Juventus Season 2013-2014

[Socrates 8541]

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS

December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Türk Telekom Arena — Istanbul
Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal)

Juventus probable XI v Galatasaray

Dec 10, 2013

Juventus will line-up with a 3-5-2 at Galatasaray this evening as they look to secure a place in the last 16 of the Champions League.

http://markting10.nl/

After using a 4-3-3 in the competition against Real Madrid earlier this term, Conte will stick with the system he uses in Serie A.

After being rested for the win at Bologna on Friday, Leonardo Bonucci returns to the back-three in place of Angelo Ogbonna.

Stephan Lichtsteiner will begin on the right of midfield after recovering from injury, but there will be no place for Andrea Pirlo who will be out until the start of 2014.

http://markting10.nl/

In attack, Carlos Tevez – without a goal in the Champions League for four years – will partner Fernando Llorente.

The Italian champions need a draw to secure a place in the knock-out phase, but Galatasaray will go through instead with a victory.


Juventus probable: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Marchisio, Pogba, Vidal, Asamoah; Llorente, Tevez.

[Socrates 8541]

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS

December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Türk Telekom Arena — Istanbul
Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal)

Conte: Juventus will play to win

Dec 10, 2013

Juventus coach Antonio Conte will urge his team to go for victory when they square off against Galatasaray in the Champions League.

http://markting10.nl/

The Old Lady require just one point to advance to the last 16, but Conte doesn’t want his side to play for the draw.

“It’s a make or break match. It’s not the first one we’ve faced and I hope we’ll be able to play more of these games in the future,” Conte told the press.

“It’s another step forward in our development, against a strong Galatasaray side who will want to make their home advantage count.

http://markting10.nl/

“We’ll try to dictate the game without thinking about the fact that a draw would also suit us. We’ll go for the win, just as we always do.”

Conte paid compliments to Roberto Mancini and his players, while playing down his side’s favouritism for the tie.

“Mancini’s an excellent coach and Galatasaray are in good hands, just like they were with Terim,” Conte continued. ”He’s only recently joined the club and it always takes a while to settle in and convey your philosophy to the squad.” Conte said.

http://markting10.nl/

“There isn’t a favourite for the match. We both approach it on a level playing field and I hope the team that has shown itself to be the best emerges victorious at the final whistle.

“We’ve certainly improved since the last time we met Galatasaray, but we know we’ll be up against a very good side.

“Players like Drogba and Sneijder are very dangerous and we’ll have to be on our guard throughout.”

[Socrates 8541]

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS

December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Türk Telekom Arena — Istanbul
Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal)

Team News, Tactics, Line-ups And Prediction - UEFA Champions League

Dec 10, 2013

Galatasaray host Juventus at Turk Telecom Arena in the crucial Champions League group stage fixture, which will decide the fate of both these teams in this tournament. The reverse fixture ended in a 2-2 draw as Didier Drogba, Arturo Vidal, Fabio Quagliarella and Umut Bulut got on the score-sheet.

http://markting10.nl/

Real Madrid have already qualified from this group and have confirmed their place at the top of the table, leaving Juventus and Galatasaray fight for the final spot. The duo are separated by only two points and Juventus are in the most favourable position. The Italian side will require only a draw in Turkey to qualify for the knock-out stages, although they did suffer a 2-0 defeat the last time they visited this stadium back in 2003 as Hakan Sukur scored a memorable brace.


Team news and tactics

Galatasaray

Galatasaray made a slow start to their domestic league and won only two of their first seven matches this season. They are currently third in the league table – nine points behind league leaders Fenerbahce. The Cimborn are coming into this fixture on the back of 2-0 win over bottom of the league side Elazigspor as Selcuk Inan and Burak Yilmaz scored two early goals for the home side. Roberto Mancini’s men have been on good form at home and are on a five match winning streak at the Turk Telecom Arena in all competitions. This might hold them in good stead in this crucial encounter against Juventus.

http://markting10.nl/

The Turkish side are currently third in the Group B points table in the Champions League and are in desperate need of a win in this game. They have been disappointing in Europe this season and have managed to win only one of their five matches so far. Moreover, Galatasaray have conceded 14 goals in five matches, which includes a 1-6 thrashing at the hands of Real Madrid in the opening game of this group. They lost their last match in the Champions League against Real Madrid as the Spanish side completed a 10-goals rout over two legs.

Roberto Mancini will be without Hamit Altintop for this game, who is out with a back injury. But the good news is that Wesley Sneijder, who has once again been linked with a move to Manchester United, has recovered from his injury and could feature after an absence of six weeks. Goalkeeper Fernando Muslera is also available once again after featuring in the win against Elazigspor.

Roberto Mancini is expected to make only one change to the side he fielded at the weekend with Yekta Kurtulus being replaced by Wesley Sneijder. The former Manchester City manager has been using a 3-4-1-2 formation recently with Riera and Eboue as wingbacks. This seems to be a tactics to accommodate the trio of Drogba, Yilmaz and Sneijder in the side without having to reduce numbers at the center of the park. It will be interesting to see how this tactics match up against a Juventus side, who also play with a three-man defence.


Expected starting line-up (3-4-1-2): Muslera (GK); Zan, Gulselam, Chedjou; Riera, Melo, Inan, Eboue; Sneijder; Yilmaz, Drogba

http://markting10.nl/

Juventus

Juventus have started from where they left off last season and have been in flying form in Serie A. The reigning Italian champions are currently leading the points table with a three point’s advantage over AS Roma. It looks unlikely that any team would be able to stop them from the clinching the title once again this season, despite the fact that Roma made all the early season running. The Old Lady have lost just one match in the league this season and are currently on a nine match unbeaten streak in all competitions. They have also improved their away form after managing to win only three of their opening eight matches on the road in all competitions. Antonio Conte’s men have now won three match on a trot on their travels and will look to carry this form against Galatasaray tonight. Juventus are coming into this game on the back of a 0-2 win over Bologna as Vidal and Chiellini scored for the away side.

http://markting10.nl/

Quite contrastingly, Juventus have been disappointing in Europe this season. They have managed to win only of their five encounters so far and perhaps their best performance have come against the toughest opponents in the group – Real Madrid. Conte would have been disappointed with the fact that his side were held to a draw against both FC Copenhagen and a struggling Galatasaray side at the start of their European campaign. But luckily for them, they still have their fate in their own hands and can confirm a place in the next round with a draw in Turkey. They maintained this possibility with a crucial 3-1 win over Copenhagen in their last Champions League encounter as Vidal scored a hat-trick.

