Champions League scores: Chelsea win as Pulisic and Kante dazzle; Juventus draw as McKennie comes off injured

The Blues are well on their way to the quarterfinals while Juve and Villarreal have unfinished business

The UEFA Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday saw Chelsea beat Lille 2-0 and Juventus draw Villarreal 1-1 in first-leg action. The Blues got goals from Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic -- on a fantastic run from N'Golo Kante -- to inch closer to a spot in the quarterfinals, while nobody could earn the advantage in Spain with Dani Parejo canceling out Dusan Vlahovic's first-minute opener.

Chelsea were efficient, finishing two of their four shots on goal with Thiago Silva bossing at the back. The result means a one-goal loss in the second leg would still see the reigning European champions go through. As for the other tie, all is still to play for in three week's time. While Juventus took the lead and had their moments, they were very quiet in the second half and finished with an xG of only 0.32 and with Weston McKennie limping off with an injury. Villarreal looked like the better side in the second 45 minutes but now face the tough task of having to win in Italy to move on.

Vlahović wasn't enough

Dusan Vlahović scored the opening goal only thirty seconds after the opening whistle. From that moment on Villarreal started to implement their game plan and played in a more organized way. Juventus managed the match well in the first half, but they failed to score their second goal and put the match away. The second half was completely different and Villarreal had more chances and deserved to score the equalizer with Daniel Parejo, who exploited an error by Matthijs de Ligt and Adrien Rabiot -- who was the worst player on the pitch for the visiting team. Several minutes after the goal he also deserved to be sent off but the referee overlooked a high leg raking tackle and decided to award only a yellow card. Juventus' form physically dropped in the second half of the match and Villarreal created more chances even making for a game of two halves and leaving a draw as a fair result.

No Lukaku? No problem

The surprising news ahead of kickoff was Romelu Lukaku being relegated to the bench, and Chelsea didn't miss him. The Belgian striker didn't even make a substitute appearance, and that will raise some questions as to whether things have gotten worse between him and Thomas Tuchel, The attacking trio of Pulsic, Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz produced two goals, though an injury to Ziyech, who came off at the hour mark is a concern. But they did more than enough for Tuchel to want to continue using those speedy, technical players up top instead of a No. 9. We'll see if injuries will change that, but it was a strong overall showing for the Blues where they did little wrong.

Notable performances

Adrien Rabiot, Juventus: A terrible performance by the French midfielder. In the second half he failed to track Parejo's run on the equalizer, leaving him completely free to ghost into the box and a few minutes later he deserved to be sent off for a foul on Chukwuenze but the referee decided only for a yellow card despite protests from the home team, and VAR declined a review. Rating: 4

Alvaro Morata, Juventus: We expected much more from the Spanish forward, who more than any other player knew this opponent. He didn't do much, he helped Vlahović especially in the first half but he could do much better in the second half of the match. He didn't play as a striker but more on the wing, but even so he should do better than 2 shots for 0.10 xG. Rating: 5

Daniel Parejo, Villarreal: A crucial goal that allows Emery's team to preserve their chances of going to the quarterfinals,  chances improved by the fact that the away goal rule is no longer in effect. He took a very nice goal, arriving inside the box out of nowhere and taking advantage of Rabiot's mistake which left him completely free. Rating: 7

Thiago Silva, Chelsea: Absolutely dominant at the back. The Brazilian gets better with age. Had six clearances, destroyed nearly everything in the air and recovered the ball 12 times, more than even N'Golo Kante. Just superb. Rating: 8

Christian Pulisic, Chelsea: Created two chances for his side and scored on his only shot, making a good run down the left before placing the ball to the far post. A confidence-boosting goal that hopefully will result n more minutes. Should be deducted points for his griddy dance though. Rating: 7

Goal of the day

Dusan Vlahović scored his first Champions League goal only thirty seconds after the game against Villarreal started. The Serbian striker was making his debut in the competition after he joined Juventus last January from Fiorentina. He is the second youngest player to score on their Champions League debut for Juventus after only Alessandro Del Piero. It was his third goal with Juventus, after scoring the first two in the first two matches he played with his new club. 

Outlook for second legs

Juventus vs. Villarreal (March 16): The second leg will be very open after today's result. Villarreal have a real chance to advance in the competition but Juventus will be favorites since they will play in Turin and also they will likely have some injured players back in the squad, like Paulo Dybala who tonight was not available. At the same time Massimiliano Allegri shouldn't underestimate Unai Emery's side. They're always a difficult opponent, and are proving to be especially so in this season's Champions League.

Lille vs. Chelsea (March 16): The Blues are in full control ahead of the second leg, and it's going to take something special from Lille to get back into it. Unless the Blues have a couple breakdowns at the back, it feels like there just no realistic way they blow this. Even a one-goal loss would see them advance. An early goal could make things interesting, but I'm fully expected Chelsea to cruise into the last eight.

