Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8435]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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CELTIC - JUVENTUS

Celtic Park - Glasgow

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

TEAM NEWS: Samaras out for Celtic as Ambrose returns against Juventus

The Nigeria international flew into Glasgow on Tuesday morning to ensure he would be able

to take his place against the Bianconeri, who recall Leonardo Bonucci in defence.

Feb 12, 2013

Celtic are without mercurial striker Giorgos Samaras as they host Juventus in the Champions League last 16.

Neil Lennon makes nine changes for the Hoops' 3-1 win over Inverness at the weekend, with only Fraser Forster and Kris Commons retained from the side that were victorious in the Highlands.

Efe Ambrose makes a return to the XI after winning Afcon 2013 with Nigeria - the defender flying into Glasgow on Tuesday morning to ensure he would be available.

The Bianconeri, meanwhile, make just two changes from the side that beat Fiorentina 2-0 on Saturday.

Martin Caceres replaces Paolo De Cegile, while Leonardo Bonucci will take his place in the heart of defence, with Luca Marrone dropping out.

CELTIC: Forster; Lustig, Wilson, Ambrose, Izaguirre; Forrest, Brown, Wanyama, Mulgrew, Commons; Hooper.

Subs: Zaluska, Matthews, Kayal, Ledley, Miku, Watt, Lassad.

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Peluso; Matri, Vucinic.

Subs: Storari, Pogba, Giovinco, Anelka, Padoin, Quagliarella, Marrone.

[Socrates 8435]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

CELTIC - JUVENTUS

Celtic Park - Glasgow

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

Marotta: 'Important appointment'

Feb 12, 2013

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta admits tonight’s trip to Celtic Park is “an important appointment for us.”

This is the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 and Marotta spoke to Sky Sport Italia before kick-off. Click here for the line-ups.

“Our fans being here give us comfort and enthusiasm. You can feel the passion of the Celtic supporters, as it’s difficult to be heard in here,” he laughed.

“This is an important appointment for us, because it is the first time we are facing a challenge of this nature.

“Juventus are accustomed to certain challenges within its challenges. Evidently we must honour this match in the best possible way.”

Alessandro Matri has again been chosen to partner Mirko Vucinic after spending many weeks on the bench.

“Antonio Conte knows how to evaluate his players. Now Matri is in good shape and therefore he is playing.”

[Socrates 8435]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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CELTIC - JUVENTUS

Celtic Park - Glasgow

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

Line-ups: Celtic-Juventus

Feb 12, 2013

Mirko Vucinic, Alessandro Matri and Andrea Pirlo lead the way as Juventus take on Celtic in the Champions League, but Georgios Samaras is out.

The Bianconeri kick off the first leg of this Round of 16 fixture at Celtic Park at 19.45 GMT.

Vucinic and Matri remain the strike partners after their performance in the 2-0 win over Fiorentina on Saturday.

As always, Pirlo holds the midfield reins, joined by Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal and Stephan Lichtsteiner.

There were only some doubts for Coach Antonio Conte, as Federico Peluso has been picked rather than Emanuele Giaccherini for the left flank.

Martin Caceres steps in for the injured Giorgio Chiellini in a back three, while Paolo De Ceglie joins the sidelined Simone Pepe and Nicklas Bendtner.

Kwadwo Asamoah flew straight to Glasgow after his Africa Cup of Nations duty, but is in the stands, while Paul Pogba and Nicolas Anelka are on the bench.

Celtic qualified from the group stage after a shock home victory against Barcelona, so are not to be under-estimated.

Striker Samaras was in doubt with a hamstring injury and is not even on the bench, but Efe Ambrose starts despite the fact he only flew in this morning after playing for Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations Final victory on Sunday.

Emilio Izaguirre and James Forrest shook off injuries to start with Kris Commons and Gary Hooper in attack.

CELTIC: Forster; Lustic, Wilson, Ambrose, Izaguirre; Forrest, Brown, Wanyama, Mulgrew; Commons, Hooper

Celtic bench: Zaluska, Matthews, Kayal, Ledley, Miku, Watt, Lassad

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Peluso; Matri, Vucinic

Juventus bench: Storari, Pogba, Giovinco, Anelka, Padoin, Quagliarella, Marrone

[Socrates 8435]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

CELTIC - JUVENTUS

Celtic Park - Glasgow

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

HT 0-1: Juve lead at Celtic Park

Feb 12, 2013

Alessandro Matri has given Juventus the half-time lead at Celtic Park, though the goal had initially been awarded to Claudio Marchisio.

The Bianconeri were without Giorgio Chiellini, Paolo De Ceglie, Simone Pepe and Nicklas Bendtner, but opted for Federico Peluso on the left and a front two of Alessandro Matri and Mirko Vucinic. The Montenegrin was playing with the aid of heavy strapping to his knee. Celtic striker Georgios Samaras was not even fit for a spot on the bench, but Efe Ambrose was surprisingly started despite only flying in from Africa Cup of Nations duty this morning.

Celtic qualified for the Round of 16 after a shock home victory over Barcelona, while Juve recovered from a poor start to win their group, eliminating Champions League holders Chelsea. After 70 seconds Gigi Buffon palmed a Victor Wanyama long-range effort round the post, though it looked to be going wide anyway.

Juventus took the lead in chaotic circumstances moments later. A long ball forward was flicked on by Matri to surprise both Fraser Forster and Ambrose, then it was cleared off the line before Claudio Marchisio finished it off. However, replays show the ball had already gone over, so the goal belongs to Matri and it is the first Champions League strike of his career.

Buffon smothered another Wanyama effort, but Marchisio turned wide at the back post after another dangerous Juve move took advantage of Ambrose’s jet-lag. Buffon blocked from Kris Commons after a poor Martin Caceres clearance. Emilio Izaguirre whipped in a cross from the left that Commons volleyed well over from the penalty spot.

A long Pirlo pass allowed Vucinic to dribble round Forster, but the angle was too narrow and the follow-ups from Arturo Vidal and Matri were charged down.

A Commons overhead kick whistled just wide with Buffon rooted to the spot. Stephan Lichtsteiner and Gary Hooper were both booked for their tussle in the box and when the corner was eventually taken, Wanyama turned a free header over.

Commons again fired straight at Buffon, while Vidal’s shot was charged down. Just before the break another Celtic corner proved dangerous, but James Forrest’s effort was bizarrely blocked off by his own teammate.

Celtic 0-1 Juventus (Half-Time)

Scorers: Matri 3 (J)

CELTIC: Forster; Lustic, Wilson, Ambrose, Izaguirre; Forrest, Brown, Wanyama, Mulgrew; Commons, Hooper

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Peluso; Matri, Vucinic

Ref: Undiano Mallenco (SPA)

[Socrates 8435]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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CELTIC 0 - 3 JUVENTUS

Alessandro Matri (3′)

Claudio Marchisio (77′)

Mirko Vučinić (83′)

Celtic Park - Glasgow

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

Attendance: 57917‎

Bianconeri a class apart in Glasgow

Alessandro Matri struck early before late goals from Claudio Marchisio and Mirko Vucinic

virtually assured the reigning Serie A champions of a place in the next round.

Feb 12, 2013

Juventus have one foot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League after recording a stunning 3-0 victory over Celtic in the first leg of their last-16 clash in Glasgow.

Alessandro Matri opened the scoring with less than three minutes played, the former Cagliari striker capitalising on some dreadful defending from Eke Ambrose to bag the Bianconeri a crucial away goal.

Celtic dominated both possession and territory for the remainder of the game but they ultimately ran out of steam, as well as ideas, and saw their hopes of turning the tie around in Turin all but dashed by late goals from Claudio Marchisio and Mirko Vucinic.

Having already beaten Barcelona, the Bhoys went into the game quietly confident of toppling another European giant. However, the hosts were left reeling after less than three minutes of action.

Ambrose, who had only just returned from Africa Cup of Nations duty with Nigeria on the morning of the game, appeared to be suffering the effects of a long-haul flight. He made a mess of an attempted header back to Fraser Foster, allowing the in-form Matri to steal in and lift the ball over the advancing keeper and give his side a vital away goal.

