Juventus Season 2013-2014

[Socrates 8430]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

October 23, 2013 8:45 PM
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee: Manuel Gräfe (Germany)

Line-ups: Real Madrid-Juventus

Oct 23, 2013

Juventus change system to mirror Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid in the Champions League this evening.

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It kicks off at the Bernabeu at 20.45, as the Spaniards defend their 100 per cent record in the competition so far and Juve seek their first win after two draws against Copenhagen and Galatasaray.

Cristiano Ronaldo is supported by Karim Benzema and Angel Di Maria, while Luka Modric gets the nod ahead of Isco.

Gareth Bale is on the bench following a series of thigh and back problems, but Benzema, Fabio Coentrao and Raphael Varane are all back in the squad.

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Xabi Alonso is still out of action after breaking his foot, though Ancelotti keeps his promise and returns Iker Casillas to the net.

Juventus have stuttered lately, managing just two draws in the Champions League so far against Copenhagen and Galatasaray, while on Sunday they fumbled a 2-0 lead to lose 4-2 at Fiorentina.

Mirko Vucinic, Fabio Quagliarella and Stephan Lichtsteiner have not made the trip to Madrid, but Antonio Conte has transformed his tactics for this test against his former Juventus Coach Ancelotti.

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He shelved the usual 3-5-2 formation for a 4-3-1-2 with Fernando Llorente partnering Carlos Tevez and support from Claudio Marchisio in a more advanced trequartista role.

The big surprises are in defence with Martin Caceres and Angelo Ogbonna stepping in, leaving Leonardo Bonucci and Kwadwo Asamoah on the bench.

It’s a particular risk to start Uruguayan Caceres, who has only played in the Italian Super Cup this season back in August, as he had a knee injury.

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Ogbonna hasn’t done much better, featuring in one Champions League game and three Serie A matches.

Juve won their last visit to the Bernabeu, 2-0 in November 2008 thanks to an Alessandro Del Piero brace which earned him a standing ovation.

The Turin giants are unbeaten against Real Madrid since a 1-0 here in February 2005, winning three on the bounce.

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Earlier today the youth teams met in the UEFA Youth League, as Real Madrid won 6-2 with Enzo Fernandez on the field, the son of ex-Juve star Zinedine Zidane.


REAL MADRID: Casillas; Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Khedira, Illarramendi, Modric; Di Maria, Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid bench: Diego López, Varane, Coentrão, Bale, Carvajal, Morata, Isco


JUVENTUS: Buffon; Caceres, Barzagli, Chiellini, Ogbonna; Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba; Marchisio; Tevez, Llorente

Juventus bench: Storari, Isla, Bonucci, Peluso, Padoin, Asamoah, Giovinco

[Socrates 8430]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

October 23, 2013 8:45 PM
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee: Manuel Gräfe (Germany)

Marotta: 'Conte made decisions'

Oct 23, 2013

Juventus director Beppe Marotta backed Antonio Conte’s radical changes against Real Madrid, but sees “mental fatigue.”

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The Bianconeri have switched to a 4-3-1-2 system at the Bernabeu this evening, shelving his usual three-man defence.

“This is a top game, so everyone is fired up, from the club and fans to the players,” director general Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

“The difficult thing of the last few days was forgetting the defeat to Fiorentina, but these things happen. We have turned over a new leaf to reach this important page of our campaign.”

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Martin Caceres makes his first appearance since August, while Angelo Ogbonna also receives a very rare start.

“The decision came from evaluating the devastating strength of our opponents, but also the psychological aspect of which XI to field. Conte did that with conscience and care.

“I don’t want to get into the tactical issues too much, as those decisions are down to the Coach. Caceres is returning from an injury and Ogbonna hasn’t played recently, but they are both in good shape and can provide guarantees.”

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Marotta was asked why Juventus are dropping so many points in both Serie A and the Champions League.

“This team is paying psychologically for two years of being out in front, but also that many of these players are called up for international duty, so there is mental fatigue. That is true of all teams with many internationals.

“We are going through an unusual moment where things aren’t going very well in terms of goals conceded, that is just a statistical fact. I think it is primarily a psychological issue.”

[Socrates 8430]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

October 23, 2013 8:45 PM
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee: Manuel Gräfe (Germany)

HT 2-1: Juve trail to Ronaldo brace

Oct 23, 2013

Fernando Llorente’s goal keeps Juventus in the hunt, but they trail 2-1 at the break to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid brace.

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Elsewhere in the group, Galatasaray lead Copenhagen 3-0 after 45 minutes thanks to Felipe Melo, Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba.

Antonio Conte was the captain of Carlo Ancelotti’s Juventus side, but they came face-to-face at the Bernabeu as Coaches. Conte radically altered his 3-5-2 system to a 4-3-3 with Claudio Marchisio pushed up alongside Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente. Mirko Vucinic, Fabio Quagliarella and Stephan Lichtsteiner were injured, so Martin Caceres and Angelo Ogbonna received rare starts. Real only missed Xabi Alonso, while Gareth Bale, Fabio Coentrao and Raphael Varane were only fit for the bench.

The Bianconeri had just two draws against Copenhagen and Galatasaray, while Real Madrid were on a 100 per cent record so far. Juve were unbeaten against Real Madrid since a 1-0 here in February 2005, winning three on the bounce.

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In the opening 90 seconds Marchisio hit a screamer that Iker Casillas palmed round the post for a corner. However, Real Madrid took the lead when Cristiano Ronaldo sprung the offside trap from an Angel Di Maria slide-rule pass, dribbling round Gigi Buffon to deposit into an empty net. Caceres was late getting back and kept him in play.

Casillas did well to punch a cross off Llorente’s head, while Tevez and Caceres drilled wide. Tevez skipped past two players on the Juventus left only to then curl just over the bar.

Juventus managed to equalise when Casillas did very well to palm a Paul Pogba header off the line from a Caceres cross, but Llorente pounced on the rebound from a couple of yards.

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A free kick was floated into the box for Buffon to catch, but the goal line referee signalled a Giorgio Chiellini shirt-tug on Sergio Ramos. Ronaldo converted the penalty powerfully into the near top corner. It was the Portuguese star’s seventh goal in three Champions League games.

Andrea Pirlo turned over after Pepe charged down a Marchisio effort in the box, while Ronaldo fired wide. Arturo Vidal needed treatment for a knee problem just before the break, so that’s a question mark for Conte.

Juventus went into half-time trailing 2-1 despite having 52 per cent possession and 10 shots on goal to four at the Bernabeu.

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Real Madrid 2-1 Juventus (Half-Time)

Scorers: Ronaldo 4, pen 29 ®, Llorente 22 (J)

Real Madrid: Casillas; Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Khedira, Illarramendi, Modric; Di Maria, Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo

Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Barzagli, Chiellini, Ogbonna; Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba; Marchisio, Tevez, Llorente

Ref: Grafe (GER)

[Socrates 8430]

REAL MADRID 2 - 1 JUVENTUS

C. Ronaldo (4')

Fernando Llorente (22′)

C. Ronaldo (PG - 29')

October 23, 2013 8:45 PM
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee: Manuel Gräfe (Germany)
Attendance:‬ 77856‎

Ronaldo blasts Blancos past 10-man Bianconeri

The Portuguese scored both his goals before the break, either side of Llorente's
equaliser, before Giorgio Chiellini was sent off three minutes after half-time.

