Watch: Angel Di Maria scores one of his best goals

Juventus advanced to the Europa League Round of 16, thanks to Angel Di Maria’s outstanding performance as he scored a hat-trick, including a stunning curler, penalty, and header. Moreover, Di Maria’s skill forced the red card, which sent Nantes down to 10 men.

The first leg ended 1-1, so the second match held at the Stade de la Beaujoire was decisive. Federico Chiesa, Arkadiusz Milik, Paul Pogba, and Fabio Miretti did not make the trip, while Ignatius Ganago returned for the hosts after compassionate leave.

Juventus made the ideal start as Nicolò Fagioli won the ball back in midfield, and Angel Di Maria hit an astonishing strike into the top corner from a difficult angle.

Di Maria continued his outstanding performance by dribbling past everyone at the by-line and attempting a back-heel flick, which Nicolas Pallois charged down with his arm. The referee awarded a penalty and a straight red card, and Di Maria converted it to complete his first European brace since September 2019.

Di Maria showed his skills on French soil after his time at PSG, forcing a flying save from Alban Lafont and making an assist for Adrien Rabiot, who nodded his cross over from six yards.

Although Filip Kostic’s pull-back was intercepted before Moise Kean could tap it in, Kostic almost scored a goal in first-half stoppages when his angled drive thumped the base of the post.

Lafont denied Alex Sandro’s diving header from a corner routine, but Juventus finally scored the third goal in chaotic fashion. Di Maria scored his hat-trick goal as his header at the back post crossed over the line before the save.

Despite playing with ten men, Nantes still threatened in the final minutes. However, Juventus held on, and Wojciech Szczesny made a crucial save from Blas’s screamer from under the bar.