The scrambling Kelvin Wilson looked to have pulled off a remarkable last-ditch clearance but replays showed that the ball had crossed the line, and besides, Marchisio had put the issue beyond all doubt by calmly burying the rebound.

The concession of such an early away goal undoubtedly came as a hammer blow, but Celtic quickly cleared their heads and set about hammering away at the Juventus goal. Buffon was twice called into action to deal with well-struck drives from Victor Wanyama and Kris Commons, before the latter volleyed over when well placed in the middle of the box.

Juve were struggling to exert their customary control over the middle of the park, with Andrea Pirlo growing increasingly frustrated by the roughhouse treatment he was receiving from Scott Brown. However, after becoming embroiled in an unsightly outbreak of handbags, the peerless playmaker began to express himself in a far more positive fashion, prising open the Celtic defence with a sublime through ball. Vucinic managed to get on the end of pass but the Montenegrin’s first touch forced him too far wide and the chance to double Juve’s lead passed.

A second goal would have been incredibly harsh on Celtic, who, in truth, deserved to go in level at the interval. However, despite their best efforts, with an acrobatic overhead from Commons the pick of the bunch, they began the second half still trailing to Matri’s strike.

The home side did their best to sustain the frenetic pace they had set in the first half, but the Bianconeri stubbornly refused to break. Ambrose had a glorious opportunity to atone for his earlier error on the hour mark but he headed straight at a grateful Buffon and by that point it had become clear that Juve had weathered the worst of the storm.

The visitors became increasingly adventurous the longer the game wore on and Marchisio had already had one goal-bound effort blocked by Wilson before the same player doubled Juve's advantage with just over 15 minutes remaining, the midfielder firing past Forster after turning sharply inside Brown.

The Serie A champions then put the game - and effectively the tie - beyond their hosts when Marchisio slipped Vucinic through to score a third goal with just seven minutes to go, thus killing what little fight Celtic had left in them.

[Socrates 8435]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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CELTIC 0 - 3 JUVENTUS

Alessandro Matri (3′)

Claudio Marchisio (77′)

Mirko Vučinić (83′)

Celtic Park - Glasgow

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

Attendance: 57917

CL: Juve conquer Celtic Park!

Feb 12, 2013

Juventus were absolutely clinical when taking their chances, as Alessandro Matri, Claudio Marchisio and Mirko Vucinic secured a huge 3-0 first leg win at Celtic Park.

Milan had been the only Italian team to conquer Celtic in Glasgow back in 1969.

The Bianconeri were without Giorgio Chiellini, Paolo De Ceglie, Simone Pepe and Nicklas Bendtner, but opted for Federico Peluso on the left and a front two of Alessandro Matri and Mirko Vucinic. The Montenegrin was playing with the aid of heavy strapping to his knee. Celtic striker Georgios Samaras was not even fit for a spot on the bench, but Efe Ambrose was surprisingly started despite only flying in from Africa Cup of Nations duty this morning.

Celtic qualified for the Round of 16 after a shock home victory over Barcelona, while Juve recovered from a poor start to win their group, eliminating Champions League holders Chelsea. After 70 seconds Gigi Buffon palmed a Victor Wanyama long-range effort round the post, though it looked to be going wide anyway.

Juventus took the lead in chaotic circumstances moments later. A long ball forward was flicked on by Matri to surprise both Fraser Forster and Ambrose, then it was cleared off the line by Kelvin Wilson before Claudio Marchisio finished it off. However, replays show the ball had already gone over, so the goal belongs to Matri and it is the first Champions League strike of his career.

Buffon smothered another Wanyama effort, but Marchisio turned wide at the back post after another dangerous Juve move took advantage of Ambrose’s jet-lag. Buffon blocked from Kris Commons after a poor Martin Caceres clearance. Emilio Izaguirre whipped in a cross from the left that Commons volleyed well over from the penalty spot.

A long Pirlo pass allowed Vucinic to dribble round Forster, but the angle was too narrow and the follow-ups from Arturo Vidal and Matri were charged down.

A Commons overhead kick whistled just wide with Buffon rooted to the spot. Stephan Lichtsteiner and Gary Hooper were both booked for their tussle in the box and when the corner was eventually taken, Wanyama turned a free header over.

Commons again fired straight at Buffon, while Vidal’s shot was charged down. Just before the break another Celtic corner proved dangerous, but James Forrest’s effort was bizarrely blocked off by his own teammate.

Juve seemed to be sitting back and soaking up pressure in the second half, but Celtic lost Mikael Lustig to injury. A corner was played out wide and a cross whipped in for the unmarked Ambrose, who nodded straight at Buffon from eight yards.

Marchisio pulled back from the left flank for Vucinic, whose angled drive was beaten away by Wilson just in front of the six-yard box. Federico Peluso was carrying a knock and twice collapsed with cramp, so had to make way for Simone Padoin.

Brown and Lichtsteiner had another coming-together waiting for a corner, as a small shove from the Swiss winger sent the Celtic man tumbling. Brown was later booked for a tussle with Padoin, as each Celtic corner saw jostling for position.

Juve were sitting back and waiting to strike on the counter, which they did with Marchisio 13 minutes from time. Matri intelligently flicked on a pass first time with the outside of his boot for Marchisio, who pulled back to confuse Brown and smash under the bar.

The Bianconeri switched to one striker and it paid off, as they put more pressure on with Padoin and Marchisio robbing Ambrose in the final third to set up Vucinic for his angled drive.

Nicolas Anelka completed the party with his debut in a Juventus jersey and the Italian fans silenced the locals in the final stages. Anelka has now matched Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s record of playing in the Champions League with six different clubs.

Celtic 0-3 Juventus

Scorers: Matri 3 (J), Marchisio 77 (J), Vucinic 83 (J)

CELTIC: Forster; Lustig (Matthews 59), Wilson, Ambrose, Izaguirre; Forrest, Brown (Kayal 81), Wanyama, Mulgrew; Commons (Watt 73), Hooper

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Peluso (Padoin 69); Matri (Pogba 81), Vucinic (Anelka 86)

Ref: Undiano Mallenco (SPA)

[Socrates 8435]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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CELTIC 0 - 3 JUVENTUS

Alessandro Matri (3′)

Claudio Marchisio (77′)

Mirko Vučinić (83′)

Celtic Park - Glasgow

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

Attendance: 57917

Juve clinical

Feb 12, 2013

Celtic need a football miracle if they are to rescue their Champions League hopes after succumbing to a ruthless Juventus side 3-0 in the first leg of their last-16 clash at Parkhead.

Juve striker Alessandro Matri rocked the Hoops with a third-minute goal only for Neil Lennon's side to battle back ferociously in a breathless encounter where, at times, the visiting penalty box resembled a wrestling ring.

However, despite their best efforts, the Scottish champions were hit by a sucker-punch in the 76th minute when midfielder Claudio Marchisio grabbed a second on the counter before striker Mirko Vucinic grabbed a third in the 83rd minute.

The Hoops had beaten Barcelona and Spartak Moscow in the group stages in finishing second to the Catalans to reach the knockout stages for the first time in five seasons.

[Socrates 8435]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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CELTIC 0 - 3 JUVENTUS

Alessandro Matri (3′)

Claudio Marchisio (77′)

Mirko Vučinić (83′)

Celtic Park - Glasgow

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

Attendance: 57917

Not A Walk In The Celtic Park But

A Clinical Champions League Victory For Juventus

Tidy defending and clinical counter attacking the key for Conte's success in Scotland.

Feb 12, 2013

POST-GAME REFLECTION

Celtic came through on all the things we expected from the fighting Scottish - an amazing home-ground atmosphere, a furious pace of the game for 60 minutes, a very physical, at times comical Champions League encounter, but so did Juventus show their most important qualities - preparedness, grinta, and rising to the top when most necessary.

