Juventus saw off Freiburg to reach the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday, claiming a 2-0 win at the Europa-Park Stadion.
Dusan Vlahovic and Federico Chiesa scored as Juventus saw off 10-man Freiburg to reach the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals, winning 2-0 in Germany to claim a 3-0 aggregate triumph.
After taking a slim lead in the first leg in Turin, Juventus saw Vlahovic’s effort ruled out for offside in Thursday’s second leg before Manuel Gulde was sent off for blocking a shot with an outstretched arm.
Vlahovic converted to convert the ensuing penalty in the 45th minute to calm any Juventus nerves before Chiesa came off the bench to add gloss to the scoreline late on.
Juventus were fine in the end to book their place in Friday’s last 16, keeping alive their hopes of European silverware – and qualification for next season’s Champions League.
Freiburg scored for Juventus early on as they looked to level the tie when Matthias Ginter forced Wojciech Szczesny into a quick header in the 22nd minute.
The visitors thought they were ahead five minutes later when Vlahovic volleyed home after Gleison Bremer’s header clattered the crossbar, but the Serbian’s celebrations were cut short when VAR ruled it offside.
Juventus had better luck with another VAR assessment as half time approached. Federico Gatti’s shot grazed Gulde’s arm as he tried to block, earning the defender a second yellow card and allowing Vlahovic to score from the spot.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Freiburg continued to press after half-time, Michael Gregoritsch firing wide from a free-kick before Szczesny turned away Lucas Holer’s volley.
Chiesa saw Mark Flekken stop the crossbar and Freiburg were tiring.
