Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA - JUVENTUS

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

The Old Lady is back: Juventus return to the Champions League

with bad memories to bury

The Bianconeri have had a rollercoaster 33 months since their last taste of the big time,

and a successful European campaign would cap their rise back to the top.

Sep 19, 2012

COMMENT

By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer

Many Juventus fans did not stick around to watch Anatoliy Tymoshchuk make it 4-1 - they’d already seen enough. Little did they know it at the time, but things would get worse. Their elimination from the Champions League in the group stages was just the beginning of the Bianconeri’s woes in 2009-10, and the following season would not be any better either.

After a European campaign which saw them twice scrape unconvincingly past Maccabi Haifa and fail to beat either Bordeaux or Bayern Munich came a run of five defeats in six league games and elimination from the Coppa Italia. It was the end for Ciro Ferrara, but the misery had only just started, with the appointments of first Alberto Zaccheroni and then Luigi Del Neri doing nothing to steady the ship.

Truth be told, that defeat to Bayern Munich in December 2009 was the start of the rot. Having just seen their side beat Inter to close in on Jose Mourinho’s league leaders and eventual treble winners, many Juventini were expecting great things to follow. Instead, there was 18 months of ignominy to come.

"That defeat to Bayern was just the start of the rot. There was 18 months of ignominy to come"

Consecutive seventh place finishes, an entire Europa League group campaign without a win, a thrashing at Fulham, humiliating home defeats to the likes of Parma, Bologna and Palermo … the tale of woe was longer and more painful than anything they could have imagined as they trudged out of the Olimpico on that cold winter evening after Mario Gomez had put the game beyond them.

The aftermath of Calciopoli was a trying period for the club, but there was a feeling of victimisation driving everyone on. This time, all of the damage was self-inflicted and they needed all sorts of work from top to bottom.

Tonight, Juventus step back into the Champions League having undergone a mesmerising transformation in the 33 months since their elimination by die Roten. Despite the troughs that have been experienced in between times, it is from the top of the tallest of peaks that they head for Stamford Bridge to take on European champions Chelsea. It is all thanks to their overhaul on and off the field over the last year and a half.

Unbeaten in 42 league games, boasting a ground-breaking new stadium, playing football which is the envy of Italy with a squad brimming with confidence, this Juventus could hardly be any more different from the one which last graced the Champions League stage.

Back then, there was a distinct lack of partnerships on the field. Now, the unity of the side is their outstanding quality. No more is there the feeling of dread as fans enter the ground, that was washed away when Juventus Stadium was opened and Antonio Conte’s brand of football was embraced.

Along with their new home, there have been other great strides off the pitch. There is now a greater belief in the administration of the club too.

JUVENTUS IN EUROPE SINCE THEIR LAST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE APPEARANCE

2009-10 - EUROPA LEAGUE

Last 32 - Ajax (a) W 2-1

Last 32 - Ajax (H ) D 0-0

Last 16 - Fulham (H ) W 3-1

Last 16 - Fulham (a) L 1-4

2010-11 - EUROPA LEAGUE

3rd Qual - Shamrock Rovers (a) W 2-0

3rd Qual - Shamrock Rovers (H ) W 1-0

Play off - Sturm Graz (a) W 2-1

Play off - Sturm Graz (H ) W 1-0

Matchday 1 - Lech Poznan (H ) D 3-3

Matchday 2 - Manchester City (a) D 1-1

Matchday 3 - Red Bull Salzburg (a) D 1-1

Matchday 4 - Red Bull Salzburg (H ) D 0-0

Matchday 5 - Lech Poznan (a) D 1-1

Matchday 6 - Manchester City (H ) D 1-1

2011-12 - DID NOT QUALIFY

After a difficult first term, director general Giuseppe Marotta and sporting director Fabio Paratici have brought in players who have been hugely effective in the club’s rise to the top in the Bel Paese. President Andrea Agnelli, once questioned for his inability to stand up for Juventus within the wider football community, now has the backing of the vast majority of the fan base thanks to his approach to the three-star debate and the Conte touchline ban episode. It really is a world away from the days of Jean-Claude Blanc, Roberto Bettega and Alessio Secco.

But above all, when the Champions League anthem is played in west London at 20.40CET tonight, the camera will be panning across a line of black and white shirts being worn by Andrea Pirlo, Mirko Vucinic, Arturo Vidal and Stephan Lichtsteiner rather than Christian Poulsen, Amauri, Tiago Mendes and Zdenek Grygera.

Three seasons on from the beginning of the landslide, Juve are back. And as they embark on the next step of their rise back to the top of the world game, a victory over the continental kings would bury for good the bad memory of Bayern and the 18 months of hell that followed.

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA - JUVENTUS

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Carrera relishing 'big test' against Chelsea

The caretaker is eagerly anticipating Wednesday's trip to Stamford Bridge, as he believes

his players have been presented with a great chance to announce their return to Europe.

Sep 19, 2012

Massimo Carrera sees Wednesday's Champions League Group E opener with Chelsea as the perfect yardstick for Juventus to measure their progress.

The Serie A champions have picked up from where they left off last season, with three wins from three games, and the interim boss wants his team to make full use of their opportunity against the competition holders.

"We are really proud to have the opportunity to face the champions of this competition," Carrera said at a press conference. "Of course it's a big test for us and we have to work and improve.

"But we are really happy that we can play these sort of games. We have spoken to the players and they know what they should and shouldn't do for tomorrow's game.

"We are conscious of what we need to do; these sort of games can give you a better understanding of where you are as a team."

Juventus last featured in the Champions League in 2009-10, when they failed to survive the group stage.

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA - JUVENTUS

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Chelsea goalkeeper Cech wary of tough Juventus test

The Czech Republic international insists the Blues will have to be at their very best

to ensure they make a winning start to the defence of the trophy they won in May.

Sep 19, 2012

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech says his side will need to be at their best if they are to making a winning start to the defence of their Champions League crown when they entertain Juventus on Wednesday evening.

The meeting with the Italian champions will be the west Londoners’ first game in the competition since they defeated Bayern Munich to lift the European Cup for the first time in May.

Juventus will line-up at Stamford Bridge without boss Antonio Conte, who is serving a ban for failing to report an approach for match-fixing at previous club Siena.

Despite being without their manager, Juve have made a perfect start to the new Serie A season, and Cech is well aware that they will put up a good fight at Stamford Bridge.

“We're playing Juventus, who have been missing from the Champions League for a few seasons, so they will definitely want to show they are back,” Cech told Chelsea’s official website.

“Last time we played them we beat them in the knockout stages [in 2009], so this is a chance for them to get revenge for that defeat.

“Anybody who plays against us will want to raise their game, we are the defending champions so its extra motivation for everybody.”

Last season, under the stewardship of Andre Villas-Boas, Chelsea only sealed their progression to the knock-out stages in the final group game, and Cech does not want a repeat of that this time around.

“The sooner you can qualify from the group, the better it is,” the 30-year-old added. “But whether you qualify on the last day or the first day it's not important, the main thing is just to get through.

“If we win every home game and lose every away game but win the Champions League, it doesn't really matter.