3 goals up with a return leg at our own stadium - gotta say i am feeling really confident we got this tie wrapped up already. All we need to do is not mess up something good, and knowing the character of our coach and players I am fairly certain we won't relax too much and give this away.

I can go on and on about the "clinical" side we saw today from our Bianconeri, but let's all be honest - you are as surprised by the 3 goal difference in the end as I am. I don't think anyone in their right, objective mind considered this result a realistic outcome before the start of the match, no matter your bold ass predictions to friends in passing.

Nonetheless, Juventus did turn out to be brutally clinical in front of goal, scoring a key goal early, then tiring wasteful Celtic out, and finally putting the nails in the coffin with two late goals in the second half.

In summary, a wonderful result for our team that was well prepared for what was coming and took what was given to them in brutal fashion. Well done boys, we are all as proud of you as we can be - enjoy the convincing triumph and make sure to tie this thing up in the return leg at home. We'll worry about who and what comes next when we get to that bridge in a week's or more time.

TACTICAL THOUGHTS

Celtic - The 4-5-1 set up by Neil Lennon couldn't have been more on point for the type of team Juventus are in away Champions League games. Conte was always going to try and stick with our team's strengths and a 3-5-2 was unlikely to change for this game as well. Celtic fielded a physical and motivated line up full of energy in midfield and a lot of scrappiness up front. Not only that, but the intense, high pressing by Celtic in the first half gave Pirlo and our defense a lot of trouble taking the ball out of the back and keeping it on the ground.

Unfortunately for Celtic, Juventus were deadly from the very beginning in taking their hard-to-come-by chances. In the very first minutes of the match, a wonderful ball by Peluso found Matri one-on-one with the keeper and the newly refreshed striker finished the chance cooly for his first ever Champions League goal for Juventus. Celtic's defenders almost cleared his shot off the line, but it wouldn't have mattered as Marchisio was going to finish the rebound anyways. Either way, Juventus had the early lead and struck first right in the middle of the deafening Celtic Park - always a good place to be at when playing in a hostile environment.

Then Celtic got tired of running around after an hour and Juventus took over the result completely. Matri set Marchisio up brilliantly with a one-touch pass for the beautiful second goal, while the latter set up Mirko for the third and final goal in Celtic's hearts.

Juventus - Conte had a hard game to prepare for during the weekend for the Viola derby, but Juve's strategy against Celtic was evidently on queue and well practiced. We defended, but never too deep. We played the counter and took advantage of Celtic's over-enthusiastic and quality-lacking defense. We tried keeping possession at times, and definitely failed at that, but kept our composure and fought Celtic's pressure with maximum possible calm and control given the situation. You can really call it either way - we either played the perfect game or the perfectly lucky game. Whichever the case, we took Celtic head on, played our butts out in the middle of the deafening Celtic Park, and walked away with a comfortable victory and left our opponents deflated. You have to give it to the team, players, and coaching staff for pulling this off.

LE PAGELLE

Buffon: 7.5 - I'll try not to get carried away with the superlatives and generous ratings today, but can already feel that I will. Here's my explanation for Buffon's 7.5 - he didn't have to produce any goal-saving interventions throughout the match, but anything the wasteful Scots threw at him he was prepared for and handled with ease. Was right there to smother most corner kicks - an area in which Celtic was supposed to be dominant in. And lastly, he was a very, very calming presence in the last line of defense. Celtic lacked quality to finish any of their chances, that's true, but having the ever-present Buffon in front of them certainly made the task even harder. Overall, a very solid performance by our keeper and leader.

Barzagli: 7.5 - A 7 would've simply been too harsh on Andrea. He admittedly started the game off very slow and shaky, misplacing passes and giving Commons just a little too much space. But then he gathered himself as he got used to Celtic's way of play and made some key interceptions.

Bonucci: 7 - I got frustrated with his long passing attempts when all we needed to do is keep the ball in possession and on the ground. Nonetheless, Leo played a spirited 90 minutes in Scotland and fought physicality with equal drive and composure. Good to have him back after his domestic league suspension.

Caceres: 7.5 - Replacing Chiellini in that backline is no easy task, but if there is one thing you can count on Caceres to do is match Giorgio's no-nonsense style of play in defense. Had some great clearances and overall was there to intercept and clear tricky through balls or shots in our area. Covered a lot of space when Peluso made his ballsy runs forward. Very, very positive performance by the Uruguayan.

Lichtsteiner: 7.5 - Yeah I may sound like a broken record, but Steiner RAN HIS HEART OUT all game against the spirited Celts. His "protection" of Buffon on corners reached almost legendary status, and one has to admit - you have to have guys like him on your team in games like these. Offensively he timed his runs just slightly off, but was always there as an option on the counter.

Pirlo: 7 - Label me harsh, but Pirlo failed to cope with the physicality the Scots used to shut him down. Misplaced a lot of passes and he seemed genuinely affected by the atmosphere and high pressure by Celtic. Eventually came into his own late in the game but when it was most necessary - in those first 60 minutes - I thought he failed to be the calming presence everyone needed him to be. I was personally looking for an Effenberg-type performance; the legendary German was absolutely stone cold when it came to putting the ball down on the ground and keeping possession against head-loose, physical teams that lacked technical quality. He could've and should've done better overall.

MARCHISIO: 9 - I feel it's almost impossible to truly measure Marchisio's performance with a single digit grade. He did so many things right on the night. He defended (well, more like guarded zone space) very well, he covered for Pirlo and Peluso when needed, he tracked back, he stepped on the ball when given space, he got rid of the ball smartly when pressured, he scored when presented with the smallest of windows, and he assisted Mirko with the right pass for the third goal. If Matri hadn't made that genius one-touch pass for Marchisio's goal, our Principino would've been my man of match. Actually, screw it, he is my MOTM. Just plain out honest opinion. Huge kudos to our "hidden leader" on the night who carried us in many different ways. Needless to say, I love this guy and have nothing but respect for him. The past, present, and future of Juventus.

Vidal: 7.5 - Started off a bit on the ineffective side, though made it all up with his grinta and perseverance (as usual). Was a constant torn in Celtic's aim to control the pace and the dynamics of the game. Offensively lacked some determination and was (perhaps by instruction) focused on the defensive duties a lot more throughout the whole match. Still, he's key for us when we intentionally play this style of football.

Peluso: 7.5 - Atta boy, that's the simplest way I can put it. The newcomer stepped up in a huge role, played with no respect towards the thugs that were Celtic on the night, and ran a shit ton to provide width in attack all the while keeping his left side tidy in the back. He may actually deserve an 8, though I feel a bit generous giving it to him. Loved his cockiness (as I mentioned against Fiorentina) - hopefully it's something that can rub off on poor old De Ceglie who still, after all these years, plays like every single touch he makes will make or break his career.

Vucinic: 7 - I'm usually one to over-appreciate Mirko's contribution, but it's hard to do so after that performance. Yes, he scored the third and final goal cooly, but did very little throughout the game in his position and failed to hold up ball when given the opportunity. It was always going to be unlikely for him to put in such a spirited performance like the one against Fiorentinta - the Montenegrin just isn't one for back to back passion games. Gladly for us, Ale Matri is still going strong...

Matri: 8.5 - ...and playing like he's finally found his place and joy on this team again. Matri ran back and helped out on defense A LOT! Nothing to scoff at. He also made every correct run either out wide or through the middle. He took his chance in the first few minutes with a lot of composure, then kept on pushing. Had a brilliant one time pass to set up Marchisio for the second goal. A non-flashy yet beautiful performance by Matri who's now not only scored in 3 games in a row, but has a (crucial) Champions League goal under his belt. Welcome back Sir, I'll be the first one to admit I doubted you will ever come back to make such contributions in this stage of the season, but I'm glad Conte stuck with you and you are repaying him back in style. Just please, oh please, keep this run going. Even for just a little while longer.

Subs:

Padoin: sv

Pogba: sv

Anelka: sv

Conte: 8 - Just like the game against Chelsea, Conte was ready when most needed. He kept his formation but switched the style of play significantly. He played the right defensive style but never gave up too much depth. Did he get a bit lucky that Juve scored 3 goals and just made him look like a genius? Hells yeah. Sometimes though, you make your own luck. I firmly believe that was the case today.