Wednesday's broadcast schedule

• UEFA Champions League Today, 2 p.m. ET, CBS and Paramount+
• Atletico Madrid vs. Manchester United, 3 p.m. ET, CBS and Paramount+
• Benfica vs. Ajax, 3 p.m. ET, Paramount+
• UEFA Champions League Post-Match Show, 5 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network and Paramount+

[Feb 22, 2022 at 4:53 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

This is it!

It's 1-1 between Villarreal and Juventus: after Vlahović and Parejo's goals the match is over and everything will be decided in the second leg. 

[Feb 22, 2022 at 4:42 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

McKennie injured

Weston McKennie was subbed off by Massimiliano Allegri after he got injured at his ankle. The American midfielder suffered a severe blow from Estupinian and couldn't continue his match. Denis Zakaria replaced him. 

[Feb 22, 2022 at 4:33 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

Rabiot deserved a red card?

Adrien Rabiot deserved to be sent off here. The Juventus midfielder made a very bad foul on Chukwuenze and got a yellow card with many protests among Villarreal players. He probably deserved a red card. 

[Feb 22, 2022 at 4:26 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Goal Chelsea! 2-0 as Pulisic scores!

A classic European goal for this team. Kante wins the ball in midfield, drives forward and slips the ball in behind for Pulisic, who clips the ball over Jardim. Breathing room for Chelsea.

[Feb 22, 2022 at 4:25 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Villarreal equalize!

It's now 1-1 as Dani Parejo scores! Poor from the Juve defense as he's unmarked and sweeps it into the goal from eight yards out. Rabiot left him wide open. 

[Feb 22, 2022 at 4:20 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

Cuadrado and Morata attempts 

Juventus' second half started like the first one ended, with Villarreal in control of ball possession and with Bianconeri that try to recover the ball but when Cuadrado and Morata had opportunities they both failed to score. 

[Feb 22, 2022 at 4:02 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

Second half started 

Both games are back in action. Massimiliano Allegri made one change with Leonardo Bonucci coming in instead of Alex Sandro who is going out of the pitch at halftime. 

[Feb 22, 2022 at 4:02 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Deserved leads for Chelsea and Juventus

Chelsea have been taking it to Lille, despite the French side having some chances, and the 1-0 lead is deserved. The Blues continue to look like a threat to put the game away as Lille have registered just an xG of 0.42 on nine shots. Juve scored on their first shot of the day and it was deserved, but Villarreal did have their moments as they've won the battle of possession. Villarreal are firmly still in this one, but some changes are needed for Unai Emery's side.

[Feb 22, 2022 at 3:48 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

First half is over! 

This is it for now: Juventus are ahead at the halftime after Dusan Vlahović opening goal after thirty seconds. 

[Feb 22, 2022 at 3:44 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Villarreal getting slightly better looks

It's an xG of 0.32 for Villarreal so far with Juve at 0.20. The best chance for the hosts was Lo Celso's kiss off the post that really should have been put away. Villarreal continue to control the ball and knock on the door while Juve are looking for the counter time and time again.

[Feb 22, 2022 at 3:35 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Sanches making things happen for Lille

Stamford Bridge is not a happy hunting ground for Renato Sanches. When he was here with Swansea his most famous involvement was passing the ball straight into touch, thinking he had seen a teammate when it was actually an advert for Carabao. Now he looks far more dangerous, a gorgeous ball in behind the Chelsea defense summoning Mendy to scamper off his line and clear. Lille are hardly running the game but they're certainly getting back into it.

[Feb 22, 2022 at 3:31 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

Vlahović record

Dušan Vlahović (22 years, 25 days) is the second youngest player to score on their Champions League debut for Juventus after Alessandro Del Piero (20 years 308 days).

[Feb 22, 2022 at 3:22 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

Juventus struggling 

Juventus after scoring the opening goal are now struggling to play outside of their defensive side of the pitch. Villarreal are now much more dangerous than the Bianconeri. 

[Feb 22, 2022 at 3:15 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

GOAL -- Chelsea lead at the Bridge

He only needed five touches to put Chelsea ahead in this tie. Havertz's left-footed shot brought a smart save from Jardim in the Lille goal but from the resulting corner he rose highest to flick the ball downwards before it bounced into the roof of the net. "Champions of Europe, we know what we are" echoes around the Bridge.

[Feb 22, 2022 at 3:15 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Blown chance for Villarreal! 

Pedraza does good to pick up a loose ball and set up Lo Celsco inside the box, but the Argentine hits the bar! Almost 1-1! That was a challenging effort as he falls away, but he won't forgive himself. That was a big chance.

[Feb 22, 2022 at 3:04 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

What a horror start for the hosts

Oh goodness. Vlahovic pulls off something special, but Villarreal are shocked to have been beaten from there. Albiol was fairly close to the striker, yet somehow he goes far post to put the Old Lady into the lead.

[Feb 22, 2022 at 3:02 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

GOAL - VLAHOVIC! 

It's 1-0 for Juventus after thirty seconds with Dusan Vlahović scoring in his Champions League debut! What a start of the match. Juventus recovered the ball and Danilo finds Vlahović that doesn't miss his first chance to make a statement in his first Champions League appearance. 

[Feb 22, 2022 at 3:01 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

KICK-OFF 

We are underway: Villarreal-Juventus has started with Massimiliano Allegri's team that immediately tries to press high. 

[Feb 22, 2022 at 2:13 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

A big spot for Pulisic

Lukaku being benched has resulted in Christian Pulisic jumping into the starting XI. It's a big spot for the American, and he's already shown the impact he can have in UCL, scoring at Real Madrid in the semifinals last season. He's probably got a good hour to show what he can do, so don't be surprised if he's taken off early in the second half.

[Feb 22, 2022 at 2:07 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

Vlahović debut in Champions League

Dusan Vlahović will make his first Champions League appearance today against Villarreal after that Juventus signed him last January for around €75 million from Fiorentina. The Serbian striker already scored two goals in his first four matches with his new club. 

[Feb 22, 2022 at 2:04 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

Lukaku benched

Thomas Tuchel has decided to not include Romelu Lukaku in Chelsea's starting XI against Lille. A surprising decision that arrived few days after the match against Crystal Palace, where former Inter Milan striker only had seven touches in the whole game. For today's game Tuchel decided to drop Lukaku and include Pulisic in the squad. 

[Feb 22, 2022 at 1:55 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Villarreal-Juventus video preview

Unai Emery is a master at navigating European knockout competition so Juventus should not take the Yellow Submarine for granted. Jimmy Conrad and James Benge look ahead to Tuesday's clash at the Estadio de la Cerámica. 

[Feb 22, 2022 at 1:54 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Exclusive interview with Arnaut Danjuma

Villarreal's talented attacker Arnaut Danjuma joined ¡Qué Golazo! to talk about the matchup with Juventus, his dashing performance against Atalanta and much, much more. The former Bournemouth man has been lighting it up for Unai Emery with 12 goals on the season as the Yellow Submarine aim for a spot in the quarterfinals. 

Check it out:

[Feb 22, 2022 at 1:54 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

Villarreal-Juventus lineups

Villarreal XI: Rulli; Foyth, Albiol, Pau Torres, Pedraza; Chukwueze, Capoue, Parejo, Alberto Moreno; Danjuma, Lo Celso.

Juventus XI: Szczesny; De Sciglio, Danilo, de Ligt, Alex Sandro; McKennie, Locatelli, Rabiot; Cuadrado, Vlahovic, Morata.

[Feb 22, 2022 at 1:53 pm ET · Francesco Porzio]

Chelsea-Lille lineups 

Chelsea XI: Mendy; Christensen, Thiago Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Kante, Kovacic, Alonso; Pulisic, Havertz, Ziyech

Lille XI: Jardim; Çelik, Fonte, Botman, Djalo; Renato Sanches, André, Xeka, Onana; Bamba, David. 

[Feb 22, 2022 at 1:15 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Team news for Villarreal-Juventus

Villarreal: No suspensions in this one for Villarreal, though star striker Gerard Moreno will miss the next match if booked. Same goes for midfielder Dani Parejo. On the injury front, Francis Coquelin, Paco Alcader and Ruben Pena have all missed double-digit games as they continue to recover from injuries. 

Juventus: No suspensions, but Juan Cuadrado is a yellow away from being suspended. When it comes to injuries, Giorgio Chiellini is expected back at the end of the month after his calf injury, while Federico Bernardeschi is expected back this week. Right winger Federico Chiesa remains out due to his ACL tear. 

[Feb 22, 2022 at 1:14 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Storylines for Chelsea-Lille

From our James Benge

Chelsea: As is so often the case at Chelsea of late, all eyes are fixed on Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian set an unwelcome record for the fewest touches by a Premier League player across the course of 90 minutes, just seven in Saturday's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace. Lukaku has made no secret of his difficulties adapting to Tuchel's system but his manager says if he is to adapt the system then the striker will be "part of the solution".

"It's sometimes like this with strikers if they struggle a bit with self confidence, to find the space and get involved against a good defensive side," he added. "It can be like this. It's of course not what we want and not what Romelu wants. It's not the time to laugh about him and make jokes. He's in the spotlight and we will protect him."

Lille: The champions' stuttering Ligue 1 title defense continued at the weekend as they were held 0-0 at home by Metz. They are now in the midst of a run of four points from four games with just two goals scored. However the Champions League has proven to be something of a solace for Lille, who finished ahead of Red Bull Salzburg, Sevilla and Wolfsburg to top a competitive Group G before Christmas.

"I felt that we played some good games against Sevilla and Salzburg," said Lille forward and US international Timothy Weah. "It was an interesting and great experience for me and one that I will never forget. I am sure that a lot of the boys will never forget the moment we made the next round. A lot of positives, some negatives, but mostly positives. We are looking forward to playing at Stamford Bridge."