Juventus coach Thiago Motta hailed his side’s strength in depth after substitute Samuel Mbangula’s late winner secured a vital 2-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League knockout playoffs on Tuesday.
It was the second consecutive late triumph for the Bianconeri, following Kolo Muani’s decisive penalty against Como in Serie A last week.
“We are a young team that must inject pace to trouble opponents. Once again, our substitutes lifted the team,” Motta said. “Mbangula was fantastic—he presses, dribbles, scores, and always gives everything.”
Weston McKennie’s first-half strike put Juventus ahead, but PSV responded through Ivan Perisic after the break.
“McKennie is a top player and a key figure in the squad,” Motta added. “This was a balanced match against a strong side. The win is just the first step—we must deliver again in the second leg.”
Juventus travel to the Netherlands next Wednesday, aiming to seal their place in the Round of 16.