THINGS I THINK I THINK

Celtic - all thug, no quality - I just have to get this out of my system - Celtic did not deserve to play in this round of the Champions League. I'm not hatin', okay maybe I am a tiny bit, but c'mon - their lack of actual football quality was so evident on the night. They looked to hack hack/chop chop more often than any other team I've seen in a long time, and other than putting crosses in the box and hoping for a miracle had no idea how to actually score a goal. Sides in Serie B are better technically and could've easily punished us with a goal or two if they could play with such physical intensity. I give them credit for fighting hard, but at the end of the day all they proved to be are thugs who can run and wrestle while knowing very little about the finesse part of the game. That's what ultimately led to their own demise, combined with Juventus sudden ability to be "clinical."

[Socrates 8435]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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CELTIC 0 - 3 JUVENTUS

Alessandro Matri (3′)

Claudio Marchisio (77′)

Mirko Vučinić (83′)

Celtic Park - Glasgow

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

Attendance: 57917

Park Head Atmosphere Proves To Be Scotch Mist

Feb 12, 2013

Juventus travelled to Glasgow on Tuesday for their first Champions League knockout tie in three years and much was made of the challenge facing them. With Celtic having only lost two of their last 23 European fixtures – both to Barcelona – and with homage being paid to the power of the Park Head atmosphere by all connected with the Bianconeri, it was set to be a huge test for Antonio Conte’s men.

MATCH ANALYSIS by Adam Digby

“With all due respect, this is going to be a bigger challenge than anything domestically,” said Andrea Pirlo when discussing this Champions League meeting last week. He was talking about the gulf in quality between the Scottish Premier League and Europe’s elite completion, as he stated a belief that the Glasgow club had earned their place in the last sixteen by displaying qualities the midfielder and his colleagues are all too aware of.

However, given the relative ease at which the current campaign is going for Italy’s grandest club at home, he could have also been referring to the challenge facing the Bianconeri over the two legs of this tie. While Juve may not have the same fifteen point lead Celtic currently enjoy in the Scottish Premier League, the Serie A season has developed into something of a canter for Juventus. They may have won just three of the six games since returning to action after the winter break, yet have still managed to maintain a five point gap to their closest challengers Napoli.

The recent run of poor results is perhaps the closest thing to a crisis the Turin giants have endured over the year and a half since their former captain took Gigi Delneri’s place on the bench. He came into this match knowing he must do without the ever dependable Giorgio Chiellini in defence and shorn of both his first and second choice left wingbacks. With Kwadwo Asamoah (rested following Afcon duty) and Paolo De Ceglie (injured yet again) missing, the selection of Federico Peluso was perhaps the one debatable choice in the starting XI.

That aside, Conte went with the inform duo of Alessandro Matri and Mirko Vucinic in attack and his choices there and elsewhere were vindicated within four minutes. If the Juve coach made the right decision to rest Asamoah, his opposite number Neil Lennon probably wished he’d done the same regarding Efe Ambrose, who was part of Nigeria’s victorious team just 48 hours previously. Matri’s clever flick from Peluso’s long ball forward left both the defender and ‘keeper Fraser Forster stranded and, despite his shot appearing to be cleared off the line – then slammed home by Claudio Marchisio – the striker was rightly awarded his sixth goal in six games.

Chris Commons was then unlucky to see an incredible overhead effort whistle just wide as he gave Peluso a torrid time at the far post, but from there the game descended into a war of attrition. This culminated in a ridiculous amount of attention being paid to Gary Hooper and Stephan Lichtsteiner basically wrestling at almost every corner. The Celtic player was looking to obstruct Gigi Buffon with the Swiss defender seeking to prevent that at all costs and both men went into the book for their efforts.

Juve’s patient approach paid off as they outlasted Celtic, the Hoops players visibly tiring with around twenty minutes to go after a superb display of pressing up to that point. The Bianconeri broke out to net twice more, effectively burying the tie with ninety minutes still to play. Conte will prevent them from becoming complacent but, to all intents and purposes, as Spanish referee Undiano Mallenco blew the final whistle, he effectively signalled full time on the Champions League season for the Scots.

LE PAGELLE by Adam Digby

Gianluigi Buffon 7.0 - Made a number of routine saves in the opening 45 minutes whilst seeming thoroughly unimpressed by the Hooper vs Lichtsteiner war going on around him. Was utterly dominant at virtually every corner, making the defence almost redundant and negating the drama.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Andrea Barzagli 7.0 - Claudio Zuliani calls him ‘The Rock’ and, while his Swiss team-mate was the one showing off WWE moves Dwayne Johnson would be proud of, Barzagli was doing what Barzagli does. Just impenetrable at the heart of Juve’s defence.

Leo Bonucci 6.5 - Far less involved than usual, he had just 49 touches and completed only 37 passes but was defensively sound, just as he needed to be. His two game domestic ban seemed not to affect him and he slotted back into the line up comfortably.

Martin Caceres 7.5 - Following some poor performances, the Uruguayan stepped up to fill the huge Chiellini shaped hole at the back for Juventus here. Only Arturo Vidal made more tackles than he did while his six interceptions were a game high. Often left exposed by Peluso’s ball watching, Caceres was equal to the task in a superb display.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stephan Lichtsteiner 6.5 - Like Bonucci, he was far less involved offensively than usual but did his job defensively as well as anyone. Defending deep. he still gave opposite number Emilio Izaguirre a torrid time when opportunity presented itself.

Arturo Vidal 6.5 - Another who gave a typical performance, Vidal pressed and harried Celtic’s midfield and defenders relentlessly and was a major factor in wearing down their resistance. His game was perfectly suited to this encounter as his incredible work rate and limitless energy came to the fore.

Andrea Pirlo 7.0 - For just over an hour, Scott Brown did a superb job in tracking and haranguing Pirlo, perhaps a perfect indicator of how this game played out. In the last thirty minutes his class, like that of Juventus, eventually told and he dominated the closing stages.

Claudio Marchisio 8.5 - The boy is just class. A dominating, commanding display from the Turin native who more than anyone played with a control and intelligence so vital to Conte’s game plan. Broke forward with perfect timing, not least to finish from Matri’s superb flick for the second goal.

Federico Peluso 6.5 - Superb going forward, his naivety and ball watching in defence could and perhaps should have proven far more costly for the Bianconeri. Also fortunate not to punished for an elbow to Kris Commons, his display was yet another which highlighted the importance of Asamoah to this Juventus.

Simone Padoin 5.5 - Came on following Peluso’s injury, did very little other than receive a yellow card.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alessandro Matri 7.5 Worked hard and had the quality finishing touch when needed, this was the kind of display that his supporters feel vindicates his spot in the team. His ability to hold up the ball and make the right pass – often an overlooked facet to his game – were essential to the win and relieved pressure on Juventus during the spells where Celtic dominated the match.

Paul Pogba sv - Played for ten minutes but was barely involved.

Mirko Vucinic 6.5 - Yet again showed that Juve really don’t have a functioning strike partnership to speak of, he struggled in this game. Blew an incredible chance to make it 2-0 far earlier than Marchisio’s second strike, he eventually popped up with the third goal which effectively ended the tie from a competitive stand point.

Nicolas Anelka sv - Made his Juventus debut just four minutes from time.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Antonio Conte 8.0 - Totally changed Juve’s approach and style of play while making a brave choice to go with the under-performing Caceres and Padoin. All those decisions paid off, as did the move to grant extra rest to Asamoah. Seemed to get everything right, very few coaches will have enjoyed such a wonderful Champions League debut.

ANALYSIS WRAP-UP by Adam Digby

“If they want to play football, we’ll play football. But if they want to battle, we are ready to go to battle,” said Pirlo in the build up to the match and so it proved. Both teams had their tactical approaches misrepresented in the build up to this game. Celtic, in almost every preview of the game, were tipped to play a 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 formation, depending on the fitness of Georgios Samaras.

