Ludovic Blas’ strike saw Nantes come from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Juventus in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League (UEL) knockout round play-off.
Though left disappointed against one of Ligue 1’s draw specialists, I Bianconeri remain unbeaten at home in the competition.
The pressure was firmly on Juventus ahead of this tie, with the UEL trophy being their likeliest key to a UEFA Champions League (UCL) return, after a 15-point deduction in Serie A left them well adrift of the top-four.
When Juventus had a penalty shout turned down, the Ligue 1 side raced forward to get Blas in front of goal, and their talisman fired in his third goal in four across all competitions.
Following a VAR check, Nantes escaped a penalty call in the final seconds due to Gleison Bremer pushing Fabien Centonze before the Brazilian’s header hit his hand, as the Ligue 1 side’s first knockout stage match in over 20 years ended in a well-earned draw, giving Les Canaris a chance of progression at the Stade de la Beaujoire.
Meanwhile, Juventus’ European frustrations continue, following their worst-ever UCL group stage performance, while tonight’s result itself means that both sides remain unbeaten in four matches across all competitions.
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