“We want to improve, though, because in all of our away games last season we were in a good position but failed to kill the match off, so that's definitely an area we want to build on to make our life easier.”

Chelsea were recently humbled by Atletico Madrid in the Super Cup, but Cech hopes to see his side's domestic form - which has seen them start unbeaten - transferred to Europe.

“It's always better if you can keep a clean sheet in the Champions League as it relieves the pressure,” the Czech Republic international said.

“It's been a positive start in that sense and we want to keep it going. Against Juventus it will be important as I don't see a game with many goals.

“They've been doing well and they will want to keep progressing. They have quite a few younger players who came through a couple of years ago who are still there, they have a very good defence and of course [Gianluigi] Buffon in goal, so it's going to be a very difficult game.”

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA - JUVENTUS

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Oscar makes full debut as Chelsea begin Champions League

defence against Juventus

The 21-year-old comes in for Ryan Bertrand in Roberto Di Matteo's only change from the weekend

draw with QPR, with Andrea Pirlo among the familiar faces in the Italian's line-up.

Sep 19, 2012

Brazilian starlet Oscar makes his first start for Chelsea in their Champions League opener against Juventus.

The Blues start their defence of their European crown at Stamford Bridge, where Roberto Di Matteo makes just one change from the side that drew 0-0 with QPR in the Premier League on Saturday, the 21-year-old replacing Ryan Bertrand.

Fernando Torres keeps his place as the lone striker, while the impressive Eden Hazard continues in midfield alongside another Brazil international, Ramires.

Elsewhere, the back-five remain the same, with John Terry and David Luiz keeping Gary Cahill on the bench, along with new signings Cesar Azpilicueta and Victor Moses.

As for Juventus, there is no place for Nicklas Bendtner in the side after he joined on loan from Arsenal in the summer. The Serie A outfit's coach, Massimo Carrera, instead plays Sebastian Giovinco up front, with an attacking three of Mirko Vucinic, Kwadwo Asamoah and Arturo Vidal in support.

Andrea Pirlo, who Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and John Terry will know well from Euro 2012, will be looking to pull the strings from midfield in west London.

Chelsea starting XI: Cech; Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole; Mikel, Lampard; Ramires, Oscar, Hazard; Torres

Subs: Turnbull, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Bertrand, Romeu, Mata, Moses

Juventus starting XI: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Marchiso, Pirlo; Vucinic, Asamoah, Vidal; Giovinco

Subs: Storari, Lucio, Giaccherini, Isla, Marrone, Quagliarella, Matri

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA - JUVENTUS

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Line-ups: Chelsea-Juventus

Sep 19, 2012

Juventus keep the 3-5-2 at Stamford Bridge with Mirko Vucinic and Sebastian Giovinco against John Terry’s Chelsea, but Juan Mata is benched.

The Bianconeri make their return to the Champions League after a two-year absence and begin with the trophy holders in London tonight.

As expected, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Arturo Vidal, Kwadwo Asamoah and Vucinic return to the starting XI after the 3-1 win at Genoa on Sunday. Gigi Buffon marks his 400th appearance for the Old Lady.

Coach Antonio Conte – who is in the stands due to a 10-month touchline ban for failing to alert authorities to a potential fix while at Siena – sticks with the 3-5-2 system.

Chelsea are top of the Premier League despite being held by QPR at the weekend and are hoping the form of Eden Hazard can fire them up in Europe.

Fernando Torres is in the starting line-up despite his angry reaction to a substitution at the weekend, backed by Oscar and Ramires, so Juan Mata is surprisingly sent to the bench.

John Terry shook off a knee problem he picked up in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with QPR and is available again after a two-match European ban, while John Obi Mikel has recovered from back pain.

These sides also faced off in the Round of 16 in 2009, as a spectacular 2-2 draw in Turin was followed by Chelsea’s 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.

In a somewhat worrying statistic, Juventus have lost their last five consecutive Champions League trips to England against Liverpool, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Arsenal (twice).

The last time the Bianconeri conquered English soil in this competition was 1-0 at Manchester United in the group stage on November 11, 1996.

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, David Luiz, Terry, Cole; Lampard, Mikel; Ramires, Hazard, Oscar; Torres

Chelsea bench: Turnbull, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Bertrand, Juan Mata, Moses, Oriol Romeu

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Giovinco, Vucinic

Juventus bench: Storari, Lucio, Giaccherini, Isla, Marrone, Matri, Quagliarella

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA - JUVENTUS

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Marotta: 'Juve must try to win'

Sep 19, 2012

Director Beppe Marotta is not afraid of Chelsea. “We are Juventus and it is our duty to go for the best result in every competition.”

The Bianconeri return to the Champions League at Stamford Bridge this evening against the trophy holders.

“This is Juventus and it is our duty to go for the best result in every competition,” director general Marotta told Sky Sport Italia before kick-off in London.

“Tonight it is an important test for a group that is new at every level, in terms of players and directors. It is exciting and for many a novelty.

“We have to grow in various aspects and at this stage the Champions League is a series of challenges to be overcome in the group.”

Kwadwo Asamoah was snapped up from Udinese over the summer and is in the starting XI against Chelsea.

“Asamoah is a player who attracted a lot of interest from different clubs, as did Arturo Vidal. The fact he’s playing tonight shows what a versatile player he is who fits our needs.

“We were looking for a young athlete who would settle in quickly to the squad, without forgetting an adequate price.”

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA - JUVENTUS

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Juventus Will Experience True Test

Sep 19, 2012

Juventus caretaker Massimo Carrera has emphasized the importance of their opening Champions League fixture against reigning champions Chelsea set to take place today.

Carrera who took over for Juve manager Antonio Conte following his 9 month ban, believes that this game will be a true test to Juventus’ ability and strength in Europe.

Juventus dominated the Serie A last year winning the Scudetto and going undefeated in the process.

The Bianconeri have not qualified for the Champions League since the ’09-’10 season, in which they did not get past the Group Stages.

Carrera has personal experience in the Champions League as he won the highest honor in club football with Juventus back in the ’95/’96 season as a player.

“I’m not nervous. It will be a normal game for me. We are back in Europe and are very proud to be facing the holders of the trophy. It represents an important test for us.”

Carrera will look to fair better than his compatriot Massimo Allegri whose squad struggled against Anderlecht and walked out of their Champions League opener with a disappointing tie.

Both Chelsea and Juventus are top of the table in their respective leagues and surely have a lot to prove in their first game of Group E.

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA - JUVENTUS

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

HT: Oscar performance stuns Juve

Sep 19, 2012

Juventus have had more of the possession in the first half, but are trailing 2-1 at Chelsea after two Oscar snapshots.

The Bianconeri returned to the Champions League for the first time since 2009-10 and did it against the trophy holders. Gianluigi Buffon made his 400th appearance for the club and there were no surprises in the starting XI. Roberto Di Matteo had John Terry back after a two-match ban and opted for Oscar’s first start in attack rather than Juan Mata. As in Serie A, Antonio Conte was in the stands so Massimo Carrera manned the touchline.

