Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8516]

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

0 - 1

Arturo Vidal (32')

Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Luigi Ferraris Stadium (Marassi), Genoa
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Player Ratings: Samp 0-1 Juventus

Goal took in the action at the Luigi Ferraris, where the visitors clinched
their fourth straight Scudetto thanks to Arturo Vidal's first-half header.

May 2, 2015
 

Sampdoria

2 E. Viviano - Made a superb diving save on Tevez to prevent what looked like a sure-fire second.

29 L. De Silvestri - Solid defensive effort down the right, pressing aggressively.

26 M. Silvestre - The defender was on his game for the most part, standing up to Llorente's physicality well.

5 A. Romagnoli - His rough-housing ruffled a few Bianconeri feathers but was generally an effective deterrent.

3 D. Mesbah - Slow to close down Lichtsteiner during the build-up to the only goal of the game.

22 L. Rizzo - Guilty of some careless turnovers, especially in the second half.

17 A. Palombo - Broke up play in his usual manner and relished the battle in midfield.

14 Pedro Obiang - Didn't let the calibre of the opponents faze him, and hounded the man on the ball regularly.

21 R. Soriano - Helped spread play around in the final third during the opening half, but couldn't sustain it after the interval.

99 S. Eto'o - Despite all his posturing, he failed to provide a real goal threat at the end of the day.

24 L. Muriel - Occasionally sparked into life and tested Buffon at the death with a wonderful effort on the turn.


Substitutes

19 V. Regini - Didn't make any mistakes at the back.

6 A. Duncan - Battled well against Vidal and helped his team orchestrate a late spell of pressure.

18 G. Bergessio - Missed his one chance when put through on goal.


 

Juventus

 

1 G. Buffon - Crafty as ever to make a smart stop at his near post against Muriel.

26 S. Lichtsteiner - It was his cross that set up Vidal's header for the only goal of the game.

15 A. Barzagli - The defender wasn't always put under pressure at the back, but he did let Bergessio slip by once.

19 L. Bonucci - A calming influence at the back, with one or two vital last-ditch tackles thrown in for good measure.

20 S. Padoin - An honest shift from the midfielder, who switched play to the flanks well.

23 Arturo Vidal - Broke his long goal drought and looked like his old self with a complete display. Headed his side in front in the first half, thwarted attacks and covered every blade of grass.

8 C. Marchisio - Not his most threatening game, but he still rarely put a foot wrong in the middle.

27 S. Sturaro - His tackling was excellent, stopping a few attacks dead in their tracks.

37 R. Pereyra - Often hesitant and off the mark with his offerings in the final third.

10 C. Tévez - The striker didn't add to his sterling goal tally, but he would have if it wasn't for Viviano's excellent save from his 20-yarder.

14 F. Llorente - The ball seemed glued to his feet as he bullied almost everyone who squared up to him.


Substitutes

3 G. Chiellini - Reliable as ever at the back.

9 Álvaro Morata - His deceptively quick feet won him a number of free kicks.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

0 - 1

Arturo Vidal (32')

Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Luigi Ferraris Stadium (Marassi), Genoa
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Allegri: 'Nobody bet on Juve'

May 3, 2015
 
Max Allegri celebrates the Scudetto and prepares for Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final. “Nobody would’ve bet on us.”

The Bianconeri secured a fourth consecutive Serie A title thanks to yesterday’s 1-0 win away to Sampdoria.

The team went from Marassi straight to a training retreat in Turin.

“I am very happy and we achieved something that was not easy,” the Coach said in a Press conference.

“I’d say the most important result was against Napoli, because we’d lost to them in the Italian Super Cup and were held by Inter. It was a victory of character.

“When at times you stutter, it’s important to keep a cool head and that’s what we did. If we want to find a small negative of the campaign, it’ll be dropping five points to Cesena and Parma. We always won against the top seven.”

Allegri stuck with Antonio Conte’s 3-5-2 system for a while, but gradually adapted the team to play four at the back.

“If I had arrived and immediately tried to remove all the team’s certainties, it wouldn’t have been very intelligent.

“I waited a while and the old tactical system was very useful. With absences and in some situations we had to play that way.”

Many fans were outraged when Allegri was chosen to replace Conte, especially as he had been fired by Milan only a few months earlier.

“I won the Scudetto with two extraordinary teams. At Milan I arrived in 2010 and the club hadn’t won since 2004. It was important to turn that around.