The Greek striker did not prove to be ready in time however, but Neil Lennon instead set out in a 4-3-2-1 shaped designed to frustrate and nullify the threat of the Bianconeri midfield. With Commons and James Forrest making up numbers, Celtic’s game plan was clear as the sought to attack via the flanks and looked to exploit wide areas behind the Juve fullbacks.

For Juventus, Conte did away with the possession based style of football we have grown accustomed to seeing. In its place came a side prepared to sit deep, allow Celtic to come on to them before striking on the counter attack using Pirlo’s précising passing and the speed of Lichtsteiner, Marchisio and Matri. It was essentially vindicated by the final scoreline which, while it did not reflect the tough and hard fought nature of the game, did ultimately highlight the difference in class between the two teams.

With the tie now effectively over, Conte will need to balance his selection for the next match carefully as it will undoubtedly provide the opportunity to rest one or two players and give others a decent run out at a stage of the competition they may otherwise be unable to experience. A superb display that means such breathing room is undoubtedly deserved. Bravo ragazzi!

Senza di te non andremo lontano,

ANTONIO CONTE IL NOSTRO CAPITANO!

[Socrates 8435]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

CELTIC 0 - 3 JUVENTUS

Alessandro Matri (3′)

Claudio Marchisio (77′)

Mirko Vučinić (83′)

Celtic Park - Glasgow

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

Attendance: 57917‎

Player Ratings

Goal.com evaluates the performances of everyone involved in Glasgow, as the Bianconeri

all but sealed their place in the quarter-finals with a resounding victory.

Feb 12, 2013

CELTIC

Fraser Forster - Conceded a goal that he could have done little about inside the opening two minutes but, in truth, had nothing more of note to do before being beaten a little too easily by Marchiso for Juve's second. Certainly not at fault for Vucinic's killer third, though.

Emilio Izaguirre - The fit-again Honduran signalled his intent to bomb forward early on, firing wide of Buffon's right post after less than two minutes of action. Did a fine job of nullifying Lichsteiner, who is often Juve's best attacking outlet.

E. Ambrose - A surprise inclusion in the hosts' starting line-up having only returned from South Africa on Tuesday morning, the Nigerian still appeared to be half asleep when he allowed Matri to net the opener. Squandered a great chance to make amends by heading straight at Buffon and then capped a dismal display by allowing Juve in for their third.

Kelvin Wilson - Made a heroic bid to keep out Matri's opener but it proved in vain. However, he did succeed in keeping the goalscorer very quiet thereafter and also made a brilliant block on a shot from Marchisio midway through the second half. Not to blame for Celtic's late capitulation.

Charles Mulgrew - Occasionally caught in possession and a tad over zealous in the tackle, but Mulgrew did a good job protecting his back four. Also got forward when he could, dragging a half-volley wide inside the opening 10 minutes, as well as sending over a cross that Ambrose really should have converted.

M. Lustig - The Swede did wonderfully well to whip the ball away from the toes of Matri as the forward was shaping to shoot 21 minutes in. From an attacking perspective, he was a terrific outlet down the right-hand side, sending over a couple of wonderful crosses during the first half before injury cruelly cut short his evening.

Scott Brown - The skipper made it his business to get in Andrea Pirlo's face at every opportunity and he undoubtedly unsettled the Bianconeri playmaker. However, Brown, like those around him, was ultimately unable to maintain that astounding work-rate after the break.

Kris Commons - A constant goal threat in the first half, Commons saw two fine strikes saved by Buffon, while also missing the target with two volleys, the second of which, an acrobatic overhead, bounced just wide. However, he faded badly in the second half and was replaced with just over 15 minutes remaining.

James Forrest - Handed a start up front in the injury-enforced absence of Samaras, Forrest threatened only sporadically. Did his bit defensively, though, picking up a booking as part of Celtic's unapologetic attempts to rough up Pirlo.

Victor Wanyama - The Kenyan sought to impose himself on the proceedings right from the off, testing Buffon twice with long-range efforts inside the opening six minutes. Adept at both pilfering and retaining possession, he played a key role in Celtic sustaining their onslaught for nearly the entire first half, but was nowhere near as influential in the second period.

Gary Hooper - Was involved in a running battle with Lichsteiner which ultimately led to both being booked. Held the ball up well but, unlike those supporting him, never got a clear sight of goal. Jury is therefore still out on his claims as a top-level striker.

Substitutions

Adam Matthews - Came on in place of the hobbling Lustig just over 10 minutes into the second half but did not offer anything like the same attacking threat.

Beram Kayal - Replaced Brown with 10 minutes remaining but was unable to turn the midfield battle back in Celtic's favour.

Tony Watt - Took over from the increasingly ineffective Commons but did not offer anything particularly different.

JUVENTUS

Gianluigi Buffon - Underlined his enduring class and composure with a string of solid saves during the opening 45 minutes. Had less to do in the second half but was very reliable under the high ball.

Andrea Barzagli - Unlike Lichsteiner, had the strength to deal with Hooper without having to resort to shirt-pulling. Yet another dominant display from the veteran defender.

Leonardo Bonucci - Back in the Bianconeri starting line-up after serving a domestic ban, the Italy international proved his worth by playing a key role in Juve weathering the Celtic storm, with an expertly-timed tackle on the advancing Izaguirre the highlight of his night's work.

Martín Cáceres - Loose pass early doors but made a couple of timely interceptions, most notably when Forrest was threatening to break through on goal. His prowess in the air also proved invaluable in light of Celtic's aerial bombardment.

Stephan Lichtsteiner - Was afforded nowhere near as many opportunities to get forward as usual, but he still managed to get in behind Izaguirre on a couple of occasions. However, seemed to spent most of his time tangling with Hooper in the area, and was somewhat fortunate to avoid giving away a penalty for man-handling the forward.

Claudio Marchisio - An oustanding performance from Marchisio, who caused Celtic all sorts of problems with his runs from midfield. Was on hand to make sure Juve went ahead by sending Wilson's clearance back where it came from, before all but booking the Bianconeri's berth in the last 16 with a splendidly taken goal and then a terrific through-ball for Vucinic.

Andrea Pirlo - Undoubedly irked by the 'special' attention paid to him by Brown and his cohorts, Pirlo initially rose to the incitement before then doing what he does best: picking out passes. Much like Juve, class eventually told.

Arturo Vidal - Offered plenty of bite in the middle of the park and his seemingly limitless supply of energy eventually wore Celtic down and allowed Juve to take command in midfield.

Federico Peluso - With the game having come too soon for Asamoah, Peluso was chosen to fill the void left by the injured De Ceglie. Although he could easily have been penalised for elbowing Commons in the back of the head, he defended soundly before succumbing to cramp.

Mirko Vučinić - Did not link particularly well with Matri early on, with the mercurial Montenegrin struggling to get himself into the game. Had a golden chance to double Juve's lead, but he blew it, with his first touch taking him too far wide. However, he simply bided his time and scored Juve's crucial third by coolly slotting the ball past Forster, after being put in on goal by Marchisio.

Alessandro Matri - Got the nod up front in light of his recent hot streak in front of goal and vindicated his inclusion by netting the opener, the former Cagliari man outmuscling Ambrose before dinking the ball over Foster. Worked tirelessly thereafter, even if he did not get much service.

Substitutions

Paul Pogba - Sent on in place of Matri for the last 10 minutes and helped to shore things up in midfield.

Simone Padoin - Replaced the tiring Peluso midway through the second half and employed similar tactics to Lichsteiner in keeping Hooper quiet.

Nicolas Anelka - Saw four minutes of action at the death, after taking over up front from Vucinic.

[Socrates 8435]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

CELTIC 0 - 3 JUVENTUS

Alessandro Matri (3′)

Claudio Marchisio (77′)

Mirko Vučinić (83′)

Celtic Park - Glasgow

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

Attendance: 57917‎

Marchisio and Conte thrilled with 'great win'

The midfielder and his coach explained how tactical decisions proved pivotal in the victory

over Neil Lennon's side and admit the Bianconeri coped well with the atmosphere.