Oct 23, 2013

Cristiano Ronaldo starred as Real Madrid defeated 10-man Juventus to put one foot in the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday.

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Ronaldo scored twice in the first half - his sixth and seventh goals of the competition this season - either side of Fernando Llorente's equaliser, before Juve saw Giorgio Chiellini sent off for an alleged elbow on the Portugal international.

Chiellini, who conceded the penalty that handed Ronaldo his second, was shown a straight red card three minutes into the second period when it looked as though he had done nothing more than fend off the forward with his arm.

Carlo Ancelotti made four changes from Saturday's 2-0 win over Malaga, including the return of Iker Casillas in goal and Karim Benzema up front.

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For Juventus, Martin Caceres was in action for the first time since suffering a knee injury in early September, the defender one of three changes from Sunday alongside Angelo Ogbonna and Arturo Vidal.

The visitors threatened as early as the second minute - Claudio Marchisio stinging the palms of Casillas with a rasping drive from 25 yards.

However, two minutes later Ronaldo put Madrid in front with a well-taken goal. The Portuguese forward was slipped in by Angel Di Maria, before rounding Gianluigi Buffon and slotting home.

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Midway through the half, Juventus drew level as Llorente fired home a rebound from six yards after Casillas had kept out Paul Pogba's back-post header from Caceres' cross.

Parity lasted for just seven minutes as Ronaldo netted his second of the night from the penalty spot.

Chiellini was adjudged to have brought down Sergio Ramos inside the area while defending a free kick and Ronaldo placed the resulting set piece high to Buffon's right.

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Five minutes later Andrea Pirlo wasted a chance to equalise for a second time, blazing over from a tight angle following a scramble in the box.

Ronaldo then fired narrowly wide having being fed by Benzema four minutes before the break as the contest continued at a furious pace.

Two minutes after the interval, the visitors were dealt a cruel blow when Chiellini was shown a straight red card for what the referee deemed to be an elbow on Ronaldo, although replays suggested the decision was harsh.

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Benzema should have put Madrid further ahead on the hour, somehow turning the ball over from point-blank range after being picked out by Alvaro Arbeloa.

Sami Khedira was next to threaten in the 72nd minute, sending a tame chip into the arms of Buffon when clear on goal but it did not matter as Madrid made it three wins from as many European matches this season.

[Socrates 8430]

REAL MADRID 2 - 1 JUVENTUS

C. Ronaldo (4')

Fernando Llorente (22′)

C. Ronaldo (PG - 29')

October 23, 2013 8:45 PM
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee: Manuel Gräfe (Germany)
Attendance:‬ 77856‎

CL: Ronaldo ruins it for 10-man Juve

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace, but also got Giorgio Chiellini
harshly sent off as an impressive Juventus fell 2-1 to Real Madrid.

Oct 23, 2013

This result puts the 10-man Bianconeri in a difficult position, as Galatasaray beat Copenhagen 3-1 to leapfrog into second place on four points to Juve’s two.

http://markting10.nl/

Antonio Conte was the captain of Carlo Ancelotti’s Juventus side, but they came face-to-face at the Bernabeu as Coaches. Conte radically altered his 3-5-2 system to a 4-3-3 with Claudio Marchisio pushed up alongside Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente. Mirko Vucinic, Fabio Quagliarella and Stephan Lichtsteiner were injured, so Martin Caceres and Angelo Ogbonna received rare starts. Real only missed Xabi Alonso, while Gareth Bale, Fabio Coentrao and Raphael Varane were only fit for the bench.

The Bianconeri had just two draws against Copenhagen and Galatasaray, while Real Madrid were on a 100 per cent record so far. Juve were unbeaten against Real Madrid since a 1-0 here in February 2005, winning three on the bounce.

In the opening 90 seconds Marchisio hit a screamer that Iker Casillas palmed round the post for a corner. However, Real Madrid took the lead when Cristiano Ronaldo sprung the offside trap from an Angel Di Maria slide-rule pass, dribbling round Gigi Buffon to deposit into an empty net. Caceres was late getting back and kept him in play.

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Casillas did well to punch a cross off Llorente’s head, while Tevez and Caceres drilled wide. Tevez skipped past two players on the Juventus left only to then curl just over the bar.

Juventus managed to equalise when Casillas did very well to palm a Paul Pogba header off the line from a Caceres cross, but Llorente pounced on the rebound from a couple of yards.

A free kick was floated into the box for Buffon to catch, but the goal line referee signalled a Chiellini shirt-tug on Sergio Ramos. Ronaldo converted the penalty powerfully into the near top corner. It was the Portuguese star’s seventh goal in three Champions League games.

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Andrea Pirlo turned over after Pepe charged down a Marchisio effort in the box, while Ronaldo fired wide. Juventus went into half-time trailing 2-1 despite having 52 per cent possession and 10 shots on goal to four at the Bernabeu.

Straight after the restart, things got worse for Conte’s men, as Chiellini was very harshly shown a straight red card. He ran shoulder-to-shoulder with Ronaldo and held an arm across his chest, but the Portuguese international went down clutching his face and the referee opted for a dismissal.

Karim Benzema should’ve scored a third for Real Madrid on the hour mark, but he incredibly prodded over from a couple of yards when Di Maria rolled across the face of goal.

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Pirlo was surprisingly replaced by Kwadwo Asamoah, but received a standing ovation from the Bernabeu crowd. Vidal had a bizarre moment when he kicked the turf and went down in the box.

Sebastian Giovinco came on and within 40 seconds had forced Casillas into a fingertip save with his daisy-cutter.

Sami Khedira went clear, but only chipped his finish into Buffon’s arms, while a Giovinco free kick was off target and the Atomic Ant was eventually crowded out in the box from Leonardo Bonucci’s pass as 10-man Juve were still very much in this game to the end. Real even resorted to time-wasting tactics in the final minutes, to the chagrin of the home crowd.

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Real Madrid 2-1 Juventus

Scorers: Ronaldo 4, pen 29 ®, Llorente 22 (J)

Real Madrid: Casillas; Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Khedira, Illarramendi (Isco 72), Modric; Di Maria (Morata 79), Benzema (Bale 67), Cristiano Ronaldo

Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Barzagli, Chiellini, Ogbonna (Giovinco 69); Vidal, Pirlo (Asamoah 59), Pogba; Marchisio, Tevez, Llorente (Bonucci 50)

Ref: Grafe (GER)

Sent off: Chiellini 48 (J)

[Socrates 8430]

REAL MADRID 2 - 1 JUVENTUS

C. Ronaldo (4')

Fernando Llorente (22′)

C. Ronaldo (PG - 29')

October 23, 2013 8:45 PM
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee: Manuel Gräfe (Germany)
Attendance:‬ 77856‎

Chiellini sees red as Ronaldo inspires Los Blancos win

Oct 23, 2013

Real Madrid kept their 100% Champions League record intact against Juventus with a 2-1 victory at the Bernabeu on Wednesday evening.

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Cristiano Ronaldo put Madrid ahead inside the first five minutes before he cancelled out Fernando Llorente’s equaliser from the spot. Giorgio Chiellini, who gave away the penalty in the first half, was then harshly sent off minutes after the restart.

The Spanish side top Group B with nine points from three games while Juventus sit outside of the qualification spots with just the two draws so far.

