This article contains adult content that may be inappropriate for minors. Please confirm that you are 18 years or older to continue. This article contains images or details that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. The Champions League provides nights like these: Juventus needed to overturn a three-goal deficit from Istanbul after losing 2-5 to Galatasaray. They found themselves leading 1-0 still in the first half, but with the expulsion of Lloyd Kelly in the 48th minute (João Pinheiro gave him a second yellow card, but after reviewing it with VAR, he reversed the decision to a direct red), it was thought that the mission would become almost impossible. However, the bianconeri organized themselves, with Locatelli (the scorer of the 1-0 penalty) dropping back to play as a defender while still maintaining his attacking role as a midfielder, and they achieved the unthinkable: two more goals, both from set pieces – Gatti at the far post in the 70th minute, after a cross from Kalulu, and Mc Kennie in the 82nd minute, creating the feeling that, even with one less player, history could be made in Turin. Francisco Conceição left the game in the 68th minute, with Zhegrova coming on in his place and bringing more dynamism to the attack. For a long time, Galatasaray trembled, unable to assert themselves in any aspect of the game despite having an extra player. In extra time, Juventus played more cautiously. They no longer needed to rely solely on heart; they could also use their heads. Still, they had a great opportunity, but Zhegrova squandered it in front of Cakir. From that point on, after some substitutions, the Turks began to find spaces on the counterattack. Osimhen, who had been having a lackluster performance until then, did what only great strikers can do: he scored with the one clear opportunity he had. The assist came from Yilmaz, Gatti (who had been a lion until then) failed to make the clearance, and the Nigerian made no mistake, choosing not to celebrate out of respect for a club he wished to play for and out of respect for Spalletti, with whom he was a champion at Napoli. From then on, the heart returned to lead the Italians, but the legs were no longer there. On a counterattack, Yilmaz scored the second for the Turks, effectively ending the tie and sending them to the round of 16 for the first time in 12 years. Galatasaray fans applauded, but even more so did the Juventus fans: they understood that their team had given everything under the circumstances. At least it was enough to dream.
There Was Heart Not Enough Legs remains central to this story.
There Was Heart Not Enough Legs remains central to this story.
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