The Blues fell behind early on, but goals from Aaron Nemane and a superb solo effort from Roberts gave Patrick Vieira’s side a winning UEFA Youth League start at the Academy Stadium.
Further strikes from Will Patching and Lukas Nmecha near the end meant City are off to a flyer in this competition, though it was the impressive numerous Roberts who stole the show.
In bright warm sunshine at the Academy Stadium, City began well with Roberts causing problems on the right flank, but despite a couple of half-chances, it was Juventus who struck first when Andrea Favilli found himself in space and he gently lobbed it over the stranded Danny Grimshaw on 10 minutes.
It was harsh on the hosts in what was the Italians’ first attack, but a timely reminder of how mistakes will be punished at this level.
Undeterred, the Blues quickly got themselves back into the game though it was via a bizarre refereeing decision. As Nemane raced towards goal, he was fouled by Giulio Parodi – but as Thierry Ambrose continued the move and placed the ball past Mattia Del Favero, the official instead pulled play back and sent off the Juventus defender.
While the goal should perhaps have been given instead, City soon made the numerical advantage pay when Roberts’ low cross was turned home by Nemane from close range with 22 minutes on the clock
...#UYL...
Roberts was again the provider as he laid a guilt-edge chance for Manu Garcia who it seemed certain would stroke the ball home from eight yards but his shot was parried by Del Favero and the danger was cleared.
Roberts again showed his dribbling ability as he danced his way past four challenges but slightly overran the ball to the relief of the visitors who again scrambled the ball clear.
The second-half began with City dominant and Roberts again the scourge of the Juventus defence so it was no surprise when the visitors’ frustration boiled over and Francesco Cassata was shown a second yellow card to reduce the Italians to nine men.
With 40 minutes still to play, the Blues were soon ahead with a goal that had the Academy Stadium on their feet as Roberts danced his way through several challenges before rolling the ball home for a stunning individual goal.
How Juventus hung on at 2-1 for so long is a mystery as City peppered their goal with chance after chance before the dam finally broke and Patching and Nmecha gave the score a more realistic look – Roberts having a hand in each yet again.
