Juventus pulled off a movie-like draw against Borussia Dortmund (4-4) in their Champions League debut, in a clash that seemed lost until the 94th minute. With Dusan Vlahovic as the unexpected hero, the Italian side rescued a point at home after a comeback that sent the stands into madness and created a night to remember.

Vlahovic, the reborn striker who saved Juve

The story of the night had a clear protagonist: Dusan Vlahovic. The Serbian forward, who was close to leaving the club in the summer and still has no renewal offer, responded with two goals and a decisive assist. His introduction changed the dynamics of a team that had been hit first by a Karim Adeyemi strike in the 52nd minute.

Shortly after, youngster Kenan Yildiz equalized with a wonder goal reminiscent of Del Piero’s iconic strike against Dortmund in 1995. However, the joy lasted only seconds: Adeyemi once again made the difference with an assist to Felix Nmecha, who put the Germans ahead 1-2. The response came quickly, and in the 67th minute Vlahovic struck again, finishing off a great combination with Yildiz for the 2-2.

The match turned into a chaotic end-to-end battle. A mistake in the build-up allowed Yan Couto to score the 2-3, and minutes later a handball in the box led to a penalty converted by Ramy Bensebaini, extending Dortmund’s lead to 2-4. The visitors seemed to have everything under control by the 93rd minute.

But then came the fighting spirit of the Vecchia Signora. In the 94th, Vlahovic connected with a cross from Pierre Kalulu to cut the deficit, and in the 96th he delivered a perfect ball that set up the final goal to seal the 4-4. A stellar performance that redeemed him in front of the fans and reestablished him as a key figure in Igor Tudor’s system.

A draw that feels like a victory

Beyond the scoreline, Juventus showed a different face: resilient, proud, and with a competitive spirit that seemed lost in past seasons. Despite defensive weaknesses —they have now conceded seven goals in two matches— the team found in Vlahovic and Yildiz the spark needed to keep fighting.

Borussia Dortmund, meanwhile, left frustrated after having victory in their hands and failing to manage the final minutes. With young talents like Jobe Bellingham making his tournament debut and Adeyemi in fine form, the Germans displayed plenty of attacking power, but their lack of defensive solidity cost them dearly.

The draw leaves both sides with mixed feelings: Juve celebrated what felt like a win after staring at certain defeat, while Dortmund lamented letting two historic points slip away in a chaotic Champions League night.