Antonio Conte is still without Simone Pepe, but the bigger concern for him is the absence of Andrea Pirlo. The Italian midfielder has suffered from a knee injury and is out of contention. There are also concerns about the fitness of Mirko Vucinic, who was replaced by Llorente in the first half of the game against Bologna.

Conte is expected to make five changes to the side which he fielded at the weekend. Both Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente started from the bench in the last game as Conte looked to rest them, the duo will start once again. Stephan Lichtsteiner will replace Mauricio Isla on the right wing, while Kwadwo Asamoah will replace Federico Peluso on the left. Angelo Ogbonna will drop back to the bench with Leonardo Bonucci returning to the center of the three-man defence.


Expected starting line-up (3-5-2): Buffon (GK); Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Marchisio, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente

http://markting10.nl/

Players to watch-out for: Burak Yilmaz (Galatasaray); Arturo Vidal (Juventus)


Prediction: Galatasaray 1-1 Juventus


Blast from the past

http://youtu.be/NhZaHiPLn_U

[Socrates 8541]

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS

December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Türk Telekom Arena — Istanbul
Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal)

Galatasaray vs Juventus PREVIEW –
Nothing Taken for Granted

Dec 10, 2013

Many of us thought we were nervous last game. I’m not referring to Friday’s match away at Bologna, but rather the last Champions League tie. Serie A has settled down for the Old Lady — for the time being at least. Now Juventus face a must-win in the far-eastern echelons of the continent, in what will certainly be unfamiliar and unfriendly territory, the ancient city of Istanbul. For the second time in consecutive seasons, Champions League survival was not easy to come by. This time, it’s down to the bitter end.

Avanti.

http://markting10.nl/

Juventus

Under Antonio Conte, this lot have been in this position before. It’s been just two seasons so the sample size is admittedly small, but like last year, the ball is at least in Juve’s court.

Reiterating the theme that I love to beat to death, that being history repeating itself perpetually, comparing to last year Juventus have hit their form at just the right time. Upon starting off strong, they’ve once again struggled in continental competition, whilst finally deciding to pick it up at the end. Though this time it took the penultimate match of the group stage to capture their first +3 of the group stages, they’re responded handsomely to that game against Fiorentina at the end of October. Consider that since then, the team has won seven straight in Italy, outscoring opponents 15 to 0 during that span. Certainly concerns about a once impenetrable defense now seeming fallible were silenced a bit with seven consecutive clean sheets.

http://markting10.nl/

For the first time this season tifosi will be able to utter without a hint of irony that they’re at least confident that the ship based in port Turin has been righted.

With that, more good news: for the first time in what seems like forever, Stephan Lichtsteiner is set to make his return back to the starting xi in Champions League play. Sorely missed during the fixtures against Real Madrid, where his speed, perseverance, and animal instincts would have been vital against Cristiano Ronaldo, he is surely welcomed back with open arms. Aside from that one personnel shift, the notable absence is Andrea Pirlo, still recovering from a knee injury. On the bright side, the dilemma Conte had in the past of how to cram in all of his world-class midfield foursome into three spots is thus solved for the next few weeks.

With that, a fairly typical lineup is projected:

http://markting10.nl/

Probable Formation: (3-5-2) Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Marchisio, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente



Galatasaray

While Juventus hold destiny in their own hands, Galatasaray have their lives to play for. The Turkish Giants can still qualify for the knockout stages, but must defeat Juventus to do so. The team will be highly motivated.

http://markting10.nl/

Fittingly, Juventus will see a few infamous old faces on their trip to Turkey. Roberto Mancini wants his team to remain disciplined and complete the task at hand. Arch nemesis (and this was while at Juventus, sadly) Felipe Melo is keeping the faith. And, reports indicate Wesley Sneijder set to return from injury.

But for Antonio Conte, it’s another day at the office.

Avanti.

http://markting10.nl/

Probable Formation: (4-5-1) Muslera, Eboue, Chedjou, Kaya, Nounkeu; Melo, Inan; Bruma, Sneijder, Yilmaz; Drogba


Two weeks ago, I was terrified of the prospect of Juventus having to go to Istanbul needing a result in order to keep the Champions League dream alive. That scenario is alive and well, only at least the result required is a draw. Had the Curse of Lars not been vanquished, Juventus would have faced a virtual lost cause having to win against Galatasaray in Turkey, who would have been more than happy to lock up the fortress in front of a friendly crowd. Now, despite the home field disadvantage, it’s advantage Juventus. Galatasaray are the ones in desperate need of a win. They are a strong team with their backs against the wall, and thus nothing should be taken for granted.

http://markting10.nl/

Yet, considering all that is at stake — both competitive aspects as well as financial, which could have ramifications for this winter and summer — the situation could have been far worse.

[Socrates 8541]

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS

December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Türk Telekom Arena — Istanbul
Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal)

Line-ups: Galatasaray-Juventus

Dec 10, 2013

Juventus need at least a point in Istanbul against Galatasaray to stay in the Champions League, so count on Arturo Vidal against Wesley Sneijder.

http://markting10.nl/

It kicks off at 20.45 CET and will decide the team that goes through along with Real Madrid in Group B. Light snow is expected over the Ali Sami Yen Spoor Kompleksi.

The Bianconeri have stuttered in Europe so far this season, earning just one victory, and were held to a 2-2 draw by Galatasaray on Roberto Mancini’s debut in Turin.

The Italian Coach had taken over from sacked Fatih Terim only two days beforehand.

http://markting10.nl/

He can count on Didier Drogba and Fernando Muslera, who is back after breaking his toe over a month ago.

Ex-Inter midfielder Wesley Sneijder has been out of action for six weeks with a thigh strain, but is thrown straight into the starting XI.

Gokhan Zan is introduced to the defence as the player who will challenge Fernando Llorente in the air.

http://markting10.nl/

Juve must do without the injured Andrea Pirlo, while Mirko Vucinic is still not 100 per cent fit due to a recurring knee problem.

Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente start in attack, supported by Arturo Vidal, Paul Pogba and Claudio Marchisio.

The Bianconeri are unstoppable in Serie A at the moment, notching up seven straight victories without conceding a goal.

http://markting10.nl/

Juve’s record in Istanbul is not reassuring, as they have managed a 1-1 draw in December 1998 and lost 2-0 in December 2003.