The match started with Claudio Marchisio testing Iker Casillas from range inside the first two minutes, but just moments later Cristiano Ronaldo was played through by an incisive reverse pass from Angel Di Maria for the Portuguese forward to round Gianluigi Buffon and prod home from a tight angle.

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Juventus responded positively to falling behind and threatened the Real Madrid lead on numerous occasions. Carlos Tevez went closest on the 20 minute mark, curling a shot over the bar after skipping past Di Maria and Alvaro Arbeloa.

The equaliser did materialise just two minutes later when a Paul Pogba header was parried by Casillas at his near post but fell kindly for Fernando Llorente to tap home back on Spanish soil.

The Old Lady’s jubilation was short lived however, as Giorgio Chiellini grappled with Sergio Ramos inside the box which was spotted by one of the extra officials behind Buffon’s goal. Ronaldo converted the penalty with great conviction.

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The remainder of the first half was devoid of chances after Ronaldo’s spot-kick. Andrea Pirlo had a wonderful chance to level the score-line but his effort after a penalty-box scramble sailed over Casillas’ crossbar.

Three minutes after the break, Chiellini received a controversial straight red card for an apparent elbow to the face of Ronaldo as the Madrid forward drove towards goal. Leonardo Bonucci replaced Llorente for Juventus.

Real Madrid should have put the tie out of Juventus’ reach 10 minutes after Chiellini’s dismissal, but Karim Benzema somehow managed to fire over the bar from just a couple of yards out after clever link-up play between Di Maria and Asier Illarramendi. At the other end Arturo Vidal claimed a penalty when he in fact kicked the turf with no Madrid player near him.

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Sami Khedira spurned the next glorious chance for Carlo Ancelotti’s side when his nonchalant chip was easily gathered by Buffon in a one-on-one situation.

The match became laboured in the final 15 minutes, yet Juventus had two chances in-behind the Madrid back-line which Sebastian Giovinco and Marchisio failed to take advantage of losing control of the ball on both occasions.

Real Madrid now have a firm grip on Group B, winning all three of their games. Juventus, who have two points after matchday three, host Real Madrid on Tuesday, November 5 in the reverse fixture.

[Socrates 8430]

REAL MADRID 2 - 1 JUVENTUS

C. Ronaldo (4')

Fernando Llorente (22′)

C. Ronaldo (PG - 29')

October 23, 2013 8:45 PM
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee: Manuel Gräfe (Germany)
Attendance:‬ 77856‎

Disgraceful Chiellini red card call and Ronaldo

play-acting decides Real Madrid v Juventus

The Bianconeri defender was sent off following the Portuguese attacker's
SIMULATION, providing yet another unnecessary flashpoint in a major fixture.

Oct 23, 2013

COMMENT
By Kris Voakes

Five years on from the last meeting between two giants of world football, Real Madrid and Juventus served up a first half of fascinating quality on Wednesday night to tee up what should have been a sensational crescendo. But, yet again, the fans leaving the Bernabeu at full-time and those digesting what they had seen on TV all across the globe were left talking about cheating and abysmal officiating after Giorgio Chiellini’s ridiculous red card.

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The decision to send the Juve defender from the field of play in the 48th minute of his side’s 2-1 Champions League Group B defeat would have damaged the memory of what should have been a fantastic match regardless of the context. But Cristiano Ronaldo’s unforgivable play-acting and the officials’ conclusion that Chiellini should play no further part for simply administering the kind of defending that is seen 100 times per game struck a blow against the spirit in which football is supposed to be played.

Chiellini had already fallen foul of the assistant referees once, with Madrid’s vital second goal coming from a penalty conceded by the giant stopper after he pulled back the home side’s Sergio Ramos at a corner. That decision had been made thanks to good communication between the team of officials, with the additional assistant behind the goal helping the referee come to the correct outcome.

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However, Chiellini’s red card was altogether less worthy, and the main person to blame for the dismissal was Ronaldo. When chasing a ball into the far corner of the field, the Madrid striker was side-by-side with Chiellini when the Italian stretched out a high arm to leverage a path in front of the €94 million man, making contact with Ronaldo at the top of the chest before sliding his arm up against the Portuguese’s chin. Ronaldo’s response was to sprawl across the turf, clutching a face in general and nose in particular that had not been touched.

The correct decision would have been to award Real Madrid a free-kick, with a booking at most issued to Chiellini, while referee Manuel Grafe would also have been well within his rights to book Ronaldo too for his sensational simulation. Instead, with Grafe unsighted due to the angle at which the two players had been running, it was left to the assistant referee and official behind the goal to lend their wisdom to the episode. Unlike with the penalty incident, he was badly let down by his team, receiving word that Chiellini had committed an act of foul play when clearly he had not.

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Juve coach Antonio Conte immediately responded by replacing goalscorer Fernando Llorente with defender Leonardo Bonucci, limiting the outlet the Bianconeri had earlier had when taking the game to Madrid. The red card, coupled with Conte’s decision to err on the side of caution, turned a thrilling contest into something of a non-event thereafter.

How many more times must major fixtures be ruined by disgraceful decisions based on cheating footballers who are trying to get one over on opponents by foul means rather than fair? Chiellini was wronged by the team of officials, but more so by a fellow professional. Ronaldo also spoiled the enjoyment of most of the watching world with his successful attempt to con the referees.

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Much is said about the need for video evidence in football, but first and foremost it is the players who need to become the vanguard of fair play, especially those at the very top of the sport such as Ronaldo. In truth, that is never going to happen. Increasingly, officials are becoming a bunch of ill-equipped kindergarten teachers trying to control sneaky children attempting to get one another into trouble. It is world football’s job now to find the best detectors of this cheating as much as it is to get referees who are fully aware of the rules.

Huge punishments for cheats would be a start, but it appears a non-starter in the eyes of the game’s governing bodies. Officials need to take greater responsibility for taking big decisions without a huge degree of certainty over what they have seen too.

Another potentially fantastic game has been ruined, and football fans are left with yet another sour taste in the mouth as a result. Sooner or later, something has to be done.

[Socrates 8430]

REAL MADRID 2 - 1 JUVENTUS

C. Ronaldo (4')

Fernando Llorente (22′)

C. Ronaldo (PG - 29')

October 23, 2013 8:45 PM
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee: Manuel Gräfe (Germany)
Attendance:‬ 77856‎

Initial reaction and random observations

Oct 23, 2013

Let's hit the rewind button for a second, shall we? It's 2-1, the early goings of the second half, and Giorgio Chiellini's arm goes up into the face of Cristiano Ronaldo. Nothing malicious, nothing that makes you think "Oh, send THAT guy off now!" A clear foul, probably a yellow, and that's about it.

And yet, for something reason, Chiellini is showed a red card.

...okay.

http://markting10.nl/

"There was absolutely not an elbow, but I still have to laugh, because if that can be considered a ‘clear scoring opportunity' then so is everything." -- Antonio Conte

Even with Juventus doing their best to fight back after Chiellini's sending off, it cost Juve big time. Antonio Conte's tactical and formational changes were working and, after a rough start and falling behind 1-0 five minutes in, Juventus were settling in and playing their kind of game. It was almost something that was reminiscent of a game in Conte's first year — high pressing, creating scoring chances, lots of spirit and grinta being shown.