Feb 12, 2013

After his side's emphatic 3-0 victory over Celtic in the Champions League, Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio revealed his delight at the margin of the win.

Marchisio, who notched the second goal of the evening, told reporters after the match how his side had all but secured their spot for the quarter-finals.

“It is a very important victory, especially as we can be a little more concentrated on Serie A. We haven’t passed through yet, but it is a great win in a difficult arena and we put in a fine performance.

“It’s true it is tough to overturn a 3-0 away win, but we must never be certain and always go out there with the same determination."

The 27-year-old is delighted with his side's unbeaten Champions League campaign and believes that Antonio Conte's tactics worked to full-effect against Neil Lennon's side.

“This team is having a great Champions League. This was an important signal to ourselves and nobody else. It was crucial to come here and score a goal, but we ended up getting three.

“We saw they scored many goals from corners and with crosses into the box, so tried our best to make it difficult for them.

“It is their nature to be gritty and physical, but we gave as good as we got.”

Conte admitted that he made various tactical decisions for the match and was delighted that they paid off.

“In the first half I told the lads it was dangerous for us to sit too deep, so Arturo Vidal and Marchisio were crucial to push it up and take the defenders with them. I worked a lot on that aspect," he revealed.

“We changed something compared to our usual defending, as they had scored 40 per cent of their Champions League goals from corners and set-pieces. We were only surprised once with a header over.

“We did pretty well defensively apart from at times in the first half when we went too deep. It was a good performance, we knew Celtic were a good side and they might not be mentioned among the top teams in Europe for many years, but they beat Barcelona and eliminated Benfica and Spartak Moscow."

Conte went on to praise the deafening atmosphere at Celtic Park and the 43-year-old was delighted with the way in which his players coped with the Bhoys' 12th man.

“It was certainly a very important victory. I personally as a player have been in this competition for many years, but had rarely seen a passionate atmosphere like this," he added.

Chile international Vidal was equally thrilled with the scoreline but admits that it does flatter the Italian champions.

He said: “I think we played exactly as we had to play tonight because Celtic are tough opponents, especially when they play at home.

"If you look at the result you think it was an easy game for us, but I can say it was not like that at all. They were very dangerous especially from corners and set-pieces. We did well to control their attacks and then hit when the chances came in the late stages.”

[Socrates 8435]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

CELTIC 0 - 3 JUVENTUS

Alessandro Matri (3′)

Claudio Marchisio (77′)

Mirko Vučinić (83′)

Celtic Park - Glasgow

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

Attendance: 57917‎

Celtic boss Lennon slams 'pro-Juventus' referee

The Hoops manager was critical of official Alberto Undiano Mallenco, believing he should

have awarded at least two penalties to the home side as they slumped to a 3-0 defeat.

Feb 12, 2013

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has described referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco's performance as "pro-Juventus" following his side's 3-0 defeat to the Italians.

Lennon insisted the Hoops were denied two clear penalties for grappling in the box as they were ruthlessly swept aside by Antonio Conte's men at Parkhead.

"I thought the referee was poor," he told reporters. "I thought he was very pro-Juventus. I was disappointed with his performance to say the least."

"I'd like to ask the referee: 'Is the game different in Spain and Italy?'" the Northern Irishman also told ITV.

"Every time one of my players was moving or trying to lose his man he was fouled, time and time again. He should have given a penalty on at least two occasions for us."

The 41-year-old went on to claim his side deserved more, and lamented the performance of defender Efe Ambrose upon his return from a victorious Africa Cup of Nations campaign with Nigeria.

He added: "I think the scoreline flatters Juventus. I thought for the best part of the game 70 odd minutes up until the second goal we were by far the better side - but we can't give away the goals we gave away. It was sloppy.

"We took a gamble [on Ambrose], I thought he was poor for the first goal but we had a great opportunity to equalise and we had some great chances to be fair. We played ever so well for long periods of the game and we switched off defensively for the second goal and the third goal was poor.

Lennon also remained realistic about his side's chances of progression to the quarter-finals but insisted that his young players will learn from the defeat.

"We'll need a miracle. It’s the harsh reality of Champions League football," he admitted. "Some of our young players will have learnt a lot tonight."

[Socrates 8435]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

CELTIC 0 - 3 JUVENTUS

Alessandro Matri (3′)

Claudio Marchisio (77′)

Mirko Vučinić (83′)

Celtic Park - Glasgow

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

Attendance: 57917

Marchisio: 'We studied Celtic'

Feb 12, 2013

Claudio Marchisio praised Juventus for “a great Champions League” and reveals how they studied Celtic.

The midfielder scored one of the goals in this 3-0 away victory in the first leg of the Round of 16.

“It is a very important victory, especially as we can be a little more concentrated on Serie A. We haven’t passed through yet, but it is a great win in a difficult arena and we put in a fine performance.

“It’s true it is tough to overturn a 3-0 away win, but we must never be certain and always go out there with the same determination.

“This team is having a great Champions League. This was an important signal to ourselves and nobody else. It was crucial to come here and score a goal, but we ended up getting three.”

There were numerous tussles in the box and Marchisio reveals this was planned to block off Celtic’s tactics.

“We saw they scored many goals from corners and with crosses into the box, so tried our best to make it difficult for them.

“It is their nature to be gritty and physical, but we gave as good as we got.”

[Socrates 8435]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

CELTIC 0 - 3 JUVENTUS

Alessandro Matri (3′)

Claudio Marchisio (77′)

Mirko Vučinić (83′)

Celtic Park - Glasgow

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

Attendance: 57917

Conte: 'Amazing Celtic atmosphere'

Feb 12, 2013

Coach Antonio Conte was overjoyed with the Juventus performance to beat Celtic 3-0 in Glasgow. “I’ve rarely seen a passionate atmosphere like this.”

The Bianconeri have one foot in the Quarter-Finals of the Champions League after this first leg triumph in Scotland.

“It was certainly a very important victory. I personally as a player have been in this competition for many years, but had rarely seen a passionate atmosphere like this,” said Conte.

“At the start the Celtic players went above and beyond their capabilities, but we held out under their pressure. The moment they dropped the tempo a little, we got our goals and created more dangerous opportunities.

“It wasn’t easy to play in that atmosphere, and I can say that as someone who has experienced these things as a player. I couldn’t communicate with the players because it was so loud.

“Every time there was a corner, it felt like the stadium was coming down. The lads deserve praise for getting this result in Glasgow.”

Alessandro Matri had been benched for many weeks, but has now become a regular and scored the opening goal, setting up another for Claudio Marchisio.

“Matri contributed to a fine goal, as it came from a situation we had practiced many times in training. I had to work very hard before being worthy of Juventus. Alessandro is working very hard now and improving in terms of his knockdowns and assists.

“In the first half I told the lads it was dangerous for us to sit too deep, so Arturo Vidal and Marchisio were crucial to push it up and take the defenders with them. I worked a lot on that aspect.”

There were numerous tussles in the penalty area for corners, particularly with Stephan Lichtsteiner.

“We changed something compared to our usual defending, as they had scored 40 per cent of their Champions League goals from corners and set pieces. We were only surprised once with a header over.

“We did pretty well defensively apart from at times in the first half when we went too deep. It was a good performance, we knew Celtic were a good side and they might not be mentioned among the top teams in Europe for many years, but they beat Barcelona and eliminated Benfica and Spartak Moscow.

“I think they were slightly surprised by Juventus, as they expected to get something more on home turf, but we prepared well in defence and attack.

“We had as much possession as they allowed us, because Celtic were going at 100mph and rested all their players at the weekend, whereas we faced Fiorentina on Saturday.”

[Socrates 8435]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

CELTIC 0 - 3 JUVENTUS

Alessandro Matri (3′)

Claudio Marchisio (77′)

Mirko Vučinić (83′)

Celtic Park - Glasgow

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

Attendance: 57917

Lennon: 'Celtic need a miracle'

Feb 12, 2013

Celtic manager Neil Lennon concedes his men “need a miracle” to reach the Champions League Quarter-Finals after a 3-0 home defeat to Juventus.

