He has the talent, but it was just one of those nights where nothing clicked for him.

Jonathan David - 7.0: A mixed bag for the striker. He got his goal with a cool finish on the counter-attack which ultimately sealed the win. However, he also missed a sitter in the first half which could have been costly. He worked hard but his overall involvement was a bit limited. Still, a goal is a goal and he delivered a key moment.

Substitutes

Francisco Conceição - 6.5: Came on at half-time and injected some energy but his end product was lacking.

Loïs Openda - 6.5: Looked lively after coming on and set up a chance for David.

Khéphren Thuram - N/A: Not enough time to make a significant impact.

Vasilije Adzic - N/A: Came on late and had one shot blocked.

Juan Cabal - N/A: Brought on in the final few minutes to see the game out.

Manager

L. Spalletti - 8.0: He got his tactics spot on. He recognized things weren't working in the first half and his halftime substitution made a difference. The team came out with much more intensity after the break, and his game plan to wear down Pafos worked perfectly. The two quick-fire goals were a testament to his side's superior fitness and tactical setup. A masterful coaching performance.

Pafos Player Ratings vs Juventus

Check out the Pafos player ratings for the Juventus vs Pafos fixture.

Goalkeeper

Neofytos Michail - 6.0: It's tough for a keeper when you concede two, but he couldn't do much about either goal. He made three saves, a couple of which were quite decent, to keep the scoreline respectable. His distribution was okay, but he was ultimately let down by his defence for the goals. He didn't make any glaring errors.

Defenders

David Luiz - 4.0: From our perspective, this was a night to forget for the veteran defender. He looked off the pace and was dribbled past on two occasions. He lost possession an alarming 13 times, putting his team under unnecessary pressure. He just didn't look comfortable against the pace and movement of the Juventus attack. A very poor performance.

David Goldar - 4.5: The captain had a difficult evening before being substituted. He made one error that led directly to a shot, which is a cardinal sin for a defender. While he made a few clearances, he struggled to contain the opposition and looked shaky. Not the performance you want from your leader at the back.

Derrick Luckassen - 5.5: He was probably the best of a struggling backline, which isn't saying much. He made four clearances and won most of his aerial duels. However, he was still part of a defence that was breached twice and looked vulnerable throughout the second half. An average performance at best.

Midfielders

Bruno - 5.0: A very busy but ineffective night for Bruno. He made a high number of ball recoveries which was impressive, but he also lost possession 16 times and committed 4 fouls. He was running around a lot but lacked the quality to make a real impact on the game. He seemed overwhelmed by the Juventus midfield.

Ivan Sunjic - 5.0: He struggled to get a foothold in the middle of the park. He picked up a silly yellow card and was dispossessed a couple of times in dangerous areas. He just couldn't cope with the movement and technical ability of his direct opponents. A tough night at the office for him.

Pêpê - 7.0: The standout performer for Pafos. He was a warrior in midfield, winning an incredible 8 duels and making 5 successful tackles. He showed real fight and desire, never shying away from a challenge. While his team lost, he can hold his head high. What stood out to us was his refusal to give up, a true bright spot.

João Correia - 6.5: He showed some nice touches and created a couple of chances for his team. He tried to be positive when he got on the ball and looked like one of the few who might create something. His final product was lacking, but the effort and intent were there. A decent shift in a losing effort.

Forwards

Mislav Orsic - 5.5: He got into some good positions and created three chances, but his final ball and shooting were wayward. He missed a big chance and just couldn't provide the spark his team needed. You could see the frustration on his face. It was a case of 'almost but not quite' for him all night.

Vlad Dragomir - 6.0: He managed to get two shots on target, forcing the keeper into saves. But he also missed a big chance that could have changed the complexion of the game in the first half. He worked hard but, like his fellow attackers, lacked the clinical edge required at this level.

Anderson Silva - 6.5: He looked lively and was a nuisance for the defenders, even hitting the woodwork. He was the most direct threat for Pafos for much of the game. However, his decision-making was poor at times, and he lost the ball in key moments. A performance full of energy but short on quality.

Substitutes

Domingos Quina - 5.5: Came on but struggled to make an impact on the game.

Mons Bassouamina - 6.0: Looked bright and set up a good chance shortly after coming on.

Kostas Pileas - 5.5: Brought on to shore up the defence but the game was already lost.

Bruno Langa - N/A: Not enough time to influence the match.

Manager

J. Carcedo Mardones - 5.0: His team was well-organized in the first half and frustrated Juventus, which was a good game plan. However, they had no answer when Juventus stepped up the pressure in the second half. His side was completely outplayed after the break, and his substitutions didn't change the flow of the game. He was simply out-coached on the night.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match Goes to Kenan Yıldız