Juve had lost their last five consecutive Champions League trips to England against Liverpool, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Arsenal (twice). The last time the Bianconeri conquered English soil in this competition was 1-0 at Manchester United in the group stage on November 11, 1996.

After three minutes David Luiz bundled a corner into Buffon’s arms, but in numerous early set plays Giorgio Chiellini and Terry got up close and personal.

Arturo Vidal’s shot was charged out for a corner, but on the counter Andrea Barzagli intercepted a dangerous Eden Hazard pass to Fernando Torres.

Claudio Marchisio trapped a long ball forward to spring the offside trap and was one-on-one, but Petr Cech came flying out to parry at his feet from nine yards.

In the opening stages in London, Chelsea appeared to be focusing on the counter-attack. Ramires and Torres had efforts charged down from close range as part of the same chaotic move, as did Mirko Vucinic from Stephan Lichtsteiner’s pull-back.

Vucinic should’ve done better when Vidal intercepted a Branislav Ivanovic pass in midfield, but the Montenegro international hit the side-netting from a very promising position. Vidal turned his ankle during that move and was off for treatment when Chelsea got a goal out of nowhere.

Oscar aimed from distance and it took a big deflection off Leonardo Bonucci’s shin to loop over a helpless Buffon. It gave the home side the lead against the run of play.

Juve were still stunned when Chelsea added a second from a similar position, but this time there was no deflection. The Brazilian spun round between two defenders to curl an unstoppable strike into the top corner that dipped mercilessly under the bar.

Vidal tried to curl one too, but it was over the bar and he still seemed to be limping heavily from that ankle sprain.

Despite being in very poor condition, Vidal still managed to get a goal back for Juve. His first touch on the edge of the box gave him enough space to smash a precise angled drive into the near bottom corner. The Chilean could barely celebrate as he was grimacing at the pain of his ankle.

Cech smothered a slightly over-hit Vidal through ball at Giovinco’s feet, then Buffon had his palms stung by a Ramires snapshot from a tight angle. Ashley Cole charged down a Giovinco spin from the D. The first half ended with an Andrea Pirlo free kick that was curled just wide.

Chelsea 2-1 Juventus (Half-Time)

Scorers: Oscar 32, 34 ( C), Vidal 38 (J)

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, David Luiz, Terry, Cole; Lampard, Mikel; Ramires, Hazard, Oscar; Torres

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Giovinco, Vucinic

Ref: Proenca (POR)

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA 2 - 2 JUVENTUS

Oscar (31′)

Oscar (33')

Arturo Vidal (38′)

Fabio Quagliarella (80′)

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Attendance: 40918‎

Oscar sparkles but holders stunned

by Old Lady’s spirited comeback

Roberto Di Matteo's team fail to hold on to two-goal lead

as they begin Champions League defence in disappointing fashion.

Sep 19, 2012

By Wayne Veysey at Stamford Bridge

Roberto Di Matteo called retaining the Champions League crown Mission Impossible. So it might prove, as his Chelsea began the defence of their title in unpersuasive fashion, surrendering a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 against Serie A flagbearers Juventus.

The aptly-named Oscar had threatened to steal the show with two goals in two minutes on his full Chelsea debut and in his first Champions League appearance, the second a strike of rare quality.

But Arturo Vidal gave his team hope with a fine strike shortly before half-time and substitute Fabio Quagliarella made the home side pay for a sloppy performance with an 81st minute equaliser.

It was the least the well-drilled visitors deserved in their return to the competition following a three-season hiatus.

Manager Antonio Conte, watching from the stands as he continues his lengthy touchline ban, had watched in dismay as his team wasted two gilt-edged chances midway through the first period but Quaglieralla, who also hit the top of the bar in the dying minutes, ensured a second consecutive night of drama in the marquee Champions League fixture of the evening.

In his perch high up in the stands, there was no chance of Conte doing a Jose Mourinho-style knee slide but his joy would surely have been as unabated as 'His Specialness'.

It is more than two decades since any club managed to retain Europe's grandest trophy – "because of the fierce competition," reckoned Di Matteo in his pre-match media briefing. "Every season there are new strong teams coming in like PSG and Juventus. It just has proved impossible for anybody to win it twice. But we will try to do the impossible."

The Chelsea manager made only a slight tweak to the team that stuttered to a goal-less draw at QPR last Saturday, replacing the sweet left foot of Ryan Bertrand with the more exotic skills of Oscar, the £25million signing from Internacional who has been gradually eased into life at Stamford Bridge following his exertions for Brazil at the Olympics.

It proved to be an inspired use of the considerable attacking midfield resources at the disposal of the Chelsea manager, who was unable to field a recognised striker on the bench following the late withdrawal of Daniel Sturridge with a hamstring injury.

Juventus arrived at Stamford Bridge with a desperate recent record on English soil, losing eight - including a 1-0 last-16 Champions League defeat at Stamford Bridge four seasons ago - and drawing three.

Yet they returned to Europe’s head table for the first time in three years as Serie A winners, league leaders and Italy’s most convincing flag-bearers on the back of an astonishing 42-match league unbeaten run.

Just to rubberstamp their rejuvenation, the visiting starting X1 featured six members of the Italy team that began the Euro 2012 final against Spain – Gianluigi Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli, Girogio Chiellini, Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio.

Both sides struggled to create opportunities in the early exchanges, although David Luiz collected a nosebleed for his trouble after side-footing a fourth minute Frank Lampard corner straight at Buffon.

Juventus began to threaten on the counter-attack and twice came close to breaking the deadlock midway through the first period.

Firstly, Marchisio broke from midfield to spring Chelsea’s off-side trap and latch on to a long pass from Barzagli but his first touch was too heavy and Petr Cech was able to smother the danger.

Soon afterwards, Branislav Ivanovic sloppy pass was intercepted and Mirko Vucinic was sent through on goal but the imposing No9 biffed his shot wide.

Chelsea had been erratic up to this point, lacking composure in the final third and sloppy at the back.

But, following an anonymous half-hour, Oscar made his mark and demonstrated why he had been preferred to Juan Mata in the central playmaker role behind Fernando Torres.

Eden Hazard was once again the creator. The Belgian upped his already burgeoning assist count by swerving in from the left after 31 minutes and teeing up his sidekick in the centre. Oscar took a touch and then let fly from 25 yards, although Buffon would surely have saved the shot had it not take a cruel deflection off Bonucci.

If there was an element of fortune to Oscar’s first goal for his new employers, the second was an absolute gem of imagination and execution.

With a single touch he was able to control the pass he received on the edge of the box and, at the same time, wrong-foot the defence to give himself a goal-shooting opportunity. The second touch was as glorious as the first, a delightful curled shot evading the dive of Buffon.

The home fans, who had already been pumped up by the Champions League trophy – or the ‘Big Cup’ as one noteworthy former manager calls it – being paraded shortly before kick-off, were in jubilant mood. "We know what we are, we know what we are, Champions of Europe, we know what we are," sang the faithful.

The vociferous visiting supporters, who had been momentarily silenced by Oscar’s sublime second, were soon back in full voice.

Chelsea switched off again in the 38th minute and this time they were punished by Arturo Vidal. The midfielder lashed a low shot beyond Cech from 20 yards to give his team hope going into the break.

