1996 Intercontinental Cup vs River Plate
The Matador's injury-plagued stint at Juventus
José Marcelo Salas Melinao, nicknamed Matador, is a Chilean former footballer who played as a striker. He played for Juventus from 2001 to 2003, winning two Serie A titles and the 2002 Supercoppa Italiana, but his time at the club was hampered by injuries.
Quick Facts
- Date
- December 10, 1996
- Venue
- National Stadium, Tokyo
- Opponent
- Club Atlético River Plate
- Result
- Juventus won 3-1 on penalties (1-1 after extra time)
- Key player
- Edgar Davids
- Tournament status
- FIFA Club World Cup predecessor
Lore & Background
Salas joined Juventus in 2001 for 55 billion lire (€28.5 million by fixed exchange rate; 22 billion lire cash plus Darko Kovačević). His stay was cut short due to a torn ACL in his right knee in a Serie A match against Bologna in October 2001, and further issues with his knee meniscus the following season. He played 31 games across all competitions, scoring four goals. He scored his first goal for the club from a penalty in September 2001, the match-winner in a 3–2 comeback home win over Chievo. In the Derby della Mole against Torino, he missed a potentially match-winning penalty as Torino came back from 3–0 to tie 3–3. His final goal for the club came from a penalty in a 2–0 win against Reggina in December 2002 in the Coppa Italia.
Reader's Guide
Salas's Juventus career was marked by injury struggles. He won consecutive Serie A titles and the 2002 Supercoppa Italiana, providing an assist for Alessandro Del Piero's opening goal in the 2–1 victory over Parma in the latter competition. He scored four goals in 31 appearances across all competitions.
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