T
NFL
Scores & Results

Kalulu's Last-Gasp Header Rescues Juventus in Thrilling 2-2 Comeback Draw Against Lazio

Carlos Mendez
Carlos Mendez
Soccer Correspondent
10:18 PM
SOCCER
Kalulu's Last-Gasp Header Rescues Juventus in Thrilling 2-2 Comeback Draw Against Lazio
Pierre Kalulu's 96th-minute header completed a dramatic Juventus comeback from 2-0 down as the Bianconeri salvaged a 2-2 draw against Lazio in a pulsating Serie A encounter on February 8.

Juventus clawed their way back from a two-goal deficit to snatch a dramatic 2-2 draw with Lazio at the Allianz Stadium on February 8, with Pierre Kalulu's stoppage-time header capping a remarkable comeback that keeps their Serie A title hopes flickering. The Bianconeri had fallen behind to goals from Pedro and Gustav Isaksen but responded through Weston McKennie before Kalulu's late heroics salvaged a point from what looked certain defeat.

Despite dominating the first half with wave after wave of attacks, Juventus found themselves trailing in first-half stoppage time in controversial circumstances. Daniel Maldini robbed Manuel Locatelli in midfield and quickly spread the ball down the left flank to Pedro, whose angled drive took a crucial deflection off Bremer that wrong-footed goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio at his near post. The goal stunned the home crowd and left Juventus frustrated after creating numerous opportunities without finding the breakthrough they deserved.

Lazio doubled their advantage within moments of the restart, punishing Juventus on the counter-attack with devastating efficiency. Danilo Cataldi's long ball sent Isaksen sprinting down the right wing, and the Danish winger held off Andrea Cambiaso's challenge before unleashing an unstoppable blast under the crossbar from a difficult angle. At 2-0 down against a disciplined Lazio side, Juventus faced the prospect of a damaging defeat that would severely hamper their title aspirations and leave them trailing leaders Inter Milan by an insurmountable margin.

The Bianconeri's revival began in the 59th minute when McKennie pulled one back, capitalizing on sustained pressure to give Thiago Motta's side a lifeline. The American midfielder's goal injected fresh belief into Juventus, who had registered an astonishing 33 shots compared to Lazio's eight throughout the evening. Despite their statistical dominance, converting chances into goals had proved elusive, and as the clock ticked toward full-time, it appeared Lazio would escape Turin with all three points.

Juventus threw everything forward in the dying moments, and their persistence was rewarded when Kalulu rose highest at the back post to power home a header in the 96th minute. The defender's goal sparked wild celebrations among the home supporters, though several Juventus players appeared more frustrated than jubilant at the final whistle, knowing two points had been dropped against a direct rival. The result highlighted Juventus' attacking prowess but also exposed defensive vulnerabilities that Marco Baroni's Lazio exploited with clinical precision.

The draw leaves Juventus in a precarious position in the title race, with today's result combined with Inter's victory making their championship ambitions increasingly difficult. The Bianconeri showed tremendous character to fight back from two goals down, but Motta will know his side cannot afford to continually spot opponents such commanding leads. For Lazio, squandering a two-goal advantage represents a missed opportunity to close the gap on the European qualification places, though their counter-attacking display demonstrated why they remain one of Serie A's most dangerous opponents.

Share this article

Comments

0

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts!