Higuain’s last-gasp goal clinches thrilling win for Juventus

World
Europe

01:50

Juventus consolidated their position as the Serie A leaders after securing a thrilling win over 10-man Inter Milan to surge ahead in the title race that has gone down to the wire.

In an edge-of-the-seat dying moment of the game, Juventus scored twice in the last three minutes to clinch a dramatic away win.

Earlier, the visitors took the lead at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan after Douglas Costa scored the opening goal in the 13th minute.

Things turned bad to worse for Inter as Matias Vecino was red carded by the video assistant referee (VAR) for a tackle on Mario Mandzukic.

Douglas Costa (C) of Juventus FC celebrates with his teammates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A football match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC. /VCG Photo

A 10-man Inter, however, pressed for the equalizer and found success when an in-form skipper, Mauro Icardi, netted the equalizer in the 52nd minute. Much to the delight of the home fans at San Siro, the Nerazzurri took a 2-1 lead thanks to an Andrea Barzagli own goal.

With the match going in favor of the hosts and almost handing over the title to second-placed Napoli, Juventus made a valiant comeback after Juan Cuadrado leveled the score in the 87th minute.

However, a draw for Juventus at San Siro could still help Napoli, with an extra match in hand, closing in on the crown before Gonzalo Higuain headed home the winner for the Zebras.

Higuain’s first goal after 716 minutes not only handed over a memorable 3-2 victory to his side but also helped Juventus inch closer to the title as they are now four points clear. Napoli – who have four games to play – can reduce the deficit to one if they win at Fiorentina on Sunday.