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Juventus 4-2 Zenit St Petersburg: Paulo Dybala hits brace as Italian giants banish dreadful Serie A form to secure place in Champions League knockout stages
- Paulo Dybala scored the opening goal of the game to give the hosts a lead
- But a Leonardo Bonucci own goal brought the Russian side level 26 minutes in
- Dybala struck again in the second half to put the Italians in front once more
- Federico Chiesa put result beyond doubt to secure qualification to knockouts
- Dybala turned provider for the fourth as Alvaro Morata slotted it home
Juventus booked their spot in the Champions League last 16 with two group games to spare after a double from Argentine striker Paulo Dybala steered them to a 4-2 win over Zenit St Petersburg on Tuesday.
Knowing they only needed a point against Zenit to be assured of a knockout-stage spot in Group H, Juve raced into a deserved early lead through Dybala, who hammered the ball into the roof of the net in the 11th minute.
The hosts had several chances to make it 2-0 before Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci put through his own net in the 26th minute to draw Zenit level.
Paulo Dybala (right) and Paulo Chiesa (left) both scored for Juventus against Zenit
The Argentine put his side ahead on home soil and they have reached the knockouts
Dybala has been one of the shining lights for Juventus despite their poor domestic form
Dybala benefited from a slice of good fortune to put Juve back in front in the 58th minute, as he converted a penalty at the second attempt, after the referee had ordered his first effort, that he dragged wide, be retaken.
Goals from Federico Chiesa and Alvaro Morata made sure of the victory late on as Juve made it four wins from four in this season’s competition to top Group H, three points ahead of holders Chelsea in second.
Sardar Azmoun netted a stoppage-time consolation for Zenit, who must win both of their remaining group matches to have any hope of reaching the knockout stages.
Zenit were back on level terms through an own goal but could not maintain parity
He caused the Russian side plenty of problems and was a constant threat
Maximiliano Allegri’s men can now relax and look forward to the knockout stages
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