“The scoreline flatters Juventus. For 70-odd minutes we were by far the better side but you can't give away sloppy goals,” he said.

Lennon came in for a great deal of criticism for starting Efe Ambrose, as he seemed shaky and jet-lagged after flying back from South Africa this morning.

“We took a gamble on Ambrose, but he was poor for the first goal and he missed a great chance to equalise. We switched off for the second and third goals.”

“We need a miracle now. That's the harsh reality of Champions League football.”

Celtic complained repeatedly at the tussling in the box, particularly from Stephan Lichtsteiner.

“I'd like to ask the referee is the game different in Spain and Italy? Every time my player moved in the area it was a foul. Time and time again.

“We played Juventus 12 years ago and Chris Sutton won a penalty for the same thing – the player got a warning and the next time he did it, it was a penalty. He should’ve given a penalty on at least two occasions for us.”

[Socrates 8435]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

CELTIC 0 - 3 JUVENTUS

Alessandro Matri (3′)

Claudio Marchisio (77′)

Mirko Vučinić (83′)

Celtic Park - Glasgow

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

Attendance: 57917

Vidal: 'Celtic are a physical side'

Feb 12, 2013

Arturo Vidal warns Juventus aren’t qualified yet and explains how they approached Celtic expecting a “very physical” battle.

The Bianconeri won 3-0 in Glasgow, the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16.

“No, it’s not done yet. It was a great game and a result that leaves us more relaxed for the next game, but Celtic are a strong side and we must approach it the same way,” said midfielder Vidal.

“We saw they were a very physical side and I think we pressed them perfectly from the start.

“We expected it to be tough and it was. The result might not make it look that way, but we did not play the same way as we did against Fiorentina. In that game we played the ball more, whereas here we took a more tactical approach.”

Vidal also confirmed Juve prepared for Celtic and in particular their set plays.

“Celtic’s strengths were in corners and Stephan Lichtsteiner got into a few situations, but we had studied them.”

[Socrates 8435]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

CELTIC 0 - 3 JUVENTUS

Alessandro Matri (3′)

Claudio Marchisio (77′)

Mirko Vučinić (83′)

Celtic Park - Glasgow

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

Attendance: 57917

Only Barcelona better than Juve…

Feb 13, 2013

Barcelona are the only side better than Juventus in the Champions League this season, says Alessio Tacchinardi.

The latter, a former Juve midfielder, made the claim to TMW following last night’s 3-0 win in Glasgow against Celtic.

“At the moment, Juventus are only inferior to Barcelona in Europe,” the Brescia youth team boss commented.

“Real Madrid? I don’t have that much belief in Real seeing as they have had their problems in La Liga this season.”

The Italian champions have one foot in the quarter-finals after their victory in Scotland on Tuesday evening.

“Juve played a great game,” he added. “It’s true that the draw for the last 16 was kind, but Antonio Conte’s side interpreted the game well.

“I’m happy for Conte,” Tacchinardi said of his former teammate. “He marked his debut on the bench in Europe with a great victory.

“It’s a double joy for the Coach. As well as the win, he knows that he has constructed a side that is able to impose its play in Europe.”

[Socrates 8435]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

CELTIC 0 - 3 JUVENTUS

Alessandro Matri (3′)

Claudio Marchisio (77′)

Mirko Vučinić (83′)

Celtic Park - Glasgow

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

Attendance: 57917

Buffon pays tribute to Celtic

Feb 13, 2013

Juventus captain Gigi Buffon has admitted that the 3-0 scoreline doesn’t really reflect how tough Celtic made it for them in Glasgow.

The Old Lady have taken a commanding first leg advantage in their last 16 Champions League tie, but the goalkeeper has underlined that it certainly wasn’t easy for his side.

“If you didn't watch the game then you might think we cruised to victory,” the Italian international commented.

“We have to be honest though as the game hinged on a couple of decisive moments. But it's a positive sign that things went our way and also that we took our chances.”

Juve took the lead early on through Alessandro Matri. They then kept Celtic out before striking late with Claudio Marchisio and Mirko Vucinic.

“Celtic are an excellent side and they showed that,” the former Parma man noted.

“We set out to attack them, but struggled to get into our rhythm so we had to settle for what we could manage, which was to defend well and break forward on the counter.

“We did a great job of it too – we were clinical and ruthless.

“Are we already through? It's not good for us to be too relaxed. We must remain focused and keep showing Celtic the respect they deserve.”

[Socrates 8435]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

CELTIC 0 - 3 JUVENTUS

Alessandro Matri (3′)

Claudio Marchisio (77′)

Mirko Vučinić (83′)

Celtic Park - Glasgow

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

Attendance: 57917

Commons blames Ambrose

Feb 13, 2013

The day after their 3-0 home defeat to Juventus, Kris Commons has publicly blamed Celtic teammate Efe Ambrose. “Certain individuals let the team down.”

Nigerian defender Ambrose had only played in the Africa Cup of Nations Final on Sunday evening and arrived in Glasgow on Tuesday morning, but was thrown straight into the starting XI and was at fault for two goals.

“Look, the manager picked him. The manager pulled him to one side and asked him if he was feeling okay. He said he was feeling brilliant,” noted Commons.

“If he wasn't feeling okay then he should have said so. If he felt good then he should have put in a better performance.

“It was just very sloppy individual mistakes - something you'd probably get away with on a playground, not in the last 16 of the Champions League.

“There are certain individuals who let the team down. Hopefully this is just a one-off. The back four have made errors which have probably cost us the tie. But it's partly down to them why we're here in the first place. It's just a bitter one to swallow.”

[Socrates 8435]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

CELTIC 0 - 3 JUVENTUS

Alessandro Matri (3′)

Claudio Marchisio (77′)

Mirko Vučinić (83′)

Celtic Park - Glasgow

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

Attendance: 57917

Vidal: Celtic win not as easy

for Juventus as result suggests

The combative midfielder has admitted that the Bianconeri had a difficult game,

but was quite pleased with the final result.

Feb 13, 2013

Arturo Vidal has insisted that Juventus' 3-0 Champions League win over Celtic on Tuesday evening was not as easy as the scoreline might suggest.

Goals from Alessandro Matri, Claudio Marchisio and Mirko Vucinic helped the Serie A champions to a comfortable win in the first leg of their round of 16 tie, but Vidal has made it clear that they were pushed to their limit.

"It was much harder than the final scoreline suggests," the Chile international was quoted as saying on the club's official website.

"We played superbly and we definitely feel more comfortable with a result like this in the bag, but we're not there yet.

"If we want to make sure of our place in the quarters, we must produce a similar performance in Turin.

"We were up against an aggressive side but we carried out our plans as we'd prepared them."

The return leg takes place in Turin on March 6.

[Socrates 8435]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

CELTIC 0 - 3 JUVENTUS

Alessandro Matri (3′)

Claudio Marchisio (77′)

Mirko Vučinić (83′)

Celtic Park - Glasgow

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

Attendance: 57917

Destructive Juventus finally show their clinical

side to send out a Champions League warning

They were not the Bianconeri that we have come to know over the last 18 months,

but their display at Celtic showed another positive side to their play.

Feb 13, 2013

COMMENT

By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer

They have long been Italy’s most profligate side, questions have been asked about their ability to soak up long periods of pressure, and seven years on from their last Champions League knockout win there were doubts as to whether they’d be able to manage such a game situation. But Juventus answered every question with overwhelmingly positive answers in beating Celtic 3-0 at Celtic Park to take themselves to the verge of qualification for the quarter-finals.

Whereas much of the reign of Antonio Conte has been focused on retention of the football, dominance of territory, and high pressing of the opposition in order to gain cheap possession in dangerous areas, large spells of Tuesday night’s fixture were spent in the Bianconeri’s half as the Glasgow side attempted to respond to Alessandro Matri’s early goal by running over the top of Juve.