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You just can't help but feel like Juve had a chance for at least a draw taken away from them after Chiellini got the boot. This wasn't a Real Madrid that was firing on all cylinders. Even being up a man didn't drastically change things in terms of overall performances from the home side. Don't believe me? Look at all the chances Juve had post-Chiellini red card. It wasn't like they were lacking chances to draw level even with the numbers working against them.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen

Marchisio: It was really tough for us in the second half following Chiellini's unfair dismissal. Our next #UCL game is decisive. #RealJuve

The result isn't the one Juventus should have gotten. But the effort was there. And coming off a game where Juve basically have themselves to blame, this was the response you wanted to see.

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Random thoughts and observations

•While Chiellini was unjustly sent off in the second half, his WWE wannabe takedown of Sergio Ramos in the box was certainly avoidable. Sure, there's always going to be battling in the box, but not every ref is going to see things the same as others. But you'd think players would at least have that in the back of their minds, right? To make it even worse, Ramos wasn't going to get the ball simply because it was a simple catch for Gigi Buffon. Again, Juventus shot themselves in the foot and it led to a goal.

•Arturo Vidal had 12 tackles against Real Madrid. TWELVE. And for a good portion of the second half, he was beat to a freaking pulp and looked like he could barely walk. 'Warrior' is a word that comes to mind. Your contract extension awaits you, Arturo.

•Speaking of South Americans who wear high socks, I'd like to say something to Martin Caceres: Welcome back, my friend. That is how you make a case for more playing time.

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•I'd also like to say something to Conte regarding Caceres: Play this guy more often — especially if a four-man defense is going to be a regular thing these next couple of months.

•While Caceres was very good against Madrid, the other defender who was brought into Juve's lineup, Angelo Ogbonna, was far from it. Was it just Ogbonna being nervous on such a big stage? Was it the fact that he hasn't played in an actual game in about a month? Was it a combination of everything imaginable? I could throw a lot of things out there and it seems like it could be every single one of them. And for a guy who saw his signing met with mixed reactions, these kinds of games don't exactly help change opinions.

•I'm still amazed that Paul Pogba was able to get on the end of Caceres' cross that led to the first goal. Athletically, this kid is just a freak of nature.

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•Fernando Llorente with a goal in his return to Spanish soil. If he didn't have come off after Chiellini was red-carded, it would have been very interesting to see what his impact might have been.

•What could have been. What could have been.

•I mean, Marco Materazzi is saying Chiellini shouldn't have been sent off...

[Socrates 8430]

REAL MADRID 2 - 1 JUVENTUS

C. Ronaldo (4')

Fernando Llorente (22′)

C. Ronaldo (PG - 29')

October 23, 2013 8:45 PM
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee: Manuel Gräfe (Germany)
Attendance:‬ 77856‎

Did Chiellini's Red Card Seal CL
Fate of Real Madrid and Juventus?

http://youtu.be/PQQAIrIwL9g

Oct 23, 2013

Real Madrid defeated Juventus 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night to all but seal a first place finish in Champions League Group B. But that won’t be the story of the next few days.

http://markting10.nl/

Early in the second half, Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini cut off a run by Cristiano Ronaldo and was immediately shown a red card by referee Manuel Grafe for extending his arm a bit too far.

Normally anytime a red card is given there will be those who praise and disdain the call. Fans are always on one side or the others when it comes to tough calls, but not many were ok with Chiellini’s red.

In truth, the Italian defender did extend his arm when he went into the challenge, but it was far from a red card. Actually, it was far from a simple yellow and arguably not even a foul at all.

http://markting10.nl/

However, the card was given and Chiellini was forced to leave the pitch while Juventus attempted to mount a comeback at the Santiago Bernabeu.

With every questionable call come repercussions. The worst thing about Chiellini’s sending off wasn’t the immediate effect on the match; it was the fact that this single decision may have already decided the group with three games still left to play.

For Juventus this was a must-win match. Having already drawn their first two matches, the Italians desperately needed to earn points to stay in the fight to reach the next round of Champions League play.

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Simply put this was not a game that Juventus could afford to lose.

At the same time, a victory for Real Madrid meant that they would all but clinch the group. After the dust settled the Spanish side had taken nine points from three matches, while second place Galatasaray trail by five points.

This lone match was going to prove to be the pivotal game of Group B and such a questionable call decided its fate.

http://markting10.nl/

Until Giorgio Chiellini was sent off, Juventus was standing toe-to-toe with their hosts. The Italians could have equalized at any moment, but that all went away when the red card left the pocket.

For the rest of the match Juventus seemed a stunned. Though they did make things interesting towards the end of the game, it was clear that they were not going to recover.

Real Madrid should not be blamed for what happened, though Cristiano Ronaldo did make much out of the challenge. Los Blancos put in a strong performance and perhaps deserved the three points for their efforts.

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The sad thing is that a single referee in one game can influence the entire group.

With three games remaining, Juventus will be forced to make up two points on Galatasaray if they want to reach the next round of the Champions League.

The Italians still have a shot at advancing from their group, but it will not be easy. At this point it will be an uphill battle for Juventus, while Real Madrid has seemingly already won the group.

http://markting10.nl/

Neither side can be held responsible for the call that the referee made, but the entirety of Champions League Group B was affected.

Could Juventus have found another goal and taken points off of Real Madrid? We will never know. What we do know is that any chance of a comeback left the field with Chiellini.

[Socrates 8430]

REAL MADRID 2 - 1 JUVENTUS

C. Ronaldo (4')

Fernando Llorente (22′)

C. Ronaldo (PG - 29')

October 23, 2013 8:45 PM
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee: Manuel Gräfe (Germany)
Attendance: 77856‎

Fortune no longer favours the brave

Oct 23, 2013

It may have been a defeat for Juventus on Wednesday, but the sadness comes with a hint of pleasure. For much of the game the Italians looked sharper, better organised and more capable of a goal than Real Madrid. However, some dubious refereeing combined with naive challenges resulted in a penalty for the home side and a red card for the Italians. With 10 men, Juve worked to secure the defence but were unlucky to not have managed an equaliser. Los Blancos won 2-1.

http://markting10.nl/

The first half served to prove one thing, and that is while both sides possess game-changers within their squads, both teams were capable of conceding easy goals. Having allowed in 10 goals in eight matches in Serie A, it only took Juventus four minutes to concede their first of the night. Cristiano Ronaldo, played onside, was left alone to strike and send the Bernabeu stadium rocking.

A sense of deja vu swept past as potential headlines were quickly noted. It was another defensive error from the club that once boasted the best defence in Europe.

However, the reaction stunned the home fans. Rather than dwell on their error, the Bianconeri regrouped, played an effective pressing game and pushed forward in search of an equaliser. The Italians were playing with visible confidence and exciting cohesion despite the psychological meltdown suffered over the weekend. They had nothing to lose but only points to gain.

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With Alvaro Arbeloa identified as the weakest link in Madrid's back-line, Carlos Tevez was deployed on the left of a 4-3-3 formation, with Claudio Marchisio played on the right. The Argentine consistently troubled the Spaniard, especially in the first half-hour of the game, in hopes of managing an equaliser. Meanwhile Paul Pogba, behind him in midfield, not only demonstrated elegance and strength but above all footballing intelligence as he helped to seek out ways in which split open the Spanish defence.