The only Italian club to beat Galatasaray on home turf was Milan with a 3-1 result back in 1963, followed by three draws and six defeats.

http://markting10.nl/

GALATASARAY: Muslera; Chedjou, Semih Kaya, Gokhan Zan, Eboue, Felipe Melo, Sneijder, Selcuk Inan, Riera; Drogba, Burak Yilmaz

Galatasaray bench: Ufuk Ceylan, Nounkeu, Ceyhun Gulselam, Bruma, Yekta Kurtulus, Emre Colak, Umut Bulut


JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Marchisio, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente

Juventus bench: Storari, Caceres, Ogbonna, Isla, Padoin, Quagliarella, Giovinco

[Socrates 8541]

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS

December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Türk Telekom Arena — Istanbul
Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal)

Marotta: 'Juve experience key'

Dec 10, 2013

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta assures they “have the experience to deal with” the fiery Galatasaray fans.

http://markting10.nl/

The Bianconeri are in Istanbul this evening for the Champions League Group B game and will qualify if they avoid defeat.

“We know it’s a cauldron and the fans are able to express all their emotion. Gigi Buffon’s response was emblematic when he said the fans don’t score goals,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia on the touchline.

“We have players with a great deal of experience who know how to deal with these situations. We will play open and attacking football, as is Antonio Conte’s style.

http://markting10.nl/

“Galatasaray need a victory and we certainly won’t be playing for a draw. I hope it will be an entertaining game and that we get a positive result.”

There were concerns ahead of the match due to snow and even hail over Istanbul, but the situation appears to be calming down and the pitch is in good condition.

[Socrates 8541]

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS

December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Türk Telekom Arena — Istanbul
Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal)

Galatasaray-Juventus suspended

Dec 10, 2013

The Champions League game between Galatasaray and Juventus has been suspended due to snow in Istanbul.

http://markting10.nl/

Referee Proenca called the players off after 32 minutes when snow and hail became so heavy that the lines on the pitch were no longer visible.

The two squads went back into the locker room as ground staff came out to clear the crucial areas with brooms and re-paint the lines.

http://markting10.nl/

It is not yet clear how long the process will take and when the game will resume.

The scoreline was still 0-0 when play was suspended.

http://markting10.nl/

Galatasaray: Muslera; Chedjou, Semih Kaya, Gokhan Zan; Eboue, Felipe Melo, Selcuk Inan, Riera; Sneijder; Drogba, Burak Yilmaz

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Marchisio, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente

Ref: Proenca (POR)

[Socrates 8541]

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS

December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Türk Telekom Arena — Istanbul
Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal)

GALATASARAY-JUVE ABANDONED

Dec 10, 2013

The Champions League game between Galatasaray and Juventus has been abandoned due to snow in Istanbul.

http://markting10.nl/

Referee Pedro Proenca called the players off after 31 minutes when snow and hail became so heavy that the lines on the pitch were no longer visible.

The two squads went back into the locker room as ground staff came out to clear the crucial areas with brooms and re-paint the lines.

However, the referee and UEFA delegates tested the pitch again and ruled it was “impossible” to continue.

http://markting10.nl/

The scoreline was still 0-0 when play was abandoned.

The game could be replayed tomorrow, but only if the referee rules he suspended play before 30 minutes, as otherwise it would have to be played next week.

http://markting10.nl/

Galatasaray: Muslera; Chedjou, Semih Kaya, Gokhan Zan; Eboue, Felipe Melo, Selcuk Inan, Riera; Sneijder; Drogba, Burak Yilmaz

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Marchisio, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente

Ref: Proenca (POR)

[Socrates 8541]

[Socrates 8541]

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS

December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Türk Telekom Arena — Istanbul
Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal)

Juventus-Galatasaray match abandoned
after 31 minutes due to terrible weather

Dec 10, 2013

All those "Hell is freezing over" jokes are officially in play, ladies and gentlemen. Go ahead and use them if you haven't already. You know you want to. Don't deny it.

http://markting10.nl/

After talk of terrible weather leading up to Juventus' crucial clash against Galatasaray, it took all of 10 minutes for the hail and snow to wreak its havoc on the field in Istanbul. And after nearly half an hour of trying to clear the field, the match was officially abandoned.

We have this from the UEFA website:

Referee Pedro Proença took the players off in the 31st minute and ground staff took to the Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi pitch to clear the lines. However, play was unable to resume as both captains and the referee agreed that the pitch had become dangerous, the official ultimately making the decision to abandon the game.

http://markting10.nl/

Well there goes my Tuesday with Juventus. I bet you all feel the same way.

The question, of course, is when exactly they will resume this match that has so much riding on it.


Champions League ✔ @ChampionsLeague
According to article 11.04 of the competition regulations, the remaining match time must be played either tomorrow or on a reserve date ...

Champions League ✔ @ChampionsLeague
... or other date set by the UEFA administration.

http://markting10.nl/

My vote is for tomorrow — unless the weather is supposed to be just as miserable as it was the first time around. Just get the game played as soon as you possibly can. There's no reason to draw this out.

Who knows. We're all sitting on standby mode right now. I was kinda looking forward to a Juve player making a snow angel if they happened to score a goal. That would've been awesome.

Don't be afraid to hit refresh for updates. There will surely be a decision as to when the match will be resumed in the next couple of hours. At least that's the hope.

[Socrates 8541]

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS

December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Türk Telekom Arena Istanbul
Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal)

Galatasaray-Juventus abandoned due to hailstorm

The Bianconeri's crunch Champions League visit to the Turk Telekom Arena
on Tuesday was called off after extreme weather conditions.

Dec 10, 2013

Galatasaray's Champions League clash with Juventus has been abandoned after 32 minutes due to a hailstorm disrupting play on Tuesday and will be replayed at 14:00CET on Wednesday.

http://markting10.nl/

Portuguese referee Pedro Proenca was forced to call a halt to proceedings, with the score at 0-0, when adverse weather conditions left the Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi pitch predominantly white.
Groundstaff attempted to clear the field for 20 minutes to allow play to restart before a decision was made to ultimately call off the fixture, with both the referee and the two clubs' captains agreeing that conditions had become dangerous.

According to Uefa regulations the remainder of the game will have to be played on Wednesday in Istanbul. Originally, the organisation confirmed a 13:00CET start, but complaints from local police caused the kick-off to be pushed back by an hour.

http://markting10.nl/

Galatasaray and Juventus are both seeking to gain qualification from Group B as runners-up, with Real Madrid having already secured top spot and Copenhagen unable to qualify.

