And breathe! What a night in Rome — a rollercoaster of a match at the Stadio Olimpico ended with Lazio and Juventus sharing the spoils after 100 minutes of football, late VAR drama, and one crucial red card.
It was Juventus who struck first. After a tight, goalless first half where both sides struggled to find rhythm, the visitors started the second period with intent. In the 51st minute, Weston McKennie’s perfectly weighted cross was met by Randal Kolo Muani, who powered a header past Mandas to give Juve a deserved lead.
But the match swung dramatically in the 60th minute. Pierre Kalulu needlessly lashed out at Valentin Castellanos, and after a swift VAR check, was shown a straight red card. Down to 10 men, Juventus were left clinging on as Lazio turned up the pressure.
The hosts rattled off chance after chance — Mario Gila, Pedro, Romagnoli, and substitute Boulaye Dia all came close. The drama peaked in the final minutes when Castellanos appeared to be fouled by Di Gregorio in the box, but VAR controversially ruled him offside.
Lazio refused to give in. In the 90+6th minute, Lazzari swung in a hopeful cross that Castellanos headed goalwards. Di Gregorio made the initial save, but Matías Vecino was on hand to tap in the rebound. After a lengthy VAR check for offside and contact in the buildup, the goal was finally confirmed to send the home fans into raptures.
The point lifts Lazio above arch-rivals Roma into fifth on goal difference, while Juventus stay fourth, only ahead of Lazio thanks to their slightly superior goal difference. With just three games left, the race for the final Champions League spots is set for a nerve-shredding finish.
Match Recap Lazio 1-1 Juventus Goals: Kolo Muani (51’), Vecino (90+6’) Red Cards: Kalulu (60’)
