Paulo Dybala etched his name further into Juventus folklore on Tuesday night, scoring a brilliant double to lead his team to a 4-2 victory over Zenit St. Petersburg in the Champions League group stage. More importantly, the Argentine forward surpassed the legendary Michel Platini in the club's all-time goal-scoring rankings, reaching 106 goals in Bianconero colors. Dybala marked the milestone with a heartfelt tribute, replicating one of Platini's most famous celebrations.
The match at the Allianz Stadium was a showcase of Dybala's immense talent and growing legacy. The 27-year-old opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a spectacular volley, smashing the ball into the top corner after a corner from De Ligt. That goal was his 105th for Juventus, moving him past Platini's tally of 104. Just seconds earlier, Dybala had hit the post with a fierce drive, signaling his intent early on. The celebration that followed was pure class — he lay flat on the pitch, hands behind his head, mimicking the iconic pose Platini struck after scoring important goals during his tenure in Turin from 1982 to 1987.
A Nod to a Legend
Speaking after the match, Dybala expressed his gratitude and admiration for Platini. "Michel Platini is an idol for me, not just for what he achieved at Juventus but for his entire career in football. I hope he saw my celebration and smiled. It was my way of showing respect to someone who defined an era at this club," the Argentine told Mediaset. Dybala's gesture was widely praised on social media, with many noting the respect and humility of the young star. Platini, now 66, remains a revered figure in Turin, having led the club to two Serie A titles, the European Cup, and the Cup Winners' Cup in the 1980s. His 104 goals came in just 142 appearances — an impressive rate of 0.73 per game, but Dybala, with more than 250 appearances for the club, has now surpassed that total through consistency and longevity.
Dybala's double against Zenit was his third and fourth goals of the Champions League campaign. The second goal came early in the second half when Federico Chiesa won a penalty. Dybala stepped up and initially missed, his effort saved by goalkeeper Mikhail Kerzhakov, but the referee ordered a retake because Zenit players had encroached before the kick. The Argentine made no mistake with his second attempt, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and slotting the ball into the corner. That goal made it 106 for the club, a mark that elevates him to second on Juventus' all-time top scorers list in the modern era, behind only Alessandro Del Piero, Giampiero Boniperti, and others from earlier generations. The milestone is all the more remarkable given Dybala's injury struggles in recent seasons, including a knee problem that limited his appearances.
Chiesa and Morata Shine
The victory was not just about Dybala. Federico Chiesa turned in a Man of the Match performance, constantly threatening the Zenit defense with his pace and dribbling. He won a penalty and then scored a sublime goal in the 73rd minute, cutting inside and curling a shot into the far corner after a devastating nutmeg on Dejan Lovren. The goal made it 3-1 and effectively sealed the win. Alvaro Morata also got on the scoresheet, poking home from close range after a delicate through ball from Dybala. Morata's goal was his 12th in the Champions League, making him one of the most prolific Spanish strikers in the competition. The Spanish forward has formed a potent partnership with Dybala, who now has five assists in the group stage alone.
Massimiliano Allegri was full of praise for his team after the match. "We played a beautiful game, showing great fluidity and movement. Even when Zenit equalized, we kept our heads and didn't lose our composure. That's the sign of a mature team," the Juventus manager said. The hosts took the lead twice before eventually pulling away. After Dybala's opener, Zenit equalized through a well-taken goal from Sardar Azmoun, but Juventus regained the lead before halftime through a penalty. Leonardo Bonucci was fouled, and Morata converted the spot kick. However, Azmoun again equalized for the Russian side before Chiesa's moment of magic.
Champions League Implications
With the win, Juventus secured their place in the round of 16 with two Group H matches remaining. They currently sit top of the group with 12 points from four games, three ahead of Chelsea, whom they visit at Stamford Bridge on Matchday 5. A win there would guarantee top spot and potentially an easier draw in the knockout stages. Zenit, meanwhile, slipped to third with three points, behind Malmo on goal difference. The Russian side had pushed Juventus hard but ultimately lacked the quality to match the Italian champions over 90 minutes.
The match also highlighted the depth of Juventus' squad. With key players like Matthijs de Ligt, Weston McKennie, and Juan Cuadrado returning from injury, Allegri has a wealth of options. De Ligt was solid at the back, while McKennie added energy in midfield. The team's collective performance was built on a strong defensive base, though they did concede two goals, which will be a concern. Zenit's counter-attacking threat, particularly through Azmoun and Dzuyba, caused problems at times. However, Juventus' attacking firepower proved decisive.
Dybala's record-breaking night was the latest chapter in a season of redemption for the Argentine. After a difficult 2020-21 campaign marred by injuries and contract disputes, he has rediscovered his best form under Allegri's guidance. He now has eight goals in all competitions, including four in four Champions League appearances. His partnership with Chiesa and Morata is flourishing, and the team looks capable of competing on all fronts. For Dybala, surpassing Platini is just the beginning of his quest to become one of the greatest players in Juventus history. With his contract situation now resolved, he seems destined to remain at the club for years to come, chasing the legendary records of Del Piero and Boninsegna.
The match also featured a poignant moment for the Zenit side. After the final whistle, Dybala exchanged shirts with Sardar Azmoun, the Iranian striker who has been linked with a move to the Premier League. The two players shared a brief embrace, underlining the respect between them. For Dybala, the night was about more than just goals; it was about honoring the past while embracing the future. As he walked off the pitch to a standing ovation, it was clear that the Argentine had become not just a fan favorite, but a true icon of modern Juventus. The celebration of Platini was a bridge between eras, a reminder of the greats who came before and the legacy that Dybala is building for those who will follow. For now, he continues to write his own story, one goal at a time, cementing his place among the legends of the Old Lady.
Source:7sur7.be News