[Socrates 8541]

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS

December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Türk Telekom Arena — Istanbul
Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal)

Galatasaray-Juve to resume on Wed

Dec 10, 2013

Galatasaray-Juventus will resume from 0-0 at the 32nd minute at 14.00 CET on Wednesday after it was abandoned due to snow.

http://markting10.nl/

The Champions League Group B decider was halted by Portuguese referee Pedro Proenca after snow and hail made the pitch unplayable in Istanbul.

It was still goalless at the time, as Fernando Llorente had the only real scoring opportunity.

UEFA have now confirmed the game will resume from 0-0 at the 32nd minute, so the remaining hour will be played tomorrow at 14.00 CET.

http://markting10.nl/

It had originally been announced for 13.00 CET, but the Turkish police argued they would not be able to enforce security at that time, so it was pushed back by an hour.

There are still concerns over this, as heavy snow is also expected in Istanbul on Wednesday. The weather is expected to be worse in the evening.

Meanwhile, Juventus had to find a different hotel, as the one they had been staying in was booked up. The night was even longer, as at 12.30am local time they were still stuck in traffic trying to leave the stadium.

http://markting10.nl/

The referee stopped play on 27 minutes, although the players did not actually leave the pitch until the 32nd.

It is a bizarre coincidence, as this is the third time a Galatasaray-Juventus match has been moved.

The first was on November 25 1998, when the tie was postponed by a week due to a diplomatic incident between Italy and Turkey.

http://markting10.nl/

Italy had given passage to Ocalan, who was considered a terrorist in Turkey, fuelling extreme tension around the game.

In November 2003, Galatasaray-Juventus was again postponed after terrorist attacks in Istanbul a few days beforehand.

It was moved to Dortmund a week later and Galatasaray won 2-0.

[Socrates 8541]

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS

December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Türk Telekom Arena — Istanbul
Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal)

Galatasaray-Juve at 14.00 CET – official

Dec 10, 2013

The abandoned Champions League tie between Galatasaray and Juventus will resume at 14.00 CET today.

http://markting10.nl/

Officials inspected the Istanbul pitch and arena this morning, giving the go ahead for the European Cup tie to go ahead.

The match will start at 0-0 with 31 minutes played after last night’s encounter was stopped because of the snow.

http://markting10.nl/

Juventus need a point to reach the last 16, while the home side will require a victory to enter the knock-out stages and relegate Juve to the Europa League.

[Socrates 8541]

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS

December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Türk Telekom Arena Istanbul
Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal)

Galatasaray-Juventus to kick off at 14:00CET as planned

European football's governing body has made it clear that Tuesday's
postponed clash in Istanbul will be played out on Wednesday afternoon.

Dec 11, 2013

Uefa has confirmed that the Champions League encounter between Galatasaray and Juventus at the Turk Telekom Arena will resume on Wednesday at 14:00 CET.

http://markting10.nl/

There were doubts as to whether the crucial Group B encounter would go ahead due to the adverse weather conditions in Istanbul that prompted the postponment of Tuesday's game, but it's now been made clear that the pitch is in good enough condition for the game to go ahead.

The match had been abandoned due to heavy snowfall in the Turkish capital, with referee Pedro Proenca ordering the players off the field in the 31st minute.

Ground staff entered the Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi pitch to clear the lines but play was ultimately unable to resume, as both captains and the match officials agreed that the pitch had become dangerous to continue.

http://markting10.nl/

The game will therefore resume on Wednesday from the 32nd minute, with the score 0-0.

Juventus need a point to join group winners Real Madrid in the knockout phase, while a Galatasaray victory would see the hosts claim second place at the expense of the Italian champions.

[Socrates 8541]

GALATASARAY 1 - 0 JUVENTUS

Wesley Sneijder (85′)

December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Türk Telekom Arena Istanbul
Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal)
Attendance:‬ 37375‎

Sneijder sends Mancini's men into the knockouts

The Dutchman turned home a precise finish in the final five minutes
as Antonio Conte's side were sent crashing out of the Champions League.

Dec 11, 2013

Galatasaray sealed their place in the last 16 of the Champions League in dramatic style as Wesley Sneijder's late goal saw them beat Juventus 1-0 on Wednesday.

http://markting10.nl/

The Dutchman latched on to Didier Drogba's flick to fire low past Gianluigi Buffon in the closing minutes as Roberto Mancini's side battled past the Bianconeri in treacherous conditions in Istanbul.

The fixture was halted after 31 minutes on Tuesday due to freak snow storms, with play resuming on Wednesday afternoon.

On a heavy, muddy pitch, both sides were largely limited to direct passages of play when the game restarted, with Juventus coach Antonio Conte appearing very unhappy with the match officials at the break, presumably due to the condition of the playing surface.

http://markting10.nl/

Fernando Llorente and Carlos Tevez had both been recalled to a Juve side missing injured forward Mirko Vucinic (knee), while Sneijder made his first start since November 1 for Galatasaray after shaking off a recurring thigh problem.

The visitors had carved out the only clear-cut chance prior to Tuesday's suspension in play, Llorente going close after good work from Arturo Vidal, but it was Galatasaray who started stronger when play got back under way in Turkey.

Drogba and Sneijder both probed well for the hosts, without threatening the goal, before Llorente and Tevez linked impressively, only for the former to lose his footing as both sides struggled with the conditions.

http://markting10.nl/

Referee Pedro Proenca drew the half to a close after 14 minutes of play, and it was Juve who attacked first following the interval as Leonardo Bonucci fired over with an effort from distance early in the second period.

Drogba did well to shield the ball in an advanced position at the other end, allowing Sneijder to fire wide, with the Ivorian then forcing a smart right-handed save from Gianluigi Buffon following a vicous effort.

Claudio Marchisio saw an attempt on goal saved after a rare flowing move down the left in the 79th minute before Juve's defence, which boasts seven consecutive clean sheets in serie A, was finally breached with five minutes left.

http://markting10.nl/

Drogba headed a long ball into Sneijder's path, with the Netherlands international cooly firing past Buffon.

The hosts almost made it 2-0 late on but Burak Yilmaz was denied by a goalline intervention from Giorgio Chiellini, with the final whistle prompting joyous scenes a matter of seconds later.

Galatasaray's three points moves them into second behind Real Madrid and into the last 16 draw, with two-time winners Juventus now in the Europa League.

