Win Juventus In The Last Minute, Vlahovic: Champions League Qualifying Target

Dusan Vlahovic's striker celebrated the goal that decisive Juventus' win over Salernitana. (X/@juventusfc)

JAKARTA - Juventus had to work hard to beat Salernitana 2-1 in the Italian Serie A match at Arechi Stadium, Monday, January 8 in the morning WIB. Striker Dusan Vlahovic who determines the victory will confirm Juve are targeting to the Champions League next season.

Juve are realistic despite successfully closing points with leaders of the Inter Milan standings. Victory over Salernitana at least helped Juve overshadow Inter tightly.

Juve, who have 46 points, confirmed their position in second place. They are still two points behind Inter who won 2-1 over Verona.

Although it is only two points apart, it is not easy for the Bianconeri to pursue their competitors. Moreover, Inter shows consistency.

Dusan Vlahovic striker said Juve is targeting to stay in the top four in order to return to competing in the Champions League next season. The Champions League is Juve's target this season. Because of this, La Vecchia Totalinga is absent in European competition after being ranked seventh in the final standings of the Italian Serie A. J

uve were knocked out of the top four due to 10 points reduced sanctions for violations in player transfers.

"Our target is to return to the Champions League so we try to keep going from one game to the next game. Then, we'll see where we are," Vlahovic said.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri also showed his satisfaction Juve could stay in the Champions League zone. According to him Juve chose to be realistic because they were still a team in front of them in the race for the Scudetto.

"We're just realistic. There's still Inter in front of us," said Allegri, who is more focused on the teams at the bottom that are Juve's competitors.

"Winning at Salerno [Kandang Salernitana] is very important because it keeps a distance of points from the team ranked fifth [Bologna]. We are already 14 points ahead. It's the same as five games. Obviously, this is a lot," he said again.

If Juve tries to secure a position in the Champions League zone, Salernitana will have to fight to get out of the relegation zone.

The defeat made Salernitana even more immersed at the bottom of the standings. They need additional points if they don't want to return to Serie B next season.

In that match, Salernitana actually showed maximum performance. Even the hosts took the lead when midfielder Giulio Maggiore successfully beat goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny in the 39th minute. This 1-0 advantage lasted until the end of the first half.

But disaster for Salernitana. Maggiore, who brought the team ahead of Juve, had to get out of the arena.

A strong foul on midfielder Juve Adrien Rabiot earned Maggiore a second yellow card and then a red card.

Losing a player makes Salernitana last more. On the other hand, Juve tried to take advantage of the situation.

As a result, Samuel Iling-Junior who came in to replace Filip Kostic broke into the opponent's goal which changed the score to 1-1 in the 65th minute. He welcomed Vlahovic's assist.

The goal made Juve players even more excited. The visitors hope to turn things around by winning the away game.

Their efforts were not in vain. This time, Vlahovic, who broke into Salernitana's goal in injury time. His header that welcomed Danilo's cross, could not be prevented by goalkeeper Benoit Costil.

The score changed to 2-1 at the last minute and lasted until the end of the match. Juve also extended their unbeaten record for the last 14 matches.