It started so well for Gonzalo Higuain.
With barely eight minutes played of Juventus’ Champions League last 16 first leg against Tottenham, the Italian champions were two goals up. The Argentine international had scored both.
His first, which came in the second minute, was an expertly-taken volley, making the most of a sleeping Spurs defence. He was able to tuck away his second from the penalty spot six minutes later.
This had been a disastrous start for Mauricio Pochettino’s men, and Higuain looked in a mood to make them pay with every opportunity that came his way.
Thankfully for Spurs, this didn’t last. Harry Kane (who else?) rounded Gigi Buffon and slotted home an away goal for the visitors, who were suddenly playing the better football in Turin.
Despite this, Higuain could (and should) have put the tie firmly back in Juve’s hands. Having guided one left-footed shot narrowly wide of Hugo Lloris’ post, the former Real Madrid striker was presented with another penalty in first half stoppage time.
He missed, smacking his spot kick against the crossbar.
Now, as many on Twitter were quick to point out, this was by no means the first time Higuain had missed a pressure penalty. While he’s undoubtedly been one of the finest goal scorers in world football in the last few years or so, many felt that his showing in the first 45 minutes typified his career.
Fair play to Higuain condensing his career into 45 minutes
— Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) February 13, 2018
https://twitter.com/ElaficionadoFC/status/963512767331348485
Typical Higuain. Once a bottler, always a bottler
— Xavi 🐐 (@Blaugrana6988) February 13, 2018
If ever a half of football summed up Gonzalo Higuain it was that one.
— Rich (@BatesInThePlace) February 13, 2018
https://twitter.com/Ali32__/status/963513238552899589
https://twitter.com/Reece_Ingham/status/963511805640396805
https://twitter.com/willperryparks/status/963512099258368002
The penalty miss would prove costly, too. Christian Eriksen drew Spurs level in the second half, setting up a tantalising second leg at Wembley.