Conte’s team are famed for combining their physical determination with a willingness to attack and proved in the second period why they have become such tough nuts to crack.

Shortly after Oscar departed to a standing ovation from the home supporters, Quagliarella took full advantage of sloppiness from Mikel and a shocking attempt to play the off-side trap by Terry.

Mikel gave the ball away deep in his own half and Chelsea dawdled before Terry tried to deal with a deep pass from Marchiso by attempting to catch out Quagliarella. It failed dismally. The Italian darted past him and slotted calmly past Cech for a deserved equaliser.

It could have been even worse for the home side. With four minutes left, Quagliarella clipped the top of the bar following a delightful turn and shot.

A 3-2 victory for Juventus would have delivered a finish as improbable as that at the Bernabeu last night but, by dropping two points in a home fixture, Chelsea have given themselves a lot of work to do in a difficult group.

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA 2 - 2 JUVENTUS

Oscar (31′)

Oscar (33')

Arturo Vidal (38′)

Fabio Quagliarella (80′)

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Attendance: 40918‎

Juve comeback silences Chelsea

Sep 19, 2012

Juventus fought back from 2-0 down to grab a well-earned point at Chelsea with Fabio Quagliarella cancelling out Oscar’s brace. The Neapolitan striker also hit the bar in the closing stages.

The Bianconeri returned to the Champions League for the first time since 2009-10 and did it against the trophy holders at Stamford Bridge. Gianluigi Buffon made his 400th appearance for the club and there were no surprises in the starting XI. Roberto Di Matteo had John Terry back after a two-match ban and opted for Oscar’s first start in attack rather than Juan Mata. As in Serie A, Antonio Conte was in the stands so Massimo Carrera manned the touchline.

Juve had lost their last five consecutive Champions League trips to England against Liverpool, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Arsenal (twice). The last time the Bianconeri conquered English soil in this competition was 1-0 at Manchester United in the group stage on November 11, 1996.

After three minutes David Luiz bundled a corner into Buffon’s arms, but in numerous early set plays Giorgio Chiellini and Terry got up close and personal.

Arturo Vidal’s shot was charged out for a corner, but on the counter Andrea Barzagli intercepted a dangerous Eden Hazard pass to Fernando Torres.

Claudio Marchisio trapped a long ball forward to spring the offside trap and was one-on-one, but Petr Cech came flying out to parry at his feet from nine yards.

In the opening stages in London, Chelsea appeared to be focusing on the counter-attack. Ramires and Torres had efforts charged down from close range as part of the same chaotic move, as did Mirko Vucinic from Stephan Lichtsteiner’s pull-back.

Vucinic should’ve done better when Vidal intercepted a Branislav Ivanovic pass in midfield, but the Montenegro international hit the side-netting from a very promising position. Vidal turned his ankle during that move and was off for treatment when Chelsea got a goal out of nowhere.

Oscar aimed from distance and it took a big deflection off Leonardo Bonucci’s shin to loop over a helpless Buffon. It gave the home side the lead against the run of play.

Juve were still stunned when Chelsea added a second from a similar position, but this time there was no deflection. The Brazilian spun round between two defenders to curl an unstoppable strike into the top corner that dipped mercilessly under the bar.

Vidal tried to curl one too, but it was over the bar and he still seemed to be limping heavily from that ankle sprain.

Despite being in very poor condition, Vidal still managed to get a goal back for Juve. His first touch on the edge of the box gave him enough space to smash a precise angled drive into the near bottom corner. The Chilean could barely celebrate as he was grimacing at the pain of his ankle.

Cech smothered a slightly over-hit Vidal through ball at Giovinco’s feet, then Buffon had his palms stung by a Ramires snapshot from a tight angle. Ashley Cole charged down a Giovinco spin from the D. The first half ended with an Andrea Pirlo free kick that was curled just wide.

After the restart Buffon got down to palm a dangerous long-range Ivanovic strike out of the bottom corner. Frank Lampard’s powerful free kick found a gap in the Juventus wall and Buffon punched it away.

Hazard went down rather too easily under a Barzagli challenge and the referee ushered him back up amid weak penalty appeals.

Giovinco curled a free kick over, then the Atomic Ant cut in from the left for a dangerous shot turned out for a corner from which Bonucci nodded against the back of John Obi Mikel’s head. David Luiz did well to block Marchisio as he was pulling the trigger from the edge of the area.

Bonucci went into the tackle late and landed on Oscar’s ankle. Ryan Bertrand and Juan Mata were introduced, while Fabio Quagliarella and Mauricio Isla made surprise entrances for Giovinco and Lichtsteiner.

Juan Mata combined at pace with Hazard for the Spaniard to eventually hit the side-netting. However, it proved to be an inspired substitution by Massimo Carrera.

Quagliarella sprung the offside trap on a Marchisio through ball to surprise Terry and he kept his cool to nutmeg Cech for a fantastic equaliser. Mikel had given the ball away in midfield to spark the move.

Cech captured an Isla cross and Vucinic went down with cramp in his calf. Quagliarella nearly turned the game around completely with a sudden turn from just inside the box that curled on to the top of the crossbar with Cech beaten.

It still wasn’t over, as a free kick fell to Torres and his attempt was charged down.

Chelsea 2-2 Juventus

Scorers: Oscar 32, 34 (C ), Vidal 38 (J), Quagliarella 81 (J)

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, David Luiz, Terry, Cole; Lampard, Mikel; Ramires (Bertrand 69), Hazard, Oscar (Juan Mata 74); Torres

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichsteiner (Isla 77), Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Giovinco (Quagliarella 75), Vucinic (Matri 88)

Ref: Proenca (POR)

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA 2 - 2 JUVENTUS

Oscar (31′)

Oscar (33')

Arturo Vidal (38′)

Fabio Quagliarella (80′)

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Attendance: 40918‎

Juve rally to peg back holders

Sep 19, 2012

Chelsea blew a two-goal lead as their defence of the Champions League got off to a breathless start against Juventus in a match that ended 2-2.

Oscar looked set to enjoy a dream European debut with a stunning first-half double but the Italian champions ruthlessly exposed the holders' defensive deficiencies to snatch a draw at Stamford Bridge.

Arturo Vidal pulled a goal back before the break and, after Eden Hazard was denied what appeared a penalty, Fabio Quagliarella came off the bench to equalise and was a lick of paint from completing a sensational turnaround.

That would have been cruel on Chelsea but - as in their UEFA Super Cup thrashing by Atletico Madrid - they left themselves exposed enough to make such an outcome possible.

It was all looking so good after 33 minutes of what Roberto Di Matteo yesterday dubbed Mission: "Impossible".

His Midas touch in the competition was in evidence again after the shock selection of Oscar, who he admitted the club might not have convinced to join them had they not ended their agonising wait for Champions League glory.

Chelsea fans still pinching themselves at last season's astonishing triumph were given another glimpse of the European Cup before kick-off when members of the armed forces were handed the honour of parading it.

That proved a prelude to a combative first half-hour, which left David Luiz with a bloody nose and Vidal needing treatment on a knock.

