Group A
Club Brugge 1-2 Juventus
Juventus survived the dismissal of Patrick Vieira and a late onslaught from their hosts to hold out for a 2 – 1 victory in their opening Group A game away to FC Bruges last night.
The Old Lady dominated throughout, but, with Nedved, Trezeguet and Zambrotta all missing gilt-edged chances, they had to wait until the 66th minute, when Nedved’s low free kick eluded both the wall and keeper Stijnen, to take the lead.
Minutes later, Trezeguet added a second after latching onto Camorenesi’s deft chip from the right wing, but strike partner Ibrahimovic failed to further extend their advantage, snatching at his shot after having guided the ball round the advancing Stijen.
The Belgians reduced their arrears five minutes from time, however, when Yulu-Mutado’s header beat Abbiati, and could have equalized had not Blondel’s close range effort been cleared off the line. Amidst the late surge, Patrick Vieira was sent off for a second bookable offence.