But they just couldn't do it. Too many of their shots came from distance, too few of their runs to the bye-line resulted in them getting in behind the reinforced bank of black shirts, and the vast majority of their crosses were sent into the air, meaning either that Gianluigi Buffon was clutching easy catches out of the sky, or the Bianconeri back line were able to use their most overwhelming attribute to outmuscle the Bhoys’ lone striker Gary Hooper.

This was not the best Celtic side ever to play in Europe, but with a passionate home support and a phenomenal home record in the Champions League era – with only Barcelona ever having beaten them in the East End of Glasgow in their 23 previous fixtures under the new banner – it was still a huge hurdle that Juve were being asked to climb.

And for the most part, it was an effective performance from the champions of Italy rather than a spectacular one, but boy did they take their chances! First, Matri took advantage of an awful leave by Efe Ambrose, who misjudged a simple long ball by Federico Peluso, to poke the ball through the legs of the onrushing Fraser Forster. With the referee’s assistant having originally not given the goal despite it having cleared the line before Kelvin Wilson’s desperate lunge, Claudio Marchisio slammed home to make sure. However, Uefa rightly awarded the goal to the striker for the first effort.

After soaking up such a long period of pressure, the Old Lady seemed more than anything to be playing a waiting game, expecting Celtic to tire after their exertions which had seen them overshadow the Bianconeri’s star-studded midfield. That eventuality came around the hour-mark, and Juve capitalised with two further goals which killed the tie.

On 77 minutes, Matri’s fantastic flick sent in Marchisio, who was cool enough to cut inside and allow Scott Brown to embarrass himself with a flailing attempted tackle before slotting past Forster. With the bit between his teeth, the midfielder, who was excellent in the final third throughout the match, added an assist after substitute Simone Padoin had dispossessed the lethargic Ambrose, sliding the ball to Mirko Vucinic to send much of the home support heading for the exits.

Those Celtic fans were also left fuming by apparent penalty claims, but it was little more than an act of straw-clutching, apparently justified by equally one-eyed complaints from the British broadcasters covering the game. On several occasions, Celtic corners were preceded by long periods of jostling and pulling between players on opposing sides, but as the larger part of the tangling came before the set-pieces were taken, the referee was in no position to give a penalty under Law 12 of the laws of the game.

Add in the fact that Stephan Lichtsteiner, against whom there were the most vociferous claims, was also being fouled by Hooper in their particular round of confrontations, and it would have been as harsh to penalise the Swiss as it would have been to give Juve a free-kick.

Complain all they like, the Scottish champions, whose very presence in the last 16 came thanks to a penalty awarded for a blatant Georgios Samaras dive in the 81st minute of their Matchday 6 clash with Spartak Moscow, were ultimately beaten because they offered nothing in attack, while Juve were simply destructive when their few chances came along.

And it is this Italian-like ability to manage a fixture in such a way, a skill so rarely seen in Juve under Conte, which proves that there is more than one string to their bow as they begin to look ahead and plot a route to the final. There is a long way to go yet, with much sterner and better-equipped opponents than Celtic lying in wait, but the Bianconeri have proven they don’t need 60 per cent or more of possession in order to get the job done.

They now have to be taken very seriously by any team that hopes to lift the Champions League trophy aloft at Wembley on May 25.

[Socrates 8435]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

CELTIC 0 - 3 JUVENTUS

Alessandro Matri (3′)

Claudio Marchisio (77′)

Mirko Vučinić (83′)

Celtic Park - Glasgow

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

Attendance: 57917

Celtic deserve respect, says Buffon

The goalkeeper has praised the Scottish champions

for their display in Tuesday's Champions League encounter.

Feb 13, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon feels Celtic deserve respect for their performance in Tuesday's 3-0 Champions League loss against Juventus.

Goals from Alessandro Matri, Claudio Marchisio and Mirko Vucinic helped the Bianconeri to a comfortable victory, but Buffon has stressed that they cannot afford to take the second leg of the round of 16 tie lightly.

"Celtic are an excellent side and they showed that tonight," Buffon told reporters.

"We're not through yet. It's not good for us to be too relaxed. We must remain focused and keep showing Celtic the respect they deserve.

"We set out to attack them but struggled to get into our rhythm so we had to settle for what we could manage, which was to defend well and break forward on the counter. We did a great job of it too – we were clinical and ruthless.

"We have to be honest though: the game hinged on a couple of decisive moments. But it's a positive sign that things went our way and also that we took our chances."

Juventus resume match action on Saturday when they travel to Roma.

[Socrates 8435]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

CELTIC 0 - 3 JUVENTUS

Alessandro Matri (3′)

Claudio Marchisio (77′)

Mirko Vučinić (83′)

Celtic Park - Glasgow

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

Attendance: 57917

Tacchinardi: Only Barcelona better than Juventus

The former Juve midfielder is optimistic about the side's chances

of going all the way in Europe and sees the Catalans as their biggest rivals.

Feb 13, 2013

Former Italy international Alessio Tacchinardi believes only Barcelona are in a better position than Juventus to win the Champions League following the Bianconeri's 3-0 win over Celtic on Tuesday.

Goals from Alessandro Matri, Claudio Marchisio and Mirko Vucinic helped the Serie A champions to victory in the first leg of their round of 16 tie, and Tacchinardi is confident that Juventus can go far in the competition.

"At the moment, Juventus are only inferior to Barcelona in Europe. I don't really believe in Real Madrid's chances as they have shown in La Liga that they're having problems," Tacchinardi told TuttoMercatoWeb.

"Juventus put in a great performance against Celtic. It's true that the draw was in their favour, but Conte's team did a great job."

The second leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie between Juventus and Celtic takes place on March 6 in Turin.

[Socrates 8435]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

CELTIC 0 - 3 JUVENTUS

Alessandro Matri (3′)

Claudio Marchisio (77′)

Mirko Vučinić (83′)

Celtic Park - Glasgow

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

Attendance: 57917

Vialli believes in Euro Juventus

Feb 14, 2013

Juventus have what is needed to win the Champions League this season, says former striker Gianluca Vialli.

The latter lifted the European Cup with the Old Lady in 1996 and he has belief in the present Bianconeri side.

“They can win the trophy,” Vialli told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “They are practically in the quarter-finals and the last eight will all have that ambition.

“There will be a few sides who remain favourites, but Juventus are a leading outsider along with Paris Saint-Germain.”

The former Italian international was speaking after the Scudetto holders collected a 3-0 win at Celtic on Tuesday in the first leg of their last 16 tie.

Vialli also paid tribute to the Juventus midfield, a unit he believes works because of boss Antonio Conte – his former teammate.

“Something of our old life remains in all of us,” Vialli noted. “Antonio was a midfielder and you can tell by the way he looks after that department.

“Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio are formidable both for their individual value and because all the team helps them out – from the covering attackers to the support of the full-backs.

“If I still coached today then I think I’d look to help the centre-forward – it would be part of my nature.”

Focusing on Marchisio, Vialli said: “I see the authentic Juventus DNA in him. He’s a restrained personality, his effectiveness on the field is outstanding and he has the ability to not make a mistake when it matters.”

[Socrates 8435]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 12-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

CELTIC 0 - 3 JUVENTUS

Alessandro Matri (3′)

Claudio Marchisio (77′)

Mirko Vučinić (83′)

Celtic Park - Glasgow

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

Attendance: 57917

Pirlo: Celtic tie still alive

Feb 14, 2013

Andrea Pirlo knows that Juventus’ Champions League tie against Celtic is still not over after his Istanbul nightmare.

The Old Lady are in a commanding position in their last 16 European Cup tie following a 3-0 first leg win in Scotland.

But Pirlo was part of a Milan side who somehow lost the 2005 Champions League Final to Liverpool after going three goals up.

“Of course we have put ourselves in a great position and, after a win like that, we expect to go through, but it would be dangerous to consider that the tie is won yet,” he stated.

“I've been in football long enough to know miracles can happen.

“I can still remember the Champions League Final against Liverpool. They scored three goals in just a half, whereas Celtic have a whole game.”