“At Juve the situation was different, but winning a fourth consecutive title was no easier. I am happy to have won both in Milan and Turin.”

There were no huge celebrations because Juventus are already focused on Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final.

“It’s not every day you get to play Real Madrid, so we have to keep our heads to reach the Final. If we don’t get there, it’ll be expected, but if we do...

“We are among the top four teams in Europe, have won the Scudetto and are in the Coppa Italia Final.

“At the start of the season nobody would’ve bet on us. Many thought we’d be eliminated in the group stage. Instead we are facing the reigning Champions of Europe for a place in the Final.”

Allegri also went on Twitter to celebrate the title, which so few had expected when supporters ran a campaign to get him out pre-season.

"There's a lot of responsibility at Juve, but it's all repaid when you realise you've made 250 million fans around the world happy."

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

0 - 1

Arturo Vidal (32')

Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Luigi Ferraris Stadium (Marassi), Genoa
Referee: Paolo Valeri

2014-15 Scudetto: A Major Sigh
Of Relief For Juventus

The 2014-15 Serie A title may not be Juve’s prettiest
in recent years, but pre-season incidents make it priceless.

May 3, 2015
 
While the 2011-12 Scudetto was probably the most precious in terms of Juventus regaining their rightful place following the Calciopoli scandal, 2012-13 cemented it as the Bianconeri remained top from matchday two, and 2013-14 brought about a record-breaking campaign where Juventus finished the season with a staggering 102 points.

On May 2 2015, the Bianconeri secured their fourth successive Serie A title, being the second longest Scudetto run the club has ever witnessed since the five Serie A titles won between 1930 and 1935.

However, what makes the 2014-15 Scudetto win special is the fact that it is so priceless to all of the Bianconeri faithful: from boardroom to fans. Priceless not as in the most special or outstanding, but definitely the one that brought about the biggest sigh of relief in the dressing room.

Juve’s summer was deemed a catastrophe by some. The Bianconeri lost the services of coach Antonio Conte — the club icon who led the Turin giants to three successive Serie A titles — with the board deciding to appoint former AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri to lead the club.

It was not only the departure of Conte, but Allegri himself was relieved of his duties at the Rossoneri only six months prior after a string of poor results, and was often the subject of ridicule from the AC Milan faithful.

It didn’t stop there either.

The summer transfer window saw Juventus miss out on players such as Alexis Sanchez and current Roma winger Juan Iturbe — which turned out a big sigh of relief in hindsight — with the board being accused of mishandling both deals.

All of the above will of course bring about sighs of collective relief from the board and Allegri alike. After all, the board took a risk on Allegri to replace Conte — who himself had been a risk at the time of his appointment, due to his relative inexperience — after the club’s overwhelmingly successful Serie A season where they only dropped 12 points.

Allegri and the players will also have big sighs of relief too; in addition to being ridiculed for his time at AC Milan, there were also question marks surrounding Allegri’s relationship with midfielder Andrea Pirlo. After all, the midfielder’s departure from AC Milan prior to joining Juventus had always been partially attributed to the 47-year-old coach.

The sigh of relief isn’t coming from Pirlo only, but the old core of the squad who won the Scudetto while fighting on two other fronts in the Champions League and the Coppa Italia.

New signings like Roberto Pereyra, Patrice Evra, and Alvaro Morata were able to prove their worth throughout the season as well — thus putting to bed any doubt surrounding their ability, and why the Bianconeri signed them in the first place.

Finally, the fans’ relief stems from the club’s success amidst big summer spending by Roma, with the team not only cementing their place as Italy’s best, but doing so while reaching the last four of the Champions League, and reaching the Coppa Italia final too.

All in all, 2014-15 may not have been the prettiest of Scudetti, or the most dominant, but it was definitely the one that resulted in cacophonus sighs of relief in Vinovo.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

0 - 1

Arturo Vidal (32')

Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Luigi Ferraris Stadium (Marassi), Genoa
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Sturaro: Winning My First Scudetto In Genoa
Against Sampdoria Is Priceless

May 3, 2015
 
Juventus midfielder Stefano Sturaro has claimed that winning the Serie A title in Genoa is priceless.

The reigning Italian Champions clinched their fourth consecutive Scudetto with a 1-0 win at Sampdoria and Sturaro could not have wished for it to happen at a better place.