The equaliser Juventus so viciously chased finally came after Martin Caceres managed a good cross from the right to atone for his earlier error. Fernando Llorente, the only Spaniard within the squad, demonstrated his striker's instinct when he pounced on the rebound and scored with his right foot to overcome Iker Casillas.

It was an even game between Juventus and what is largely perceived to be the best team in Europe as both sides searched for a goal in a challenging contest. Sadly, Juve's joy was short-lived as naivety got the better of Giorgio Chiellini. A player accustomed to getting away with certain challenges in Serie A was punished for pulling down Sergio Ramos to concede a penalty. In Europe, such actions are never tolerated and, more importantly, it was needless as Gianluigi Buffon was in a good position.

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Yet not even Ronaldo's second managed to remove the spark in Juve's play. Caceres was motivated, Arturo Vidal ran relentlessly while Tevez not only proved effective going forward but tactically disciplined in defence as he often tracked back to occupy space. Juventus once again looked like an Antonio Conte-led team. They played as a unit, remained concentrated and displayed that special hunger.

The second half started, and it took only three minutes before the competition was forcibly ended. Chiellini was shown a straight red card for what the referee perceived to be an elbow in the face of Ronaldo. "The Portuguese fell as if struck by Mohammed Ali," wrote La Repubblica. However, it has since transpired that the referee gave the red card due to it being a goal-scoring opportunity. The decision seemed harsh, the penalty excessive. "I still have to laugh," Conte noted in his post-match comments, "because if that can be considered a 'clear scoring opportunity' then so can everything."

With Juventus down to 10 men, it seemed unlikely their constant running to secure the defence, which they did masterfully well, would allow them enough energy to score an equaliser. And yet they came close on numerous occasions, fighting hard to get a point until the last moments of the game.

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Defensively, it has to be noted, the Old Lady proved effective. She kept her shape, her lines were in order and spaces were effectively occupied to limit the runs made by Real Madrid's players. In truth, Los Blancos' lethargic energy gave the Italians little to worry about. Had they exploited their pace and raised their levels of intensity, Juventus may well have suffered more.

Conte has a lot to be proud of, especially in light of the tactical changes. His men produced more shots on target than the Spaniards and they always looked capable of a point at the very least. The only bone of contention lies with the decision to deploy Angelo Ogbonna on the right. The defender greatly struggled on the night.

Fortune usually favours the brave, but on this occasion, Juventus feel German officiating let them down. They must win at least two of their remaining three matches should they hope of qualifying to the next round. Now, it’s time to turn their attention back to Serie A and prepare for Genoa's visit Sunday to Turin.

[Socrates 8430]

REAL MADRID 2 - 1 JUVENTUS

C. Ronaldo (4')

Fernando Llorente (22′)

C. Ronaldo (PG - 29')

October 23, 2013 8:45 PM
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee: Manuel Gräfe (Germany)
Attendance:‬ 77856‎

Player Ratings

Goal rates the players on show as a first-half double from Cristiano Ronaldo ensures
los Blancos maintain their 100 per cent record in the Champions League group stage this season.

Oct 23, 2013


Real Madrid CF

Iker Casillas - The keeper was alert from the off, producing a good save to deny Marchisio in the opening minutes. He did well to keep Pogba's initial effort out but was unable to stop Llorente from slotting home the follow up. He commanded his area well.

Arbeloa - The right-back had a poor game, leaving Pogba completely unmarked at the back post ahead of Juve's goal. He allowed the opposition past him far too easily and rarely ventured into the opposing half.

Pepe - Made a decent block on a Marchisio effort in the first half but failed to read the play well during the game. He fell asleep during the second half and was fortunate that Juve did not sneak a late equaliser.

Sergio Ramos - Positioned himself brilliantly in the heart of the defence, frequently getting into the right place to help clear away the danger when Juve got the ball into the box. He also caused problems in the opposing area from set-plays.

Marcelo - Consistently pushed forward from left-back and provided a good level of service for the forwards when getting into dangerous areas. He was caught out of position for Juventus' first goal as Caceres had time to cross from wide.

Sami Khedira - Linked the defence to the attack well, playing the first ball out from the back and then getting up to support the forwards in the final third. He played a role in the opener and made a nuisance of himself throughout.

Asier Illarramendi - Perhaps showed his inexperience on the continental stage as he made some rash challenges early on and picked up a booking. He collected himself, though, and proved efficient in possession in the holding midfield role.

Ángel Di María - The Argentine was a continual threat on the right wing, regularly finding space to get at Ogbonna. He supplied a brilliant assist for Ronaldo's opener but unfortunately his end product was not always up to that standard.

Luka Modric - The Croatian played a very simple game and failed to shine playing in behind the striker. He did not create anywhere near enough for his side in what was a rather ineffectual outing.

C. Ronaldo - A brilliant night for the Portuguese as he took his tally of goals in the tournament to seven from just three games. A cool finish was followed up by a powerful penalty as he proved the difference between the two sides.

Karim Benzema - The Frenchman barely had an impact as he struggled to get involved in the action during throughout. He missed an absolute sitter during the second half, sending the ball over an open goal from three yards out.


Substitutions

Gareth Bale - Came on for Benzema in the 67th minute but struggled to make an impact on the match.

Isco - Was lively after replacing Illarramendi in the 72nd minute.

Morata - Brought on for Di Maria in the 79th minute.

http://markting10.nl/

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon - Went to ground too easily as Ronaldo rounded him before opening the scoring, but could do little to keep out the Portuguese's penalty. Other than that he was actually forced to do very little for the remainder.

Martín Cáceres - The Uruguayan made some well-timed challenges to restrict the influence of Marcelo down Madrid's left. He also pushed on when possible and his great delivery was pivotal to Juve's first goal.

Andrea Barzagli - Proved hesitant in possession and was almost caught on the ball a few times by the opposition. He did not seem completely sure of himself when passing the ball up from the back.

Giorgio Chiellini - The Italy international was quick to close the opposition forwards during the early exchanges. However his game soon turned into a nightmare. His clumsy challenge resulted in Madrid's penalty and he was then sent off early in the second half.

Angelo Obinze Ogbonna - Afforded Di Maria far too much space in the wide areas, and his flank was the source of the opening goal. He could not cope with the Argentine's pace and had an extremely difficult evening.

Paul Pogba - Started brightly and his spilled header was tucked away by Llorente in the 22nd minute. His influence on the game waned as the game grew, though, and he did not show his usual array of passing in the centre of the park.

Andrea Pirlo - Allowed Di Maria to skip inside him far too easily as he set up Ronaldo for the game's opening goal. He played a few good passes and helped orchestrate some of Juve's better chances before being withdrawn on the hour mark for fresh legs.

Arturo Vidal - Was very industrious in midfield and ran himself into the ground. He was full of energy and his combative perfomance in the middle of the park made it difficult for Madrid to settle on the ball and pick Juve apart.

Claudio Marchisio - Produced a great effort early on which forced Casillas into a save, but it proved to be the highlight of his game. He did track back and help his team out defensively, though, meaning Madrid had to break at speed to find a way through.

Carlos Tévez - The Argentine was lively early on, picking up the ball between the lines and creating space to shoot at goal. However, he failed to test Casillas with any of those efforts and he faded into the background after Chiellini's dismissal.