The quality of football on show was not exactly what Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich had paid £80million to see but there were glimpses of the drama to come.

Luiz was under just enough pressure to steer Frank Lampard's corner straight at Gianluigi Buffon, while Fernando Torres wasted a great breakaway opportunity after robbing Andrea Pirlo, who is said not to have had a great start to the season by his high standards.

Torres, looking more lively than in his wretched performance at QPR on Saturday, also went close with a header but Juventus carved out the first clear chance when Andrea Barzagli's crossfield ball put Claudio Marchisio one on one with Petr Cech, who came flying out to smother.

Mirko Vucinic should have also done better than fire Vidal's pass into the sidenetting when clean through in the 29th minute and he was made to pay dearly in the next four minutes.

Oscar, who had almost looked like he had been picked to shadow Pirlo, found himself in space 25 yards out and unleashed a drive that Gianluigi Buffon would surely have saved but for a telling nick off Leonardo Bonucci.

If the first was lucky, the second was sublime, Oscar expertly controlling Ashley Cole's pass with his back to goal before spinning and unleashing an unstoppable dipping curler into the top corner.

But Juve are not 42 games unbeaten in Serie A for nothing.

Marchisio almost broke through again and Vidal fired over before taking full advantage of slack defending to drive a low left-foot shot into the bottom corner.

Hazard wasted another breakaway before half-time, after which Chelsea cranked up the pressure, with Branislav Ivanovic's dipping shot just kept out by Buffon.

The goalkeeper also beat away Lampard's driven free-kick before the home side were denied a penalty when Hazard surged into the box and went down under a clumsy challenge from Barzagli. Referee Pedro Proenca simply told Hazard to get up and he arguably made another mistake when booking Ramires for a perfectly clean tackle.

Vidal deservedly saw yellow for hauling back Oscar but Juve were suddenly on top, Chelsea resorting to the sort of counter-attacking tactics that served them so well last season.

Ramires was withdrawn for Ryan Bertrand before Oscar - who was stood on making a tackle - departed for Juan Mata.

Juventus responded by sending on Quagliarella for Sebastian Giovinco, who was actually looking a real threat.

And after Hazard and Mata almost combined to finish the contest - the latter blasting into the side-netting - the Juve substitute equalised.

It was another defensive horror show from Chelsea, Luiz hopelessly out of position as Quagliarella burst into an acre of space between John Terry and Ivanovic to steer Pirlo's through-ball between Cech's legs.

It was a nerve-jangling finish and Quagliarella was desperately unlucky not to complete an incredible turnaround when his left-foot curler clipped the crossbar.

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA 2 - 2 JUVENTUS

Oscar (31′)

Oscar (33')

Arturo Vidal (38′)

Fabio Quagliarella (80′)

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Attendance: 40918‎

Player Ratings: Chelsea 2-2 Juventus

Oscar caught the eye with two first-half goals, the second an absolute stunner,

but a casual attitude let the Blues down too often, with John Obi Mikel among the culprits.

Sep 19, 2012

Chelsea FC

Petr Cech - Taken out of the equation by Vidal's finish and let down by his outfielders for Quagliarella's equaliser. Otherwise not often directly challenged by the likes of Vucinic.

Branislav Ivanovic - With Asamoah not getting particularly far forward from the left wing-back position, Ivanovic seemed to be unsure of his role. Beaten for strength by Vucinic, the Serbian’s most telling contribution was nearly a failed attempt to spring the offside trap on Marchisio – the midfielder let him off with a poor touch.

Ashley Cole - A confident showing from the left-back, enough to see him nutmegging players in the Juventus half, and was generally spared from much threat by Lichtsteiner.

David Luiz - A frustrating case. Moments of real class at both ends – a fine interception here, a testing cross from wide there – but too often casual at the back and quick to lump it long with no direction.

John Terry - The more composed of the centre-back pair for much of the match but didn't learn from Ivanovic's failure to play the offside trap earlier in the game when he let Quagliarella through for the equaliser, a real error.

Ramires - Guilty of dallying too long with a first-half chance as Chelsea fulfilled the recent traditions of trying to "Arsenal it in". Worked hard without getting a great deal of traction out of Asamoah and Chiellini.

Frank Lampard - A veteran’s performance in the positive sense; calm and composed, determined and dogged. One or two particularly fine passes and tested Buffon with a strong free kick early in the second half.

Oscar - An element of fortune in his first goal being deflected by Bonucci out of Buffon’s reach but no question about his second, a thrilling first touch and curled shot that drew every spectator out of their seat. A tad too impetuous but such is to be expected of a youngster making his first start to the club and his touch was generally superb. Taken off after a crunching tackle by Bonucci.

John Obi Mikel - The Nigerian's passing from deep was poor, only emphasised by his part in Juventus' equaliser. Still has not progressed to the required level for this team.

Eden Hazard - Surprisingly isolated in the opening stages but was brought into the game more and more as it went on. Caused trouble for the back line but the decision not to award him a penalty in the second half was justified.

Fernando Torres - Faded in and out of the game - playing against three centre-backs, Chelsea's attacking midfielders were always more likely to be the key - but looked mildly threatening when involved.

Substitutions

Ryan Bertrand - Replaced Ramires with just over 20 minutes to go but was unable to have more of an impact. With Juve only employing one wide man - a wing-back - it was difficult to see why Chelsea needed him on the left wing.

Juan Mata - Should have done better with a decent chance after replacing the apparently injured Oscar. A surprise not to see him start but on the night you could understand why the Brazilian had been picked ahead of him.

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon - Let down by Bonucci for Oscar's opener and was visibly angered as the deflected effort went in and helpless to prevent the Brazilian's magnificent second. Dealt well with a Lampard free kick.

Giorgio Chiellini - The strongest of the Italian champions' three central defenders, perhaps because Ramires' threat from the right was a less subtle one than that of Hazard and Oscar.

Andrea Barzagli - Won some headers and played it out with composure, particularly in the first half, but now and then looked a little clumsy when up against Hazard.

Leonardo Bonucci - Had impressed before his noncommittal touch on Oscar’s shot prevented Buffon from saving the Brazilian’s effort - his later tackle to bring the youngster down deserved harsher punishment, too. Played it out of defence well, though, both long and short.

Stephan Lichtsteiner - A game runner in the first period though not too often given the chance as Juventus preferred to attack through the middle. Took a bit of a knock mid-game and his withdrawal after 75 minutes was not such a surprise as a result.

Claudio Marchisio - His first touch was found wanting in an otherwise excellent first-half springing of the offside trap. The midfielder was everywhere but sometimes lacked venom - a problem he solved, however, when putting Quagliarella through for the equaliser.

Andrea Pirlo - Narrowly squandered a free kick or two but as crisp and classy in the pass as ever without ever producing one of the game-defining through-balls of which he is so capable.

Kwadwo Asamoah - Did not get forward much from his wing-back position but combined well with the central midfielders on occasion.

Arturo Vidal - Took a knock early on but, despite hardly being able to stand, dispatched a great finish with much-needed calm to bring Juve back into it at a time when they could have sunk. The Chilean was a real highlight for the visitors, physically tough but also passing well.

