Eight goals in one half, two VAR waits and a night for the ages – How Juventus and Borussia Dortmund’s epic unfolded
Updated 16/09/2025 at 23:05 GMT+1
Juventus and Borussia Dortmund played out one of the most remarkable games in UEFA Champions League history, as they shared eight goals in an incredible 4-4 draw. All eight goals in Turin came after half-time, including two for the Italian outfit in injury time to come from behind and rescue what could be a valuable point in their quest to reach the knock-out stages.
Highlights: Juve snatch dramatic draw after chaotic night in Turin
Video credit: TNT Sports
From a humdrum first half to an instant classic by the final whistle, Juventus' opening league phase game in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League against Borussia Dortmund is a clash that will live long in the memory.
The fixture had initially looked set to fizzle out into somewhat of a non-event, given it was 0-0 after 45 minutes.
But the game burst into life after the break, with the Italian side - who beat Inter Milan 4-3 on Saturday - netting twice in injury time to produce a sensational comeback and earn a 4-4 draw.
The hosts trailed three times in Turin, only for Lloyd Kelly to head home a famous equaliser in the 96th minute to send the fans wild.
"An incredible half of football, that I'm just very, very proud that I can sit here and watch and admire," said TNT Sports' Adam Virgo.
"They've had some incredible games already this season, the last one against Inter.
"It's a point apiece, but it feels like three for Juventus and it feels like for Dortmund that they have dropped all three with a loss.
"But an incredible game all round. This is why this is the best club competition. Incredible goals, an incredible story. What a half of football we had."
Yildiz magic gets Turin bouncing
The first 45 minutes really was somewhat of a snooze-fest at the Allianz Stadium, with neither goalkeeper particularly troubled.
But that all changed after the break, when Karim Adeyemi picked up possession, shifted the ball onto his left foot and angled a shot across the goalkeeper and into the far corner.
The lead did not last long though, with Juventus equalising through wonder-kid Kenan Yildiz.
The Turk was afforded time and space on the edge of the area, and he needed no second invitation to shoot, bending a delicious effort into the top corner.
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Nmecha with 'peach of a strike' to put Dortmund back ahead
Video credit: TNT Sports
"Special talent, special player, special goal," said Virgo.
"Wonderful technique there. When you're looking at quality and when you're looking at goals at the highest level, Yildiz shows what he's all about. When his side needing something from somewhere, their star player produces."
This was just the start of the drama, though. Dortmund were back ahead when Felix Nmecha bagged another screamer three minutes later, beautifully curling home from distance.
Within 120 seconds, it was 2-2. Dusan Vlahovic, off the bench, was set free and confidently converted as he raced through on goal.
Dortmund take lead in final stages with penalty drama
Done and dusted? Not a chance. It was 3-2 by the time the clock ticked on to 74 minutes, Yan Couto this time slamming into the near bottom corner with a low drive.
"When I see my goalkeeper being beaten at the near post like that, I will ask questions," said an unimpressed Virgo.
"But what a strike that was from Couto. And what an important goal that could be."
Kelly was then harshly penalised for a handball from Jobe Bellingham's shot, and after VAR had upheld the decision, Ramy Bensebaini stepped up to put Dortmund 4-2 ahead.
"An incredible second half of football here in the Champions League," Virgo enthused.
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Lloyd Kelly celebrates after scoring his late equaliser for Juventus
Image credit: Getty Images
"I think this will be a significant result for Borussia Dortmund. This will say a lot about themselves, as a team, as a unit, away from home. I think they've shown some great character.
"The first half was very much in the balance. Neither side were really making too many mistakes and I thought their discipline was excellent.
"There was that little period after Vlahovic made the equaliser, where it could have gone either way. They've shown something within themselves to find a way of winning this game of football...well, I think they'll win."
Juve not finished yet
Many thought that was it. Juve dead and buried. The points heading back to Germany. But Vlahovic pulled one back, a first-time finish from the edge of the six-yard box with three minutes of added time remaining.
Dortmund were rocking and Virgo was hooked. "It's a brilliant goal. Pierre Kalulu puts a brilliant ball in there. He just get in front of [Julian] Ryerson, the defender.
"Is that a consolation goal? He's given his side a glimmer of hope to find one more."
That glimmer of hope turned into a gaping chasm. As the German side sunk deeper and deeper, Juve pressed. And there it was. Vlahovic swung a right-wing cross into the box, and who was there to convert? Only Kelly, with a diving header. It was sensational.
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Kelly sparks 'remarkable scenes' as Juve fight back to earn thrilling 4-4 draw
Video credit: TNT Sports
The stadium erupted. Igor Tudor danced. The rest of his players and coaching staff ran every which way across the Allianz Stadium playing surface.
"Would you believe it," bellowed TNT Sports commentator Mike Minay. "Juventus have rescued this out of nothing.
"Ten mintues ago they were dead and buried. Vlahovic has dragged this one in. And Juventus, from 4-2 down, have salvaged a point on the opening night.
"Remarkable scenes in Turin, that only the Champions League can write, and it's Lloyd Kelly. 4-4!"
A VAR check, of course, took place to see if Kelly was onside. Thankfully, for the hosts and the purists, he was.
Virgo added: "It could just be the most remarkable end to a remarkable half of football. It is very, very tight. If this is counted, it's the most incredible half of football I've seen in a long, long time."
It may only be the first week of the league phase, but we will be hard-pressed to see a better game in the competition - or any competition - this season.
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