Di Maria takes Juventus through the Europa League

In the first leg last week, the two teams drew 1-1 at Juventus. However, Nantes was no longer playing so well in the second leg. The French team conceded a goal in the fifth minute. After Fagioli's pass, Di Maria cut the left foot from 18 meters. The ball flies in a curved trajectory into the top corner of the goal.

The masterpiece that opened the scoring made it easier for Juventus to play. The Italian team controlled the ball to 60%. In the 18th minute, Di Maria continued to shine with a heel strike in the 5 m50 area. The ball touched the hand of home defender Nicolas Pallois, leading to a penalty for Juventus. The referee gave a direct red card to Pallois and Di Maria took the penalty to make it 2-0.

Nantes almost collapsed after two early goals and a red card. For most of the rest, Juventus were in complete control of the game.

Di Maria almost scored the third goal in the first half. He shot from long distance, but failed to beat goalkeeper Lafont. The 2022 World Cup champion also had a cross for Adrien Rabiot to head from about five yards. At the end of the first half, the post saved Nantes' third goal after Kostic's shot.

Goalkeeper Lafont continued to have to save in the second half. Di Maria, Kostic, Juan Cuadrado and Alex Sandro continuously bombarded the home team's goal.

Di Maria fixed the result 3-0 in the 78th minute. The 34-year-old winger headed near the wall, sending the ball over the goal line. Lafont pushed the ball away, but the referee still recognized the goal for Di Maria.

Nantes rallied in the last 15 minutes. However, the finishing phase of Mohamed, Guessand and Blas all failed before the Juventus defense.

Juventus won the match 4-1. They will know the opponent in the 1/8 round of the Europa League in the draw on February 24. The first leg and return round of 1/8 will take place on March 9 and 16.