Mirko Vučinić - Impressively strong in holding the ball up but such a skill is rendered pointless if, as Vucinic did, one cannot pass it to a team-mate rather than an opponent. Wasted a good chance by blasting aimlessly for the near post rather than the easier far before Chelsea got off the mark. The Blues' back line flattered him.

Sebastian Giovinco - Flashes of his vast talent were on show at Stamford Bridge but never more than that. A flicked pass over a defender’s head, an impressive chested control before whipping in a dangerous cross, but not often given enough service. Withdrawn for Quagliarella as Juventus chased a more orthodox threat.

Substitutions

Mauricio Isla - Put in a decent shift down the right after replacing Lichtsteiner.

Fabio Quagliarella - Made exactly the required impact when coming on as a more direct substitute for Giovinco. Made no mistake when Terry gifted him the space to equalise and nearly got a second when his lovely curled effort grazed the bar. A quality cameo.

Alessandro Matri - Came on for Vucinic late but had no time to make an impression.

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA 2 - 2 JUVENTUS

Oscar (31′)

Oscar (33')

Arturo Vidal (38′)

Fabio Quagliarella (80′)

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Attendance: 40918‎

Mikel laments Chelsea concentration lapse after Juventus comeback

The Nigerian's sloppy attempted pass was a mistake that contributed to the Italian side's

late equaliser after the Champions League holders had earlier been two goals up.

Sep 19, 2012

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel lamented his part in a collective switching-off as the Blues allowed Juventus to fight back and earn a 2-2 Champions League draw at Stamford Bridge.

Last season's winners started their defence well, going 2-0 up with quickfire goals from Brazilian youngster Oscar, but Arturo Vidal’s swift reply was consolidated by a Fabio Quagliarella strike late on.

Mikel gave the ball away in the build-up to the equaliser and he told Sky Sports after the game: "I think we switched off. It was a pass to Eden [Hazard] that didn't quite get there and then we just switched off.

"We should have dealt with it properly."

The Nigerian had been encouraged, however, by their energetic beginning to the match, adding: "I think we started the game well, we scored two goals and we had more possession of the game. We had the game under control but they scored one goal.

"We came out in the second half trying to do something in the way that we started the first-half but their second goal was a cheap goal to give away."

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA 2 - 2 JUVENTUS

Oscar (31′)

Oscar (33')

Arturo Vidal (38′)

Fabio Quagliarella (80′)

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Attendance: 40918‎

Vidal and Quagliarella elated with Juventus

comeback after 2-2 draw with Chelsea

The Old Lady pair inspired the Italian side to a creditable draw

at Stamford Bridge in their return to Europe's elite football competition.

Sep 19, 2012

Juventus goalscorers Arturo Vidal and Fabio Quagliarella praised their side's resolve after they fought back from two goals down to earn a point against Champions League holders Chelsea.

After Oscar had put Chelsea two goals ahead inside the opening 33 minutes, the Serie A champions dug deep to claim a respectable point and Quagliarella spoke of his delight at their strength of character.

Speaking to reporters after the game, the Italian striker said: "Considering the way the game was going, this is a very important result for us against the reigning champions.

“It was a tough game. I was called upon and hoped to have a few chances to score. I took one and went close with another by hitting the bar. I gave my all."

Since the return of Sebastian Giovinco from Parma, the 29-year-old striker has failed to hold down a starting role, but remains optimistic of being part of caretaker coach Massimo Carrera's plans.

"It’s certainly not easy to sit on the bench and watch the matches from the sidelines, but in a big team there is always going to be competition. I always sit there hoping to start or to come off the bench. Maybe earlier than the last 10 minutes!

“I was running towards Marco Storari to celebrate with him and was very pleased to hug Massimo, as he is someone who suffers along with us. It was his Champions League debut too, so we were all a bit tense and emotional," he added.

Vidal suffered a knock to his ankle during the first-half, but moved to reassure fans that his injury is not serious.

“I had this ankle injury, but I am fine now and I’m happy the team proved the work we did last season led us to this. We’re happy to be in the Champions League,” said the Chilean midfielder.

“We showed the same heart as last year in Serie A. We want to play in three competitions and this is the Juventus we need to see every game.

“I am fine and will work with the doctors, so I should be fit for the weekend if the coach wants to pick me.”

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA 2 - 2 JUVENTUS

Oscar (31′)

Oscar (33')

Arturo Vidal (38′)

Fabio Quagliarella (80′)

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Attendance: 40918

Carrera: 'Everyone counts for Juve'

Sep 19, 2012

Stand-in Coach Massimo Carrera admits Chelsea made it tough by man-marking Andrea Pirlo, but Fabio Quagliarella “shows everyone can make the difference.”

Juventus made their Champions League comeback with a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge, as Arturo Vidal and Quagliarella fought back from 2-0 down to snatch a point. Shakhtar Donetsk beat Nordsjaelland 2-0 to top Group E.

Oscar scored a brace in the first half, including one huge deflection, but was also crucial when marking Pirlo in midfield.

“We know that Andrea is man-marked, as everyone knows he is the centre of our play, so we have different options such as central midfielders who must come forward with the ball to feet,” said Carrera.

Quagliarella replaced Sebastian Giovinco and proved decisive, scoring the equaliser and hitting the bar.

“During the week we watch the players and see who is in the best shape. Ale Matri played on Sunday, but Fabio shows perfectly that everyone is needed at Juve and can make the difference when called upon.

“He scored a great goal and threatened to win it at the end. We had a great performance and proved we can play on a par with anyone.

“Giovinco does what we ask him to, as the strikers need to play into space. He will get better fitness levels soon and no doubt make himself heard in Europe as well.”

Juve were trailing in London and also fought back from 1-0 down to beat Genoa 3-1 on Sunday.

“The first goal was when we only had 10 men, as Vidal was out injured. We accept that, but obviously it didn’t help.

“We started badly at Genoa, but here we took the initiative and controlled the game, creating two or three chances in the first half. Of course when playing against Chelsea you will have to give away some scoring opportunities eventually.

“We are happy to have got this game back on track after being 2-0 down. Now we take this point and from tomorrow prepare for Serie A.”

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA 2 - 2 JUVENTUS

Oscar (31′)

Oscar (33')

Arturo Vidal (38′)

Fabio Quagliarella (80′)

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Attendance: 40918

Di Matteo: 'Oscar's dream debut'

Sep 19, 2012

Roberto Di Matteo hailed Oscar’s Chelsea debut against Juventus, both for his brace and man-marking Andrea Pirlo.

“Oscar’s debut was fantastic. He was tactically perfect and it was the right game for him to start his career with us,” the manager told Sky Sport Italia after a 2-2 draw.

“It was a good game played well by both sides. We have regrets, as we were 2-0 up and couldn’t win it.

“Juve are full of quality, we knew that, and it is difficult to play against them. We made a few mistakes in defence and allowed them to score two goals.

“Pirlo dictates the tempo of the team, so it was important not to give him space or time on the ball. That was Oscar’s job tonight and he did it well.