[Socrates 8541]

GALATASARAY 1 - 0 JUVENTUS

Wesley Sneijder (85′)

December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Türk Telekom Arena Istanbul
Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal)
Attendance:‬ 37375‎

'This is not football' -
Juventus exit Champions League after a game
that should never have been played

The Turkish outfit achieved their objective of reaching the last 16,
but did so in the most ridiculous of conditions at the Turk Telecom Arena.

Dec 11, 2013

COMMENT
By Kris Voakes | International Football Correspondent

It all started at 20:45 CET on Tuesday with a green pitch, a white ball and the hope of a Champions League barnstormer to come. It ended at 15:19 on Wednesday with a browny-white pitch, an orange ball and a continent of short-changed football fans.

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Galatasaray qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League thanks to the 1-0 win they earned from their extended clash in Istanbul, while Juventus will believe that their shot at the knockout stage was massively compromised, and rightly so.

After Tuesday evening’s abandonment in the 31st minute, it was obvious that Uefa would want the remainder of the game to be completed as soon as possible. Had the final hour been postponed until next week, there would have been the risk of Monday’s draw being affected, amongst other things.

The pressure on referee Pedro Proenca to see the game to its end on Wednesday afternoon left fans across Europe watching a poor imitation of the match that had been so anticipated. These were two teams primed to play the most important game of their seasons, but upon the resumption they were simply taking part in an absolute farce.

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With an icy base, the pitch played like a local park surface that had seen all four seasons in the space of an hour. In some of the corners the ball ran true, but elsewhere it was impossible to read the roll of the ball at all. Within seconds of the restart, it was clear that the players were simply hoping to get the game over with and get out of there, such was the difficulty in judging passes correctly. This was not what big-game European football should be about.

When the game reached half-time – nearly 18 hours after kick-off – Galatasaray’s Didier Drogba and Juve coach Antonio Conte immediately approached Proenca. “This is not football,” Conte appealed, and he was exactly right. The hail may have stopped, but the pitch conditions were even worse on Wednesday than they had been at the time of the original abandonment the previous night.

This season, we have seen Benfica-Olympiakos played on a pool of water and now Gala-Juventus carried out on an icy quagmire. For a competition that is meant to showcase the very best that football has to offer, it does a fair old job of undermining the sport at times.

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Even Galatasaray coach Roberto Mancini conceded at full time that the game should never have been played. "It was better not to play the game. It was dangerous for the players and you couldn’t play football," the ex-Inter boss confessed to Sky Italia.

Conte agreed: "You couldn't play football on this pitch. It has penalised us enormously. It is not just."

The Champions League is meant to be better than this.

[Socrates 8541]

GALATASARAY 1 - 0 JUVENTUS

Wesley Sneijder (85′)

December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Türk Telekom Arena Istanbul
Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal)
Attendance:‬ 37375‎

Juve out after Galatasaray loss

Juventus crashed out of the Champions League after going down
1-0 to Galatasaray thanks to a late Wesley Sneijder goal.

Dec 11, 2013

After a severe hail and snow storm saw the match abandoned on Tuesday evening, the team re-emerged this afternoon at the Turk Telecom Arena to play out the remaining 58 minutes. The Bianconeri knew that a draw would see them into the Last 16, whilst Roberto Mancini’s team were going all-out for the three points that would guide them into the knockout round.

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The pitch, after a full-scale operation to clear the snow, was in a terrible condition, with the ball constantly stopping in the slush. The players were coping admirably, but in the conditions, both teams resorted to long balls.

It was Antonio Conte’s men who got off to the brighter start though, almost opening the scoring after 36 minutes, only for Stephan Lichtsteiner’s deflected cross to just clip the side-netting.

It was Carlos Tevez though, who went closest to breaking the deadlock with just four minutes of the half remaining – the Argentine forward broke past Aurelien Chedjou inside the area, but slipped before he could get a clean shot away on goal.

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After the break, the Old Lady were once again quickest out of the blocks, but the pitch was playing havoc with the intensity of the game. Thick mud was stopping the ball in its tracks, and neither side could properly build up a head of steam and dominate the match.

Paul Pogba fired from long-range, as did Leonardo Bonucci, but both efforts were easily dealt with by Fernando Muslera.

Roberto Mancini’s men weren’t ready to just roll over however. Sneijder tried his luck from distance on 55 minutes, but Gianluigi Buffon saw the shot go well wide of his right-hand post, and just moments later, Didier Drogba fired from the edge of the area, but the Italy international got down well to push the ball away.

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Despite Tevez’s best efforts, neither team really looked like breaking the deadlock, as the quagmire-like surface forced the game to become an attritional, midfield battle. The Argentine’s jinking runs and clever movement weren’t paying dividends in the mud, and it was just a solitary backheel for a Claudio Marchisio shot that lit up the final stages.

Amazingly though, seemingly out of nowhere, the Turkish side got their noses in front. Drogba headed a long ball down to Sniejder on the edge of the area, who shot low across Buffon and into the bottom left-hand corner of the net.

The Bianconeri couldn’t get themselves back into the game, ending the group stage in third place and exiting the competition.

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Galatasaray 1-0 Juventus

Scorers: Sneijder 85 (G)

Galatasaray: Muslera; Chedjou, Semih Kaya, Gokhan Zan; Eboue (Bulut 80), Felipe Melo, Selcuk Inan, Riera; Sneijder (Ceyhun 92); Drogba, Burak Yilmaz

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci (Giovinco 90), Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Marchisio (Quagliarella 87), Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente

[Socrates 8541]

GALATASARAY 1 - 0 JUVENTUS

Wesley Sneijder (85′)

December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Türk Telekom Arena Istanbul
Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal)
Attendance:‬ 37375‎

Hell froze over for Juventus

Juventus were eliminated from the Champions League following their bizarre
final Group B clash away at Galatasaray. Luca Cetta reviews the action.

Dec 11, 2013

Going into a big match you hope for any omen or advantage over your opponent. Juventus were hoping their clash in Istanbul against Roberto Mancini’s Galatasaray would end in a similar manner to their last do-or-die European group encounter 12 months ago against Shakhtar Donetsk. Instead, the Bianconeri were dealt a card similar to the one experienced in Perugia 13 years ago, that fateful final day of the 1999-2000 Serie A season.

