Italian “Juventus” in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final in Turin will take the current holder of the trophy – the Spanish “Real”. “Old Lady” made it to the Champions League for the first time in half after 12 years. In May 2003, “Juve” beat “cream” on aggregate and reach the final, where he lost to “Milan”.
«I thought the semi-finals of the Champions League will have to wait less than when I played at this stage 12 years ago. But seeing how difficult was the way we can enjoy this result even more. Of course, we realize that nothing is achieved, “- said 37-year-old goalkeeper,” Juventus’ Gianluigi Buffon after the team was “Monaco”.
Since the “Old Lady” lost in the final of the Champions League 2002 / 03 “Milan,” Buffon six times became the champion of Italy, twice won the Cup of the country became the world champion and vice-champion of Europe, plunged into a series B and returned.
Only 12 years later, “Juventus” will once again play in the Champions League semi-finals, where rival black and white will be the current holder of the tournament – Madrid “Real”. Surprisingly, 12 years ago, half of the tournament, “Old Lady” just beat “Real».
On the eve of the first match, which will be held in Turin, “Juve” for four rounds before finish the fourth time in succession he became the champion of Italy. But before the season started, many criticized the appointment of the head coach Massimiliano Allegri.
After a decisive victory over the “Sampdoria” flew coach on hands of grateful beneficiaries. One can only imagine how lob Allegri in case of victory in the Champions League.
However, “Juventus” in the confrontation with the “Real” is considered the clear outsider. In another way, and could not be, because the “cream”, as already mentioned – the current holder of the tournament. “Royal Club” is going to become the first team to win two consecutive Champions League.
You can not say that the playoffs “Real” goes without a hitch. In 1/8 final Spanish Grand missed in Madrid from the “Schalke” four goals, and the fans, “cream” were forced to humbly wait for the final whistle to the gate Iker Casillas has not scored a fifth.
The fourth drawing of lots will remake took decisive Champions League match last season: “Real” got on “Atletico”. In the semifinals, “Royal Club” made the way only thanks to a goal Chicharito in the 88th minute of the return match.
That’s match because of injuries missed a number of stars of “Real”. Only the Welsh winger Gareth Bale was able to fully recover from muscle injuries. Karim Benzema returned to a common group, but the first match against “Juventus” miss. About Luka Modric and say nothing, he is out of action until the end of the season.
Fans of “Real” or downright frightened news of back pain Cristiano Ronaldo. Fortunately for them, the injury will not prevent the Portuguese, who scored 53 goals this season, to take the field in Turin.
And here is the central midfielder, “Juventus’ Paul Pogba will miss the match. A player who is actively interested in “Barcelona” and PSG diagnosed Femur. At best, Pogba will be back to the second leg in Madrid.
Status weakest team semifinals undoubtedly plays into the hands of “Juve”. On the Italian team no one puts: if the “Old Lady” will be “real”, it would be called a miracle. If turintsy fly, no one would dare to blame them.
«This is the semi-finals, and the” Real “- the current holder of the trophy, so he’s probably a little higher odds. But this is not the case, we can say that we have nothing to lose. We can not remain in the final minute. We must realize that we have already managed to do. We have a chance, but we can not forget about the fact that the opponents have a very strong team, “- he played up journalists Allegri.
The mentor “Real” Carlo Ancelotti, whose duel with the Italian team will be special, said that fans waiting “game peer competitors.”
«It will be a match equal contenders. We have a lot of ball possession in the matches with “Atletico” in the quarter, but “Juventus”, like us, love to hold the ball. The main thing – to show our strengths. We will try to actively attack, firmly acting in defense, “- said the coach.
For Ancelotti this match will be special not only because he was an Italian, but also because Carlo worked two seasons with “Juventus” (1999-2001). In memory of Turin expert took the Intertoto Cup so the label “loser.” As head of “Milan” Ancelotti confounded skeptics and repeatedly wiped his nose, “Juventus’ Serie A.
Alvaro Morata – another person who will have something to prove. The “real” young Spanish striker was satisfied only substitute appearances, and then as unnecessary was sold in “Juventus”. Presumably, Alvaro will try to show in practice that this transfer was a mistake for his hometown club.
The European competition “Real” and “Juventus” crossed 16 times. A slight advantage – on the side of the Spanish team, scoring eight wins and seven defeats and once played in a draw.
In recent years, lots regularly kept his opponents. Last season’s Champions League teams were in the same group. Houses “Real” won – 2: 1, on the road was fixed the very unique in the history of confrontation draw – 2: 2.
In the season-2008/09 clubs also crossed in the group stage in a quartet of them then pleased the St. Petersburg “Zenith” and Belarusian BATE. “Old Lady” has beaten “cream” in both matches – 2: 1, 2: 0.
In 2005, “Juventus” knocked out “Real” from the Champions League at the stage of 1/8. In Madrid, black and white gave way with a minimum score in Turin, tipped the scales in their favor, thanks to a goal in extra time.
Finally, the most semifinal confrontation in 2003 and left for the “Juventus”. After losing on the road 1: 2 at home the Italian team won 3: 1 and made it to the final, where she lost “Milan».
In 1998, the teams met in the Champions League final at the Dutch “Amsterdam Arena. ” “Royal Club” has won the trophy, the only goal was scored by Predrag Mijatovic.
Other news, materials and statistics can be viewed at page Champions League.
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