“I think we should’ve pushed harder for the third goal to finish off the game, but we made a mistake on the second goal when losing possession cheaply in midfield.”

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA 2 - 2 JUVENTUS

Oscar (31′)

Oscar (33')

Arturo Vidal (38′)

Fabio Quagliarella (80′)

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Attendance: 40918

Vidal hails Juve heart

Sep 19, 2012

Arturo Vidal reassures Juventus fans his ankle injury is not serious after scoring a goal in a 2-2 draw with Chelsea.

“I had this ankle injury, but I am fine now and I’m happy the team proved the work we did last season led us to this. We’re happy to be in the Champions League,” said the Chilean.

He was already limping heavily after turning his ankle on the Stamford Bridge turf when he scored a fine daisy-cutter from the edge of the box before half-time.

The Bianconeri were 2-0 down at the time, but fought back with Fabio Quagliarella for a thrilling 2-2 draw.

“We showed the same heart as last year in Serie A. We want to play in three competitions and this is the Juventus we need to see every game.

“I am fine and will work with the doctors, so should be fit for the weekend if the Coach wants to pick me.”

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA 2 - 2 JUVENTUS

Oscar (31′)

Oscar (33')

Arturo Vidal (38′)

Fabio Quagliarella (80′)

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Attendance: 40918

Buffon: 'Juve are competitive'

Sep 19, 2012

Gianluigi Buffon complimented Oscar on his goal and noted Juventus have already won by “proving we’re competitive and a side to be respected.”

The Bianconeri returned to the Champions League for the first time since 2009-10 and fought back from 2-0 down to hold Chelsea after Oscar’s brace.

“Oscar turned on a sixpence and put the ball under the bar. I won’t say it’s nice to concede a goal, but it’s still nice to be a part of a great goal like that. Compliments to him,” laughed Buffon.

“Clearly we are all happy to have equalised away to the reigning champions, but analysing the game we were 2-0 down in a fairly unexpected way, as we had been playing on a par with Chelsea. The fact we were 2-0 down was harsh considering the performances of the two teams.

“The statistics say we aren’t keeping clean sheets at the moment. As long as it’s three or four games, that is one thing, but if this run stretches on then that is a warning sign we ought to work on.

“It went the way I expected, not better or worse. In order to not disappoint and to confirm its belief, the team had to make this performance.

“We could’ve lost 2-1 playing like this and that still would’ve been proof Juventus are competitive and a side to be respected. That is a very important ‘trophy’ we won last season.”

There were over 3,000 Bianconeri supporters at Stamford Bridge and they often drowned out the home fans.

“We do sense the enthusiasm of the fans. I am one of the few left who went through the past success and the six years of decline. I can assure you, six years is a lot.

“Throughout that time we dreamed of winning a Scudetto and winning back the respect of teams in Europe. That doesn’t necessarily mean lifting the trophy, but having our say on this stage again.

“It is certainly difficult, if not impossible, to win the Champions League this season. It would also be a very arrogant thing to consider in September.

“We reinforced our squad with important elements and it is allowing us to play every game our way – with a high tempo and lots of quality, trying to impose our football on the opposition.

“If we can keep this up throughout the season, then of course we can look to building on it. The difference between a victory and defeat can often be the size of an upright or a deflection, as Chelsea saw last season.”

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA 2 - 2 JUVENTUS

Oscar (31′)

Oscar (33')

Arturo Vidal (38′)

Fabio Quagliarella (80′)

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Attendance: 40918

Quagliarella: 'When I saw Cech...'

Sep 19, 2012

Fabio Quagliarella explained what he was thinking when he nutmegged Petr Cech to earn a 2-2 draw for Juventus.

“Considering the way the game was going, this is a very important result for us against the reigning champions,” he said of the Champions League result at Chelsea.

“I was about to shoot with my left foot, then I realised the defender wasn’t there, so I took it into a one-on-one with Cech.”

Quagliarella had come off the bench a few minutes earlier, replacing Sebastian Giovinco.

“It was a tough game. I was called upon and hoped to have a few chances to score. I took one and went close with another by hitting the bar. I gave my all.

“It’s certainly not easy to sit on the bench and watch the matches from the sidelines, but in a big team there is always going to be competition. I always sit there hoping to a) start or b) to come off the bench. Maybe earlier than the last 10 minutes!”

Quagliarella ran to hug stand-in Coach Massimo Carrera after the goal, but revealed it wasn’t his original intention.

“I was running towards Marco Storari to celebrate with him and was very pleased to hug Massimo, as he is someone who suffers along with us. It was his Champions League debut too, so we were all a bit tense and emotional.

“I have felt 100 per cent fit for a while, but if you don’t play consistently then match fitness is tough to achieve. It’s not something you can get from training alone.”

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA 2 - 2 JUVENTUS

Oscar (31′)

Oscar (33')

Arturo Vidal (38′)

Fabio Quagliarella (80′)

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Attendance: 40918

Lichtsteiner: This is our stage

Sep 20, 2012

The Champions League is the right competition for Italian giants Juventus, Stephan Lichtsteiner has insisted.

The right-sided wing-back made that claim after Wednesday’s impressive 2-2 draw in London against European Cup holders Chelsea.

“We have shown that we are good enough to play in this Champions League,” he stated. “We are a side with character because it wasn’t easy to pick ourselves up after going 2-0 down.

“We had an important chance after about half an hour before Oscar got those two goals. However, we didn’t play too bad in the first part of the game either.”

Lichtsteiner was again asked to make an impact at the back and up front, as well as keeping an eye on Eden Hazard.

“I’m in good shape,” he stated. “It’s not easy to play as a fifth defender and a fourth attacker. It’s normal to be tired at the end of the game. I had Hazard on my flank and it was important to limit his impact.”

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA 2 - 2 JUVENTUS

Oscar (31′)

Oscar (33')

Arturo Vidal (38′)

Fabio Quagliarella (80′)

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Attendance: 40918

Juventus’ good and bad records

Sep 20, 2012

Juventus haven’t won a game in Europe since August 2010, but they are still unbeaten when playing their first Champions League game of the season.

The Turin giants drew 2-2 with Chelsea last night which simultaneously prolonged a winless streak and extended an unbeaten record.

La Signora have now not won in European competition for seven games after picking up seven consecutive draws. Their last win was against Sturm Graz in the Europa League.

That has equalled a negative record which goes back to 1998 when they collected five draws and two defeats in the Champions League.

However, Juventus have still never lost their first group game of a new Champions League season. They’ve picked up eight wins and five draws since 1995-96.

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA 2 - 2 JUVENTUS

Oscar (31′)

Oscar (33')

Arturo Vidal (38′)

Fabio Quagliarella (80′)

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Attendance: 40918

Juventus displayed weaknesses against Chelsea, admits Carrera

The caretaker boss was satisfied with his side's performance, as they came back from behind

to earn a point at Stamford Bridge, but conceded they looked vulnerable on occasions.

Sep 20, 2012

Massimo Carrera believes Juventus still have plenty of room for improvement following Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Chelsea in their maiden Champions League clash of the season.