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It will go down as one of the most chaotic Champions League contests of all time. The action at the Turk Telekom Arena verged towards the realms of Test cricket, with play spread over multiple days. It was Galatasaray versus Juventus, versus the elements. On Tuesday the snow fell. And fell. Play did commence, but after further snow and hail, the game was halted just past the half hour mark.

During those 30 minutes Juventus looked comfortable against a Gala outfit which needed to take maximum points. The hosts - playing in front of their typically fervent home support - mustered little to worry Gianluigi Buffon, while Fernando Llorente had Juve’s best chance.

Play was expected to be halted temporarily. As the groundsmen cleared the pitch, the match was abandoned. Determining a restart time for Wednesday was something of a calamity in itself. UEFA decided a time, only to then be told by local police to shift it back an hour.

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The groundsmen chopped up the pitch in clearing the snow and come the resumption of play, it was even worse than when the abandonment was called. It looked a potato field in some sections, the ball often stuck in the mud. How play was allowed to resume is something only UEFA can answer. The governing body should be held accountable for 60 minutes of football more suited to amateur level proceedings. Their handling of the situation was fittingly amateurish.

“We certainly tried to have the game postponed and met with the UEFA delegate beforehand, but nobody wanted to listen,” stated Antonio Conte afterwards. “Roberto Mancini said it was dangerous and I agreed with him, I said ‘I think so.’ I don’t think my English is that bad...”

For what football could be played, it called for an hour of determination and concentration. Both sides were cagey, understandably so, once play resumed for the final 15 minutes of the first half. Neither wanted to make a mistake that would equal an even greater challenge after the interval.

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Juve could rely on nabbing a draw and qualifying. Gala had to go for it. They did so with greater attacking intent in the second half, nonetheless the Bianconeri stood firm and aside from one fine Buffon save, were not really tested. That was until Wesley Sneijder was on the end of Didier Drogba’s knockdown to score with five minutes remaining. Gala advance with seven points, Juve drops down to the Europa League with six. For the Turkish club it’s a great achievement. They advanced from a group containing Real Madrid and Juventus, changed Coach during the group stage and recovered from an initial 6-1 drubbing against Real.

Conte also rightly noted his side should never have been in this situation to begin with. “I will say our mistake was to get to the last game and play everything here.” Juventus can only blame themselves for sitting on two points from the opening two games. They were punished by Copenhagen on Matchday 1 and after battling from a goal down against the Turks in Turin, conceded cheaply moments later. From there it proved an uphill climb.

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Once European football resumes in the new year, Juventus will be in the Round of 32 in the Europa League. The Final will be played at the Juventus Stadium, so that is certainly an aim. But it’s merely a consolation, both football-wise and financially.

No matter the circumstances, it’s an embarrassing exit and now they’ll have to make-do with the poorer European cousin.

[Socrates 8541]

GALATASARAY 1 - 0 JUVENTUS

Wesley Sneijder (85′)

December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Türk Telekom Arena Istanbul
Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal)
Attendance:‬ 37375‎

Juventus out of the Champions League

Dec 11, 2013

One can blame the pitch, the hideous decision to play in such circumstances and the weather, but ultimately, leaving qualification until the last minute cost Juventus dearly, on both an economic and a sporting level. Galatasaray defeated the Italians 1-0.

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Essentially this was a game in which Juventus could not exhibit their short passing game or even attempt accurate passes. This was about the long ball over to the top and the hope that someone, somewhere, would make a defensive error.

At halftime, Antonio Conte complained to the referee about the state of the pitch. Didier Drogba replied that however poor the conditions were, it was the same for both teams -- except it wasn't. As the Bianconeri coach explained, Juventus wanted to play football. They wanted to demonstrate their ability to control the midfield in a game where skills, rather than aggression, should have determined the outcome.

UEFA set the bar of tolerance when they allowed the Benfica-Olympiakos game to be played despite the adverse weather conditions that saw the ball refuse to roll. For a sport in which teams are reliant on money made in these competitions, it's a tragedy to allow such important games to be played in such conditions, depriving sides of potential revenue. This is not only a defeat for Juventus, but one for Serie A and their coefficient points.

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Up until the Turkish goal, the Bianconeri should be credited for their attempts to contain the pressure and look for a goal. They demonstrated maturity and strength of character as they showed determination in keeping ball and rotating it around as much as was feasibly possible when in Gala's side of the pitch, and while at the back, they held the line well for much of the game.

Despite controlling the game, it was the Turks who created the better chances with Drogba in tow. Gianluigi Buffon performed an excellent save to keep his side level and while Juventus attempted to push forward, looking to still pull off their passing game, inaccuracy got the better of them.

Sadly, Champions League qualification was lost on account of poor defending from the wing-backs. Whether it was Mauricio Isla in the reverse fixture or the fact that the centre-backs were left alone to fend for themselves against Gala's front line, a lesson should be learnt. The strength of Conte's defence relies on the fact there are always players able to run back to block gaps and offer a helping hand, whether in the wide areas or in central midfield.

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A beautiful, diagonal long ball allowed Wesley Sneijder to score the goal that sealed qualification for the Turks and knocked Juventus out of the competition.

Conte attempted to rally his troops and encourage them forward by throwing on Sebastian Giovinco and Fabio Quagliarella, but as the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport pointed out, Gala's remarkable time-wasting left Juve too little time to grab an equaliser.

There were unlucky moments that the fans may cling on to, such as the red card for Giorgio Chiellini against Real Madrid, but frankly, the inability to secure wins at home or at least away to Copenhagen sealed Juve's fate, leaving them holding all their eggs in one basket. Italians rarely play unless they have to, and while they usually win under pressure, they do open themselves up to the prospect of being knocked out because of circumstances beyond their control. This result should teach them to pick up points quickly and rid them of this tendency to procrastinate.

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Well done to Galatasaray for playing with grit and belief, their great showing in Juve's stadium is what allowed them the opportunity to keep fighting.

Now, more than ever, the Bianconeri must win Serie A and take the Europa League seriously. The final of that match will be played in their own stadium and every big club should chase a trophy. Chelsea hoisted that Cup on their shoulders last season and deserve credit for not turning up their noses at a competition many deem inferior. Juve should follow in their footsteps.

[Socrates 8541]

GALATASARAY 1 - 0 JUVENTUS

Wesley Sneijder (85′)

December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Türk Telekom Arena Istanbul
Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal)
Attendance:‬ 37375‎

Player Ratings

A late Wesley Sneijder goal sent the hosts into the round of 16 at the expense
of the Old Lady on an almost unplayable pitch in the conclusion of Tuesday's abandoned game.