Fernando Llorente - Had a quiet start to the game but added to his tally of goals at the Bernabeu after popping up to slot a loose ball home inside the area. He was perhaps unfortunate to be sacrificed for a defender after Chiellini's red card.


Substitutions

Leonardo Bonucci - Was brought on for Llorente in the 50th minute following Chiellini's dismissal and helped keep things tight at the back for the visitors.

Kwadwo Asamoah - Replaced Pirlo in the 59th minute and his energy helped keep Juve competitive despite being reduced to 10 men.

Sebastian Giovinco - Came on for Ogbonna in the 69th minute and got into some dangerous areas but, bar one shot that was going wide anyway, he never really threatened Casillas.

[Socrates 8430]

REAL MADRID 2 - 1 JUVENTUS

C. Ronaldo (4')

Fernando Llorente (22′)

C. Ronaldo (PG - 29')

October 23, 2013 8:45 PM
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee: Manuel Gräfe (Germany)
Attendance:‬ 77856‎

Casillas: Juventus win sets us up for Clasico

The goalkeeper has sights set on the top of La Liga following Real Madrid's win
over the Bianconeri, while denying he had given the club an ultimatum.

Oct 23, 2013

Iker Casillas already has one eye on Saturday's Clasico following Real Madrid's 2-1 home triumph over Juventus on Wednesday.

http://markting10.nl/

Casillas, 32, is unlikely to start ahead of Diego Lopez against Barcelona this weekend, but that has not stopped him dreaming of going level at the top of La Liga with a win.

"A victory on Saturday will carry us to the top of the table with Barcelona," he told Canal Plus. "We have to go to Camp Nou keeping in mind this victory."

Two first-half goals on Wednesday from Cristiano Ronaldo ensured Madrid maintained their commanding position at the top of Group B.

http://markting10.nl/

Juve had equalised through Fernando Llorente, but the Portugese added a second from the penalty spot after Giorgio Chielllini had hauled down Sergio Ramos in the box.

It was to get worse for Chiellini as he was shown a straight red for a controversial block on the Portuguese in the second half.

Casillas believes the victory was fundamental to their last 16 aspirations as they only need a point when they visit the Bianconeri on matchday four to go through.

http://markting10.nl/

But says the win did not come easy despite playing against 10 men for the majority of the second half.

"We have taken a very important step," Casillas said. "It was not easy even when they were down to 10 men for almost the entire second half. Now we go to Turin, aware that even a draw could lead us to the knock-out stages."

Casillas has been linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu due to being out of the regular starting line-up for around 10 months.

http://markting10.nl/

But he insists that claims he has made demands to the club are fictional and borne out of false rumour-mongering.

"Regarding my future, I didn't give an ultimatum to Real Madrid," the Spain international added.

"Unfortunately, my name is always in the media and some people do nothing but talk about what I say, when I say it and why I say it."

[Socrates 8430]

REAL MADRID 2 - 1 JUVENTUS

C. Ronaldo (4')

Fernando Llorente (22′)

C. Ronaldo (PG - 29')

October 23, 2013 8:45 PM
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee: Manuel Gräfe (Germany)
Attendance:‬ 77856‎

'Blame Juventus, not referee' - Tevez

The Argentine has refused to blame the official for the loss
to the Spanish giants, insisting he and his team-mates should shoulder the blame.

Oct 23, 2013

Juventus striker Carlos Tevez has insisted that the referee is not culpable for his team's 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday.

http://markting10.nl/

Cristiano Ronaldo hit a first-half double either side of a Fernando Llorente strike, but the encounter was marred by the dismissal of Giorgio Chiellini for a seemingly innocuous challenge on the Portuguese just three minutes into the second half.

But the Argentine has refused to point the finger of blame at referee Manuel Grafe for the result - which consequently leaves the Bianconeri third in Group B with just two points.

He told Sky Sport Italia: "We’re upset about the result, but it was a good performance and with a man down in the second half we still caused them problems.

"We have time to recover from this situation, but we have to give our all on the field. I have no problem playing wherever the team needs me.

"We should think about ourselves and not the referee. If you make mistakes like we did, then Real Madrid do not forgive you.

"I can’t blame the referee, as we have to think about our own performance and the errors we made."

[Socrates 8430]

REAL MADRID 2 - 1 JUVENTUS

C. Ronaldo (4')

Fernando Llorente (22′)

C. Ronaldo (PG - 29')

October 23, 2013 8:45 PM
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee: Manuel Gräfe (Germany)
Attendance: 77856‎

Pogba: 'Without the red card...'

Oct 23, 2013

Paul Pogba believes Juventus “could’ve earned a draw” against Real Madrid if Giorgio Chiellini hadn’t been sent off.

http://markting10.nl/

“It was clearly not a red card offence. The referee made this decision, so we can’t do anything about it now,” the French midfielder told Sky Sport Italia after the 2-1 defeat.

“We are sad about this, as it was tougher to play with 10 men. We had a good first half and I think we could’ve earned a draw here, but when going down to 10 it was more difficult.

“We knew that we had to stay compact and go on the counter-attack, which we did very well.”

http://markting10.nl/

Antonio Conte changed Juventus to a 4-3-3 formation, shelving his usual 3-5-2.

“We know Carlitos Tevez is very strong and we need him in attack. I worked for him too on the left, as that is what we prepared in training.”

http://markting10.nl/

The Bianconeri have dropped down to third place on two points behind Galatasaray with four.

“We are sad because we lost this match, but it’s not over yet and we have three games to go. We must look forward and hope to win.”

[Socrates 8430]

REAL MADRID 2 - 1 JUVENTUS

C. Ronaldo (4')

Fernando Llorente (22′)

C. Ronaldo (PG - 29')

October 23, 2013 8:45 PM
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee: Manuel Gräfe (Germany)
Attendance: 77856‎

Ancelotti: 'Juve surprised me'

Oct 23, 2013

Real Madrid Coach Carlo Ancelotti was impressed by Juventus and “surprised” at the change of tactics.

http://markting10.nl/

“We lowered the tempo and controlled the situation in the second half,” he told Sky Sport Italia after the 2-1 Champions League victory.

“We lost a few too many balls, but it wasn’t necessary to push when Juve weren’t pressing us. Towards the end we gave the ball away too cheaply and Juve threatened on the counter.”

Antonio Conte – who was Ancelotti’s captain at Juventus – shelved his 3-5-2 system for this trip and moved to a 4-3-3.

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“It was a good surprise changing to four at the back, probably to cover the flanks on Angel Di Maria and Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Aside from that, Juve played very well and created a lot of problems for us, especially on the left. Carlos Tevez caused us a lot of problems too when he cut in, so overall Juventus played a very good game.”

Ancelotti has won titles in Italy, England and France, so how is he handling the pressure in Spain?

http://markting10.nl/

“There are many difficulties in Madrid. There’s trying to do something different to what they were used to last year, such as keeping possession, and the players don’t always find the right position. Things are improving rapidly, though this team has so much quality that we can do better.”

He was asked whether Gareth Bale is struggling to find space considering Real Madrid’s opponents tend to clam up and don’t allow him space to run into.

http://markting10.nl/

“Bale will find space on the flanks, both in a one-on-one and running behind them, as he has such extraordinary pace. He doesn’t have the characteristics to play in the middle.

“Will I try Ronaldo as a centre-forward? I said yesterday in the Press conference that I’m not crazy enough to change the position of a player who scores 50-60 goals per game.”

