Juventus vs Wydad AC: Club World Cup 2025 Quarterfinal Ends in Penalty Drama
June 23, 2025 | Charlotte, NC
Juventus and Wydad AC squared off in a gripping Club World Cup 2025 quarterfinal match that kept fans on the edge of their seats at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. The Italian giants took on the reigning Moroccan champions in a high-stakes encounter, with a semifinal place on the line.
🔥 First Half: Wydad Shock Juventus with Early Goal
Wydad AC struck first in the 12th minute with a sensational counterattack finished off by striker Yahya Jabrane. The goal stunned Juventus, who appeared slow to settle into the rhythm of the game.
Juventus gradually found their footing, dominating possession through midfielders Manuel Locatelli and Adrien Rabiot. However, Wydad’s organized defensive shape and goalkeeper Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti’s sharp reflexes frustrated several close-range efforts from Dusan Vlahović and Federico Chiesa.
⚔️ Second Half: Juventus Respond with Late Equalizer
The Italian side came out stronger after halftime. With Juan Cuadrado injecting pace down the right wing, chances began to flow. After several missed opportunities, Juventus finally found the net in the 74th minute through a well-placed header by Vlahović off a corner kick.
Wydad pushed back, nearly reclaiming the lead with a long-range shot that rattled the crossbar. Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny was called into action multiple times in the closing minutes.
⏱️ Extra Time Drama
With the score tied 1-1 at full-time, the game proceeded to extra time. Juventus introduced fresh legs with substitutes Moise Kean and Weston McKennie, trying to break through Wydad’s tiring defense. Yet, Wydad held firm, pushing the game to penalties.
🎯 Penalty Shootout: Juventus Prevail
In a nerve-wracking shootout, Juventus kept their composure. Szczęsny saved Wydad’s second penalty, and Juventus converted all five of theirs, winning the shootout 5-3 and booking their place in the semifinals.
đź“Š Final Score:
Juventus 1 (5) – 1 (3) Wydad AC
(Juventus win 5-3 on penalties)
đź“Ś Key Moments:
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12’ Goal – Yahya Jabrane (Wydad AC)
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74’ Goal – Dušan Vlahović (Juventus)
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120+’ – Penalty shootout victory for Juventus (5-3)
🎙️ Post-Match Reactions
Juventus Manager Massimiliano Allegri praised his side’s resilience:
“We struggled in the first half, but our experience paid off. Wydad are a very strong and disciplined team.”
Wydad Coach Adil Ramzi remained proud:
“We played with heart and gave Juventus a real battle. I’m proud of how far we came.”
📅 What’s Next?
Juventus advance to face the winner of Manchester City vs Al Ahly in the semifinals. Wydad AC exit the tournament with their heads held high after pushing a European giant to the limit.