Dec 11, 2013

GALATASARAY

Néstor Muslera Micol - Dealt with a few pot shots from the opposition and kept his handling well in dangerous conditions.

Gökhan Zan - Dealt with everything that was thrown his way in the air, and made sure that his fellow defenders were kept on their toes with some strong communication.

Aurélien Chedjou Fongang - Given the slip a few times by Asamoah as his side of the pitch looked riper for exploitation by the opposition.

Semih Kaya - Took care of almost everything on his flank, often taking away the overlap from Lichtsteiner and forcing the full back to cut onto his weaker left foot.

Emmanuel Eboue - Pushed high up the field, and was a good attacking outlet for his side, but his end product was desperately poor. He attempted a few ill advised shots that failed to even come close.

Felipe Melo - Seemed to relish the scrappy nature of the game, winning a number of tackles, and embracing the conditions to disrupt the opposition.

Selçuk İnan - The Gala vice captain played hard for his side's cause tonight, putting in a defensive shift, though the state of the pitch meant that his usual calming passing game was decidedly off.

Wesley Sneijder - Scored an impossibly clutch goal, running onto a Drogba flick and drilling a sure shot into the opposite side. That gave his side the points, and a spot in the knockout stages.

Albert Riera - Offered little in an attacking sense, and spent most of his time camped in his own half, providing defensive assistance to Kaya on the left flank.

Didier Drogba - Held the ball up superbly well when presented with the opportunity, and his target man abilities came to the fore during the buildup to the only goal of the game. He leaped high to flick a lovely header into Sneijder's path, who did the rest.

Burak Yılmaz - His off the ball movement was promising, but he was never found in a threatening position - until late on when Drogba's cutback saw him nearly prod home a clincher late on.

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Substitutions

Ceyhun Gülselam - Did not make much of an impact in his short spell.

Umut Bulut - Added little up front for his side, as he barely got a touch on the ball.

http://markting10.nl/

JUVENTUS

Gianluigi Buffon - Made a save for the ages when he tipped away a Drogba piledriver at full stretch. A shame that he could not end up on the winning side.

Andrea Barzagli - Made a series of vital interceptions, and never looked fazed by the opposition or the weather. Strong game.

Leonardo Bonucci - Looked the most unsettled of Juve's back three by the state of the ptich, and allowed Sneijder to run on his blindside to score the game winner.

Giorgio Chiellini - Though he nearly lost his footing a few times, he still managed to mop up most of the loose balls that came his way.

Stephan Lichtsteiner - Overlapped well, and constantly gave the opposition something to think about on the right flank. Worked hard throughout.

Arturo Vidal - Charged about with his typical tenacity, but only succeeded in giving away cheap free kicks. Gave the ball away more than once to do in what was a game to forget.

Paul Pogba - Did not have as many attempts on goal as he would have liked from range, with only one tame effort no trouble for Muslera.

Claudio Marchisio - Hampered by the bogged down pitch, the Italian international never really got going.

Kwadwo Asamoah - Defended solidly, and tried to pick up the ball in attacking positions, but could not offer his team anything on that front.

Carlos Tévez - Held the ball up strongly, and was a constant nuisance for the opposition. Played a few quality passes too, despite the state of the field.

Fernando Llorente - In contrast to Drogba at the opposite end, he was barely able to function as a target up front for the visitors, as he was often shooed off the ball, and failed to keep his footing.

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Substitutions

Sebastian Giovinco - Could not fashion anything in attack.

Fabio Quagliarella - Brought on to salvage a late goal, but never came close.

[Socrates 8541]

GALATASARAY 1 - 0 JUVENTUS

Wesley Sneijder (85′)

December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Türk Telekom Arena Istanbul
Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal)
Attendance:‬ 37375‎

'It was a mudslide' - Conte insists
Juventus-Galatasaray clash should have been called off

The Old Lady were eliminated from the Champions League after Wesley Sneijder's
late goal, but Conte insists his side were hampered by the condition of the playing surface.

Dec 11, 2013

Juventus head coach Antonio Conte believes his side's 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray in the Champions League should never have been played.

http://markting10.nl/

The Turin giants were knocked out of the competition after Wesley Sneijder scored a late winner at Turk Telekom Arena, sending the home fans into raptures in treacherous wintry conditions in Istanbul.

Conte was outraged that the game went ahead because of the state of the pitch, but says he could not fault the effort of his players in such testing conditions.

"We certainly tried to have the game postponed and met with the Uefa delegate beforehand, but nobody wanted to listen. Roberto Mancini said it was dangerous and I agreed with him, I said "I think so". I don’t think my English is that bad..." he told Sky Sport Italia.

http://markting10.nl/

"At half-time I reiterated to the referee that it was not safe to play in these conditions. Didier Drogba said it was the same thing for both teams, but I pointed out it wasn't, because we were trying to play football.

"We are talking about a game played on a mudslide. What made me angry was yesterday the referee suspended play because it was 'dangerous' and all of a sudden today it was no longer 'dangerous'. Maybe I need to improve my English, as the officials don't seem to understand me very well.

"The only way of playing today was to kick it upfield and hope for the best. That is really not the sort of football we are accustomed to and it showed.

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"I have to praise the lads, as they gave their all in a situation where we were enormously penalised, as the game resorted to a football brawl.

"I will say our mistake was to get to the last game and play everything here. With a decent pitch, I am sure we would've played our game. We couldn't have predicted these circumstances, so in my view our exit is unfair, but we also made life difficult for ourselves."

[Socrates 8541]

GALATASARAY 1 - 0 JUVENTUS

Wesley Sneijder (85′)

December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Türk Telekom Arena Istanbul
Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal)
Attendance:‬ 37375‎

Mancini: 'Gala deserved victory'

Dec 11, 2013

Roberto Mancini insists Galatasaray “deserved to win” against Juventus, but reveals he didn’t want to play.

http://markting10.nl/

The game was halted after 32 minutes on Tuesday night, then resumed this afternoon despite the continuing snow and a pitch in appalling condition.

Wesley Sneijder scored five minutes from time to seal a 1-0 victory that qualified Galatasaray for the Champions League last 16, sending Juve to the Europa League.

“It was difficult to play football in these circumstances and I said beforehand it was dangerous for the players, so perhaps better not to play,” Mancini told Sky Sport Italia.

http://markting10.nl/

“Last night was practically impossible, as a sheet of ice had formed over the pitch and nobody wanted to continue. I told the UEFA delegate that in my view it wasn’t right to play today either.