[Socrates 8430]

REAL MADRID 2 - 1 JUVENTUS

C. Ronaldo (4')

Fernando Llorente (22′)

C. Ronaldo (PG - 29')

October 23, 2013 8:45 PM
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee: Manuel Gräfe (Germany)
Attendance: 77856‎

Conte: 'Had to laugh' at ref

Oct 23, 2013

Antonio Conte “had to laugh” at the refereeing decisions, but saw a good Juventus performance against Real Madrid.

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The Coach changed from his usual 3-5-2 system to a 4-3-3 at the Bernabeu, but the 2-1 defeat saw Giorgio Chiellini harshly sent off at the dawn of the second half.

“Juventus were changed, but on a system that this team knows very well, as for a while we played with 4-3-3,” Conte told Sky Sport Italia.

“I always said this side can play 4-3-3. We used Claudio Marchisio on the right flank and tried to bring more solidity in defence with Martin Caceres, as we knew Real could be dangerous on the counter.

http://markting10.nl/

“Juventus were aggressive against Real Madrid. When you attack Real, you have to be aggressive and focused, as otherwise you lose possession and leave open space to people like Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria. It’s an open invitation to a hammering.

“I think Real had a great deal of difficulty this evening. It is a painful match, but also lets us realise 10 against 11 we can still call on great organisation, heart and grit.”

Chiellini was shown a straight red card for what at first was thought to be an elbow on Ronaldo, but the referee’s gesture suggests it was for a clear scoring opportunity – again, strange when he was still 30 yards from goal.

http://markting10.nl/

“This game was certainly affected by some very, very dubious decisions, such as the Chiellini red card and a penalty on Arturo Vidal.

“There was absolutely not an elbow, but I still have to laugh, because if that can be considered a ‘clear scoring opportunity’ then so is everything... I think we’d prefer a decision against us and a good performance rather than a decision in our favour and a bad performance, as it shows signs of the team’s improvement.”

The Vidal situation looked comical, as he kicked the turf, but Italian media claim replays show a slight trip to unbalance him beforehand.

http://markting10.nl/

“We look forward, see the glass half-full and proved that we belong on this stage. Everyone talked about a Juventus that was a disaster area, but tonight we saw a very good Juventus against one of the top contenders for the Cup,” continued Conte.

“We didn’t get hammered and if anything we threatened to punish Real Madrid. Tonight this team proved it can walk on this stage with the right tactical adjustments and at times played better than Real Madrid.

http://markting10.nl/

“I think this is a good boost for us to prepare the push for the final few games.”

In theory, Juventus could qualify even with a defeat to Real Madrid in Turin, as long as they beat both Copenhagen and Galatasaray.

Juve are now third in the group on two points behind Roberto Mancini’s Galatasaray on four.

[Socrates 8430]

REAL MADRID 2 - 1 JUVENTUS

C. Ronaldo (4')

Fernando Llorente (22′)

C. Ronaldo (PG - 29')

October 23, 2013 8:45 PM
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee: Manuel Gräfe (Germany)
Attendance: 77856‎

Marchisio: 'Qualification difficult now'

Oct 23, 2013

Claudio Marchisio admits Champions League qualification is “more and more difficult” after a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid.

http://markting10.nl/

The Bianconeri are now third in their group on two points, as Galatasaray have four and Real Madrid nine.

“Things became more complicated after the red card,” he told SportMediaset.

“Playing with 10 men against a side as strong as Real Madrid is never easy. After their goal we reacted very well, but with this defeat qualification becomes more and more difficult.”

http://markting10.nl/

The turning point of the game was straight after the restart when Giorgio Chiellini was shown a harsh red card.

“I don’t think his gesture was worthy of a red card, even if he raised his arm a little,” continued Marchisio.

“Cristiano Ronaldo could’ve stayed on his feet, but he didn’t. In any case, we still compliment Real Madrid for a good performance.

http://markting10.nl/

“Losing the next match at home would mean saying goodbye to qualification.”

However, it is possible for Juve to qualify even with a defeat to Real Madrid, as long as they beat Copenhagen in Turin and Galatasaray in Turkey.

Of course, they would also need Real to keep taking points off the other two teams.

[Socrates 8430]

REAL MADRID 2 - 1 JUVENTUS

C. Ronaldo (4')

Fernando Llorente (22′)

C. Ronaldo (PG - 29')

October 23, 2013 8:45 PM
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee: Manuel Gräfe (Germany)
Attendance: 77856‎

Nesta cautions Real-Juve ref

Oct 24, 2013

Former Serie A defender Alessandro Nesta has criticised the referee after Real Madrid beat Juventus 2-1 on Wednesday.

http://markting10.nl/

The Old Lady felt they were punished by a number of decisions made by Manuel Grafe, as he awarded Real a contested penalty, denied the Turin giants a spot-kick themselves and then sent-off Giorgio Chiellini.

Nesta too, now playing for Montreal Impact, has shown the official an imaginary card for his performance at the Bernabeu.

“Stop the Real-Juve referee,” he wrote on Twitter last night.

He followed that up with: “They would never blow up for that penalty in Italy, but they would in Europe. We’re OK up until that point. What is not right is the dismissal.”

Progression to the next round of the Champions League is now highly problematic for the Turin giants given that they have collected just two points from three games.

[Socrates 8430]

REAL MADRID 2 - 1 JUVENTUS

C. Ronaldo (4')

Fernando Llorente (22′)

C. Ronaldo (PG - 29')

October 23, 2013 8:45 PM
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee: Manuel Gräfe (Germany)
Attendance: 77856‎

Llorente: No more slip-ups…

Oct 24, 2013

Fernando Llorente admits Juventus have now used up all of their lifelines in their Champions League group.

http://markting10.nl/

The Old Lady have made a stuttering start to their European Cup campaign by collecting just two points from their opening three games.

After drawing with FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray, they controversially lost 2-1 at Real Madrid on Wednesday evening.

“Unfortunately we know we can't afford any more slip-ups in the Champions League,” the striker noted.

http://markting10.nl/

“We put in a good performance and had several chances to score, but the referee changed the game when he showed Giorgio Chiellini that red card.

“Giorgio didn't deserve to be sent off for that – it wasn't such a bad foul on Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Llorente was handed a place in the starting XI and he responded with a goal.

http://markting10.nl/

“I have to do well every time that I am given a game,” said the summer signing from Athletic Bilbao. “But I’m feeling better and I can help Juventus.”

Juve, now third in the group, have home games against Real and Copenhagen, while they will end the group stage with a trip to Istanbul.

[Socrates 8430]

REAL MADRID 2 - 1 JUVENTUS

C. Ronaldo (4')

Fernando Llorente (22′)

C. Ronaldo (PG - 29')

October 23, 2013 8:45 PM
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee: Manuel Gräfe (Germany)
Attendance: 77856‎

Rossi disappointed by Real Madrid

Oct 24, 2013

Italian legend Paolo Rossi was left unconvinced by Real Madrid in their 2-1 win over Juventus in the Champions League.

http://markting10.nl/

The Spaniards made it three wins from three last night, but Rossi, who won the European Cup with Juve as a player, has hailed the Old Lady.

“La Vecchia Signora’s defeat was not deserved,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “Real didn’t convince me, not even when they had a one-man advantage.

