Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz made an instant impact after coming off the bench in his side’s 3-2 win over RB Leipzig, although it was not the kind his manager envisioned when he threw him on.
The Italian giants continued their revival under Thiago Motta with an impressive win in Germany, despite playing with 10 men for the last half an hour.
Luiz, who signed from Aston Villa in the summer, was sent onto the pitch just past the hour with the scores level at 1-1, after goals from Benjamin Sesko and Dusan Vlahovic.
The Brazilian was likely instructed by his manager to help Juve control the game, having just seen Michele De Gregorio sent for an early shower. Instead, the 26-year-old’s first meaningful contribution was to concede a penalty for handball.
Facing a free-kick from Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, Luiz turned and raised his hand to protect his face. This move angered TNT Sports’ Don Hutchison, who said Motta should have immediately hooked the player.
Former Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz conceded a penalty for handball less than a minute after coming onto the pitch
The Brazilian has struggled for game time in Turin since completing his move from Villa in the summer
‘Why put your arm there, just take it in the chest,’ the former Scotland international said on the Goals Show Xtra.’Take it in the chest man. You know what that is, a lack of bravery. Take it in the chest.’
He added: ‘Shocking from Douglas Luiz just a lack of bravery. If I was Thiago Motta now I’d take him off.’
Luiz was ultimately fortunate to be bailed out by two of his two team-mates as Juve mounted a stunning comeback to maintain their 100 per cent record in this year’s competition.
Vlahovic restored parity with a superb curling effort just three minutes after Sesko’s successful spot-kick before Francisco Conceicao wriggled his way through the Leipzig defence and tucked his effort into the corner.
TNT Sports’ Don Hutchinson said he believes that Motta should have take Luiz straight back off the pitch
Luiz was bailed out by Dusan Vlahovic (middle), who grabbed a brace, and Francisco Conceicao (left), who scored the late winner
The result sees Motta extend his unbeaten start as Juve boss. The side currently sit second in Serie A after three wins and three draws this term. They are yet to concede a goal in the league.
Luiz, meanwhile, has started just one of the side’s eight matches in all competitions.
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