“At half-time it was already too late. Juve wanted to play before the game, or at least they didn’t say anything. I agree with Conte, it was impossible to play football for either side. It became a lottery.

“After that it was an open game and we were more aggressive, so deserved the victory, perhaps because we knew that we had to win.”

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This qualification is extraordinary, particularly considering Mancini took over from sacked Fatih Terim just two days before a 2-2 draw in Turin.

“It was a difficult situation when I took over, as we’d lost our first home game 6-1. We were good and lucky to get a point in Turin, then deserved to win this match.”

[Socrates 8541]

GALATASARAY 1 - 0 JUVENTUS

Wesley Sneijder (85′)

December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Türk Telekom Arena Istanbul
Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal)
Attendance:‬ 37375‎

Conte: 'Juve left it too late, but...'

Dec 11, 2013

Antonio Conte thought it madness to play on that pitch, but admits Juventus “shouldn’t have left it all to the last match.”

http://markting10.nl/

Their 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray knocked them out of the Champions League. It had started last night, was called off due to snow after 32 minutes and resumed this afternoon with a pitch that seemed to be in even worse condition.

“We certainly tried to have the game postponed and met with the UEFA delegate beforehand, but nobody wanted to listen. Roberto Mancini said it was dangerous and I agreed with him, I said “I think so.” I don’t think my English is that bad...” Conte told Sky Sport Italia.

“At half-time I reiterated to the referee that it was not safe to play in these conditions. Didier Drogba said it was the same thing for both teams, but I pointed out it wasn’t, because we were trying to play football.

http://markting10.nl/

“I have to praise the lads, as they gave their all in a situation where we were enormously penalised, as the game resorted to a football brawl.”

“I will say our mistake was to get to the last game and play everything here. With a decent pitch, I am sure we would’ve played our game. We couldn’t have predicted these circumstances, so in my view our exit is unfair, but we also made life difficult for ourselves.”

The Bianconeri finished the group with just one victory, three draws and two defeats. They didn’t keep a clean sheet, though the Istanbul result was their first without scoring.

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They now go into the Europa League and the Final will be played at the Juventus Stadium in Turin.

“We have to dive back into Serie A and the disappointment – and it is a disappointment – has to spur us on domestically. We have another two games before the Christmas break and will then start to think about the Europa League. We’ll try to do our best, as we wanted to do our best in the Champions League. Are we targeting the Final? You’re more optimistic than I am!

“Last season we had a slow start too and qualified top of the group with three final victories. This time we didn’t manage it.

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“Let’s not forget this side rose from the ashes of seventh place twice. We won in Italy two years in a row and didn’t qualify this year because it was our fault, we shouldn’t have left it all to the last match when anything could happen.”

Wesley Sneijder scored the goal with an angled drive set up by Drogba, though Leonardo Bonucci was caught out in defence.

“There were many situations that needed to be corrected in that move. We shouldn’t have been three against three, as Kwadwo Asamoah or Stephan Lichtsteiner could’ve come back or Paul Pogba not allowed Sneijder to go on the counter. It’s always danger when there is a three against three and I told the team at half-time it was crucial to have an extra man.

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“In the entire second half we had to attack on the side of the pitch that was impossible, whereas Galatasaray’s end was better.”

Conte became increasingly angry when pressed on how much the field had affected Juve’s chances of qualification.

http://markting10.nl/

“We are talking about a game played on a mudslide. There’s no ‘also’ when it comes to discussing the turf. It was everything. What made me angry was yesterday the referee suspended play because it was ‘dangerous’ and all of a sudden today it was no longer ‘dangerous.’ Maybe I need to improve my English, as the officials don’t seem to understand me very well.

“The only way of playing today was to kick it upfield and hope for the best. That is really not the sort of football we are accustomed to and it showed.”

[Socrates 8541]

GALATASARAY 1 - 0 JUVENTUS

Wesley Sneijder (85′)

December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Türk Telekom Arena Istanbul
Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal)
Attendance:‬ 37375‎

Chiellini: We have only ourselves to blame

Juventus were knocked out of the Champions league by Galatasaray in a controversial game
on Wednesday but the defender insists their earlier results should have been better.

Dec 11, 2013

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini says the Old Lady have only themselves blame for their early Champions League exit.

http://markting10.nl/

The Turin giants lost 1-0 to Galatasaray in their vital Champions League clash on Wednesday, ensuring they will drop into the Europa League for the remainder of the season.

Although both Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini felt the playing conditions were dangerous following the snowstorm in Istanbul on Tuesday evening, Chiellini insists his side were made to pay for their poor results earlier in the group stage.

"It was a 0-0 game and it remains bitter in our mouths because we could've come into this match already qualified," he told reporters.

http://markting10.nl/

"I have regrets because we compromised our qualification in the first two games of the round. The two main mistakes were the games at Copenhagen and the one at home against Galatasaray where we threw away the win.

"We could not achieve our goal of qualifying for the round of 16 and we are sorry because today you couldn't play football on an impractical field.

"Yesterday when it was possible to play football we didn't concede anything to Galatasaray, but today we couldn't do the same. It was straightforward until the 85th minute where we suffered from the goal that eliminated us."

http://markting10.nl/

The 29-year-old was also quick to defend the Europa League, insisting his side will fully respect the competition, the final for which will be played at Juventus Stadium.

"In terms of the Europa League, we must be motivated to win it: like Chelsea did last year when they were eliminated (from the Champions League) then went on to win the Europa League," he continued.

"It's too early to talk about the final in Turin because there is a lot to play for in Serie A and Coppa Italia. We will treat the Europa League with the right mentality and the right concentration."

[Socrates 8541]

GALATASARAY 1 - 0 JUVENTUS

Wesley Sneijder (85′)

December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Türk Telekom Arena Istanbul
Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal)
Attendance:‬ 37375‎

Albertini on Gala-Juventus

Dec 12, 2013

Demetrio Albertini says the Galatasaray-Juventus tie should have been postponed.

http://markting10.nl/

The Old Lady went out of the Champions League on Wednesday after their abandoned game from the night before was played on a pitch heavily affected by snowfall.

“I don’t think it should have been played,” the Italian Football Federation Vice-President commented. “The pitch was unplayable.

http://markting10.nl/

“There is a lot of talk about entertaining Champions League football, but you couldn’t produce a spectacle on that.”