And now, thankfully, we can exhale.
It was not pretty. It was far, far, faaaaaaaar from anything resembling something good for long periods of time.
But [Juventus](https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com), with so much riding on their season finale Sunday night, got the one result that ensured they would have [Champions League](https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league) football come the fall.
Manuel Locatelli’s penalty in the 73rd minute — the first-ever PK attempt he’s had since his move from Sassuolo in 2021 — was the difference in an absolute roller coaster of a ride that ended with Juventus recording a 3-2 win over Venezia at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo. It came with so much attached to it — the chances of Juventus actually achieving one of their preseason goals and finally taking the late lead they so desired. Locatelli, with the captain’s armband on full display, was ice cold as can be with his finish, and the subsequent celebration with the traveling fans behind the goal was proof of just that. With the victory — which also ensured the Bianconeri actually finished with more wins than draws in this cursed 2024-25 campaign — Juve secured qualification into the Champions League next season and sent Venezia down to Serie B just one season after getting promoted.
Plenty of times you probably wanted off the roller coaster on this night — especially after Juventus fell behind all of about 75 seconds in against a Venezia side who needed to win to even have a chance of surviving the drop.
But Juve had to rally to pull ahead not once but twice along the way against a Venezia squad that showed just about every good and bad characteristic of an Eusebio Di Francesco-managed team.
It was a wild, wild time. It started out as the worst of times. Then it was at least some improved times thanks to Kenan Yildiz and Randal Kolo Muani. Then it was the worst of times again, only for Locatelli to make it a happy yet incredibly nervous time again.
It feels almost fitting that this Juventus season, one of disappointment and frustration, had this kind of finish to it. So many things didn’t make much sense —and you can probably add a crazy season-ending win to qualify for the Champions League to it.
Just be happy the alternative universe didn’t take control and Roma are celebrating leapfrogging Juventus on the final day of the season to get into the Champions League. The Europa League anthem won’t be blaring over the Allianz Stadium next season. For that alone is a reason to be happy.
_Check back later for further updates to this post in a little while._