Two goals from Oscar helped the titleholders to a comfortable lead, but the Bianconeri fought back as Arturo Vidal and Fabio Quagliarella eventually tied the scores at Stamford Bridge.

"We did very well, we were in good physical condition and that's how we turned the match around. We were losing by two goals but came back fighting," the interim coach said after the match.

"We also know we have weaknesses that we have to work on. We could have won it; we could have lost it as well. But that's football. I'm just happy that tonight we proved we can play at this level."

Carrera then went on to praise Arturo Vidal, who pulled one back for his team just minutes after an injury which seemed to force him off.

"Vidal reflects the soul of this team. He was injured and we were going to take him off, but he said he was alright and he came back to score a goal – it just shows our strength."

Juventus take on Shakhtar Donetsk on October 2 in their second Group E game.

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA 2 - 2 JUVENTUS

Oscar (31′)

Oscar (33')

Arturo Vidal (38′)

Fabio Quagliarella (80′)

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Attendance: 40918

Juventus give Europe a glimmer of their capabilities

by silencing the champions on their own turf

The Bianconeri came back from two goals down to earn a draw with Chelsea,

and it was the very least their play deserved as they bossed the game at Stamford Bridge.

Sep 20, 2012

COMMENT

By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer

Watch out Europe... Juventus are back! They may not have won on their return to the Champions League, and there may have been signs of a few old failings still on display, but the Bianconeri showed that they are the real deal in coming from two goals down to earn a draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

When the European champions hit them with a double sucker-punch on the half-hour mark, they could easily have folded. But instead they took confidence in having overcome a difficult opening quarter to wrestle the initiative from their hosts.

There was also another key moment during that 120-second period between Oscar’s two goals, as Arturo Vidal hobbled back onto the field of play.

The Chilean had seemingly damaged ligaments in his ankle in the act of almost putting Juve ahead, and for a while it appeared as though his night would end there. But when he regained his feet, the Old Lady regained hope, and within five minutes he limped his way into the Chelsea penalty area and fired them back into the game.

From there, Juve’s usual possession game, which has served them so well under Antonio Conte, was too much for Chelsea to handle. The Bianconeri dominated the second half, and were fully deserving of their equaliser, brilliantly taken by Fabio Quagliarella after he peeled off the static John Terry to latch onto Claudio Marchisio's excellent through ball. If Juve had gone on to get a winner, which they nearly did when Quagliarella turned and hit an excellent left-footed shot off the top of the bar, then Chelsea could have had no complaints.

They may have ridden their luck at times - such as when substitute Juan Mata fired wide at 2-1 - but this was a display of real belief and real intent. The occasional moments of weakness at the back, particularly early on when they found a couple of testing corners difficult to deal with, were quickly overcome.

Vidal remained key throughout a fixture played at a much more frenetic speed than anything Juve have played during their two-and-a-half year absence from the Champions League, with Andrea Pirlo closed out early on and the responsibility shifting to the former Bayer Leverkusen man to rein things in in midfield. The feeling is though, if he had gone off, then there may have been no point to show for their endeavour at the end of the night.

In dominating Chelsea, and pegging back the Blues, the Bianconeri proved they have the game and the desire necessary to go far in the tournament, but there still remains a question mark over what will happen if they are forced to dig deep within the squad reserves. Quagliarella came off the bench to save the day, which was one positive, and it will give Conte and Massimo Carrera great hope. But there will be other, less obvious, but equally huge tests to come.

So it’s so far, so very good for Juventus. Looking at the bigger picture, a point on the opening night is more credible than incredible, but it’s an excellent first step, and ensures that the rest of Europe will now be taking them very seriously.

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA 2 - 2 JUVENTUS

Oscar (31′)

Oscar (33')

Arturo Vidal (38′)

Fabio Quagliarella (80′)

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Attendance: 40918

Oscar thrilled with Champions League debut

but disappointed not to beat Juventus

The 21-year-old Brazil international struck two goals against the Serie A holders,

but believes that a victory would have made the performance even better.

Sep 20, 2012

Oscar has expressed his delight at the reception he received from Chelsea's fans after making his first appearance for the club in Europe, describing it as a "dream".

Having moved to Stamford Bridge in the summer from Brazilian club Internacional for a fee in the region of €31 million (£25m), the youngster has so far been used sparingly by boss Roberto Di Matteo as he looks to slowly integrate him into the side.

However, against Juventus, it was Oscar who managed to grab both goals as the Blues were held at home by Serie A reigning champions Juventus yet the 21-year-old was more than happy with his display.

"I am very happy with two goals on my debut but I would have been much happier if the team had won the game," Oscar told reporters.

"In Brazil, young boys dream of playing in the Champions League and I'm very proud to have realised my dream.

"I liked the reception from the fans. They're great. I hope I can keep growing and scoring goals."

After his performance, he also came in for some praise from his new team-mates and centre-back David Luiz believes that there is more from Oscar to come now that he starting to adjust.

"I think he has a great future. Not only with Chelsea but with the national team, too. So tonight he showed who is Oscar," he said.

"I know how hard it is when you don't speak the language, to go out to a restaurant or something and you don't know what to do if you're waiting for food or something.

"But now I'm trying to help Oscar and he can help Chelsea, too."

Goalkeeper Petr Cech also felt that the midfielder played well in what was a sizeable test against a side unbeaten in Italy for over a year, arguing that he looks as if he is more than capable of justifying his huge price-tag.

"He's a very talented guy and it's great for him to score two goals because, for his age, he cost a lot of money," he added.

"So there is a lot of pressure on him, and it's great for people to see how good he can be for this football club and today I was very pleased that he got his goals and he played very good football.

"He played nice, simple football. He's always in the movement, always available and really efficient."

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA 2 - 2 JUVENTUS

Oscar (31′)

Oscar (33')

Arturo Vidal (38′)

Fabio Quagliarella (80′)

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Attendance: 40918

'It's nice to be a part of a great goal like that' -

Buffon reserves special praise for Oscar

The veteran goalkeeper acclaimed the Brazilian prodigy for his second strike

of the evening, while he was delighted with the Old Lady's performance in west London.

Sep 20, 2012

Gianluigi Buffon has lavished praise on Chelsea midfielder Oscar following his wonder strike against Juventus in Wednesday's 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

The Serie A champions fell two goals behind following a double from the Brazilian, but it was his second of the night which caught the imagination of the Bianconeri No.1, as while he did not approve of his net being breached, he was impressed by the quality of the finish.

"Oscar turned on a sixpence and put the ball under the bar," Buffon told Uefa.com after the game.

"I won’t say it’s nice to concede a goal, but it’s still nice to be a part of a great goal like that. Compliments to him."

The goalkeeper then went onto express his satisfaction with Juve's second-half comeback, as Arturo Vidal and Fabio Quagliarella scored late on to rescue their side a point on their return to European competition.

"We played a good match and deserved to draw and as such we are very happy," the goakeeper added.

"They also had chances to score, but in the end we played well, attacked and tried to win. A draw isn't a bad result.

"We are happy to be here. It is two years since we've been in this tournament and two years of disappointment, but last year we had a great season and we deserved to be here this evening."