“To win my first Scudetto with Juventus in Genoa, playing against Sampdoria and celebrating in the Genoa locker room is priceless for me,” Sturaro told his followers on twitter.

Sturaro was brought up at Genoa’s academy before making his debut for the first team in 2012.

The Italian under 21 international moved to Juventus last summer for €5 million.

As part of the agreement, however, Stauraro was loaned back to Genoa but was recalled by Juventus in February.

Sturaro’s six Serie A appearances since February for Juventus means that he has played enough to claim his first Serie A winner’s medal.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Put away the Champagne, Juve: Ronaldo back
to his best with sparkling Sevilla show

Cristiano's superb hat-trick saw Carlo Ancelotti's side stay in the hunt for La Liga,
while his return to form is also timely ahead of the trip to Turin on Tuesday.

May 3, 2015

Perhaps the Champagne should have stayed on ice. As Juventus celebrated their Serie A title with bubbly in the dressing room on Saturday evening after winning the Scudetto at Sampdoria, Cristiano Ronaldo was back to his sparkling best in Seville.

Ronaldo had scored only one goal in his previous five matches, but popped up when it mattered most to end Sevilla's stunning streak at the Sanchez Pizjuan. Unai Emery's superb side had gone unbeaten in 34 matches at home in a run that had stretched over a year in all competitions.

But Cristiano put paid to that with two goals late in the first half (both while Sevilla's Grzegorz Krychowiak was off the pitch receiving treatment for a nasal injury) and a third in the second period to hand Carlo Ancelotti's men a vital victory that saw them come through their toughest test left in La Liga to stay in touch with Barcelona in the title race, while sending a message to the Italian champions as well.

The Portuguese overtook the great Alfredo Di Stefano in Liga goals scored, surpassed Lionel Messi in Primera Division hat-tricks and also took his tally against Sevilla to 21, including 19 in Spain's top flight. These three, however, may turn out to be the most important ones of all.

Earlier on Saturday, Madrid had seen title rivals Barca thrash Cordoba 8-0, also in Andalucia. Luis Enrique's side have lost only once in their last 29 games, but were held to a 2-2 draw at Sevilla last month after going two goals up. Such a scenario, however, was not an option for Madrid.

With Gareth Bale on the bench, Isco and then Chicharito set up Ronaldo for his first two strikes, while the Welshman came on in the second half to provide the third with some super strength and a fine cross that Ronaldo finished off with an impressive looping header.

Sevilla had Madrid on the rack as they reduced the deficit first to 2-1 and then later to 3-2, but Madrid managed to hold on to claim the win and are only two points behind Barca with three games remaining in La Liga, with Luis Enrique's side still to visit Atletico before the end of the season.

"Hope is the last thing you lose," Ancelotti said of his side's hopes of claiming La Liga. "We will have to wait until the end of the season. All we can do is win our next three games."

It is out of their hands but, thanks to Ronaldo, Real are hanging in there in this title race and with Juventus on the horizon in Turin on Tuesday, the Portuguese proved he is in the mood for the most important fixtures of all.

So maybe Juve should put the Champagne away or at least keep it on ice after their Scudetto celebrations - because Cristiano is simply sparkling ahead of Madrid's meeting with the Old Lady on Tuesday.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Vidal can't wait for Real Madrid clash

Juventus wrapped up the Serie A title on Saturday but the Chile
midfielder is already looking at their upcoming Champions League clash.

May 3, 2015

Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal told his team to put their Serie A title celebrations on hold and turn their attentions to Real Madrid.

Massimiliano Allegri's men secured the league title courtesy of Vidal's first-half goal in their 1-0 win at Sampdoria on Saturday.

But the Chile international is already thinking about Juve's Champions League semi-final against Madrid, with the first leg in Turin on Tuesday.

"I feel good and the team is playing with maturity. We will be heading to the Bernabeu for the return leg, a stadium that gets me excited just thinking about it," Vidal said.

"I know Real Madrid are the best team in the world but we want to be in the final. It would be a dream to win the Champions League. We will have time to celebrate at the end of the season."

Having added a 31st official league title to their trophy cabinet, Juve are aiming for a third Champions League crown and Vidal wants to see his team keep a clean sheet at home against Carlo Ancelotti's side.

"By keeping a clean sheet in Turin and maybe scoring too is how Juve can win," he said.