“The Bianconeri didn’t feel the pressure of Real and the defeat was down to some unfavourable incidents.”

http://markting10.nl/

Juventus have been critical of the referee who awarded Real a dubious penalty and there are also concerns over Giorgio Chiellini’s dismissal.

Meanwhile, former Juve striker Gianluca Vialli added: “Antonio Conte’s side played a good game, it was hard to do more than that in Spain.

http://markting10.nl/

“Paradoxically, Juve actually did better once they went down to 10 men and after Andrea Pirlo had been replaced.

“This is an unfortunate moment for Juventus.”

[Socrates 8430]

REAL MADRID 2 - 1 JUVENTUS

C. Ronaldo (4')

Fernando Llorente (22′)

C. Ronaldo (PG - 29')

October 23, 2013 8:45 PM
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee: Manuel Gräfe (Germany)
Attendance:‬ 77856‎

Ancelotti: Chiellini red card changed game

The Real Madrid coach has conceded that referee Manuel Grafe's decision to send off
the Italian defender proved to be the turning point in Madrid's win over Juventus.

Oct 24, 2013

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says the dismissal of Giorgio Chiellini changed the complexion of the game following the 2-1 victory over Juventus.

http://markting10.nl/

Referee Manuel Grafe chose to issue the Italy international a straight red card on 48 minutes for a seemingly innocuous challenge on Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese bagged a double either side of a Fernando Llorente equaliser, which proved sufficient in dispatching the Bianconeri, but Ancelotti believes the outcome could have been different had his team not been handed a numerical advantage.

"The game changed," he told reporters. "There are five referees, then they decide to penalise Juventus and we must accept it."

http://markting10.nl/

The former Paris Saint-Germain boss went on to claim he was pleased with the result - even if his team failed to put the 10-man Italians to the sword.

He added: "We could have played better, but the win is what's important to us.

"The team is confident and developing well. It's a good result. We won the game after playing well for an hour, then we slowed down.

http://markting10.nl/

"I liked that we played well at times and we had balance, though we tired towards the end.

"The intensity has to be different; we had two clear opportunities [at 2-1] and did not take them."

The Blancos, who are yet to drop a point in the competition so far, are in poll position to qualify as Group B winners, with second-placed Galatasaray sitting five points adrift of the Spanish giants on four points.

[Socrates 8430]

REAL MADRID 2 - 1 JUVENTUS

C. Ronaldo (4')

Fernando Llorente (22′)

C. Ronaldo (PG - 29')

October 23, 2013 8:45 PM
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee: Manuel Gräfe (Germany)
Attendance: 77856‎

Juventus are not in crisis, insists Conte

The Italian coach has dismissed suggestions that the Bianconeri
are struggling, while he voiced his dismay with the referee's performance.

Oct 24, 2013

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has insisted that the Serie A champions are not suffering a crisis following their 2-1 Champions League defeat at the hands of Real Madrid on Wednesday evening.

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The Bianconeri are yet to record their first win in Europe this season, but Conte feels that his men showed at the Santiago Bernabeu that they have what it takes to compete with the very best, regardless of the final result.

"Last year we were outclassed by Bayern while this season we played a great game against a team who are more or less at the same level as the European champions," Conte said at a press conference.

"So I don't think we are in crisis as many said on the eve of the game – quite the opposite actually.

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"We played at the same level as Madrid and we could even have won. Now everything is certainly more difficult but we proved we can be competitive against any opponent.

"We proved we can play at this level if we really want to. We only lost due to a couple of small details, a couple of things that did not go our way."

Conte then went on to discuss referee Manuel Grafe's performance after the German awarded Madrid a penalty and dismissed Giorgio Chiellini and he was not impressed with the official's display.

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He added: "The referee certainly affected the game with some dubious decisions, such as Chiellini's red card and the penalty call.

"I can only laugh about it. It was definitely not an elbow and it can't be considered a clear goalscoring opportunity either. If that was a clear goalscoring opportunity, then anything is..."

Juventus sit third in Group B with two points from three games.

[Socrates 8430]

REAL MADRID 2 - 1 JUVENTUS

C. Ronaldo (4')

Fernando Llorente (22′)

C. Ronaldo (PG - 29')

October 23, 2013 8:45 PM
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee: Manuel Gräfe (Germany)
Attendance: 77856‎

UEFA to drop Real-Juve ref

Oct 25, 2013

It’s reported UEFA have taken referee Manuel Grafe off big games after his poor performance in Real Madrid-Juventus.

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The official caused controversy on Wednesday night during Juve’s 2-1 Champions League defeat at the Bernabeu.

He showed Giorgio Chiellini a straight red card for his shoulder-to-shoulder with Cristiano Ronaldo, either considering it to be an elbow in the face or ending a clear scoring opportunity.

According to Tuttosport, the UEFA refereeing commission gave Grafe a very poor score when evaluating his performance.

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“It means Grafe is not considered suitable to officiate games of importance, such as Real-Juve,” ex-international referee Graziano Cesari told Tuttosport.

“There is no protocol for a suspension, but it’s pretty certain we won’t see him in the Champions League knockout rounds. Even in the group phase, the games he is assigned to will be of a minor level.”

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This season alone the 40-year-old has officiated 11 games in all competition, flashing six yellow cards, five red and awarding five penalties.

Last term in 31 games he sent off 15 players and gave 144 bookings.

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - GENOA

October 27, 2013 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Conte: 'Juve past doesn't count'

Oct 26, 2013

Antonio Conte warned Juventus “the past no longer counts” as they have to get back on track against Genoa.

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The Bianconeri are coming off two consecutive defeats against Fiorentina and Real Madrid, so the pressure is on ahead of Sunday afternoon’s Serie A encounter.

“It will be difficult to win a third consecutive Scudetto and everyone at Juventus must work hard,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

“I am pleased that President Andrea Agnelli reiterated what I often say, which is that we cannot rest on our laurels. We can take nothing for granted.

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“We’ll try to get back to winning ways tomorrow, as this is an important game and the lads are ready. In the last two matches we reaped a lot less than we deserved to.

“Over the last two years Juventus have won almost everything there was to win and rediscovered international appeal. But the past no longer counts. We have to look forward if we are to repeat our success.”

Juve take on Genoa tomorrow afternoon, then host Catania in the midweek round before preparing for Parma and Real Madrid.

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“Considering the games we have played and those ahead of us, we will rotate the squad. Fortunately we have two tactical systems that also allow us to change during the games.”

Stephan Lichtsteiner, Mirko Vucinic and Fabio Quagliarella have still not recovered, while Conte revealed Sebastian Giovinco has been taking painkilling injections before every match.

“The injuries have reduced our attacking options, but I have great faith in the medical staff.”

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The tactician also hit out again at media reports he's looking for an exit at the end of the season.

"This is part of the same rumours that want to destabilise us so that we can't win again."

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - GENOA

October 27, 2013 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Juventus squad for Genoa

Oct 26, 2013

Juventus take on Genoa tomorrow without Mirko Vucinic, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Fabio Quagliarella.

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It kicks off in Turin on Sunday at 15.00 (CET).

Juventus squad for Genoa: Buffon, Chiellini, Caceres, Ogbonna, Pogba, Marchisio, Tevez, De Ceglie, Giovinco, Peluso, Llorente, Barzagli, Motta, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Storari, Isla, Rubinho

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111