"Now we'll get down to work so that we are ready to give it our best effort."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Atkinson ref for Juve-Real

May 3, 2015

English referee Martin Atkinson will officiate the Juventus v Real Madrid Champions League semi-final.

It kicks off in Turin on Tuesday at 20.45 CET.

The first leg has been handed to 44-year-old referee Atkinson.

He already worked on a Juventus game in the Champions League this season, a 3-2 victory over Olympiacos in November.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Bonucci: 'Juve tactics beat Real'

May 3, 2015

Leonardo Bonucci said Juventus have superior “tactical intelligence” to Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final.

The first leg of the semi-final is on Tuesday evening and the Bianconeri are brimming with confidence after securing their fourth consecutive Scudetto.

“It’s a great situation we are in, because we have an important appointment coming up that’s going to feel so special,” the defender told Stadio Sprint.

“We have already written history in Italy and now have the opportunity to continue this extraordinary journey in the Champions League.

“With Real Madrid it’s 50-50 on who will go through. They have something more on an individual level, but we will try to make up for that gap with tactical intelligence.”

Carlo Ancelotti is a former Juventus Coach and lifted the Champions League trophy a year ago.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Pirlo: Secret To Juventus Success Is To Never Give Up

May 3, 2015

Juventus midfielder Andrea PirloAndrea Pirlo has revealed that squad is happy with where they now are and that their success is down to never giving up.

The Bianconeri wrapped up their fourth consecutive Serie A title on Saturday and the players now turn their attentions to their upcoming Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid on Tuesday.

“We gave our all to get where we are right now, now we are happy,” Pirlo told Juventus’ official website.

“The secret behind our success is that we never give up and we give everything to reach our objectives.

“Am I worried about the Champions League? No, I’m perfectly calm and I’m already thinking of Tuesday’s big game.”

The first leg of the semi-final takes place at Juventus Stadium and the return leg is due to be played the following Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Allegri: 'Real missing key player'

May 3, 2015

Max Allegri believes Real Madrid are missing their most important player, so Juventus can win the Champions League semi-final.

The first leg is on Tuesday evening at the Juventus Stadium in Turin, so the Coach sat down with JTV.

“When you play in a Champions League semi-final, your mind is never completely clear,” warned Allegri.

“You play with the awareness of your own strengths, the objective of reaching the Final and knowing you are among the top four in Europe.”

Apart from Cristiano Ronaldo, which player would Allegri like to remove from the Real squad?
“They’ve already removed him – Luka Modric. Real Madrid have improved a great deal under Carlo Ancelotti’s guidance.

“He brought so much international experience, won the 10th Champions League trophy and this year is back in the semi-final while in the running for the Liga.

“What shouldn’t Juve do? A lot of things. They are an extraordinary squad with so much technique and pace. We’ll need a great performance, two of them actually.”

Allegri was asked what he’ll say to his squad before going out on to the field.

“I’ll tell them we are one step away from an extraordinary moment and therefore must play it with a relaxed mind and aware of our strengths.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Morata: I have nothing to prove to anyone

The Spanish forward does not have any hard feelings towards his old
Real Madrid boss but is determined to lead his side to the Champions League final.

May 4, 2015

Juventus attacker Alvaro Morata has insisted that he does not feel any extra pressure ahead of the Champions League semi-final tie with Real Madrid.

The 22-year-old came through the ranks of the Madrid youth academy but failed to displace Karim Benzema as the club's first-choice striker and was consequently allowed to leave the Santiago Bernabeu for Juventus ahead of the 2014-15 campaign.

Nevertheless, Morata says he is not out to prove Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti or anyone else wrong for offloading him last summer when he meets his former team this week.

"I need to be focused. I have nothing to prove to anyone," Morata told Sky.

"I’m grateful to Ancelotti for letting me play for Madrid and in the Champions League final last season.

"But now I’m a Juventus player and have to give my all for this club."

Juventus have not won the Champions League since beating Ajax in 1995-96, but Morata remains unperturbed by the Serie A champions' lack of success in Europe in recent years.

"It doesn’t matter how long we’ve been without winning the Champions League.

"The important thing is to make the final in Berlin."

The first leg against Madrid takes place in Turin on Tuesday, with the return at the Bernabeu scheduled for May 13.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Juventus - Real Madrid Preview: Serie A
kings out to topple champions of Europe

Having sealed the domestic crown once again, Maximiliano Allegri's side
now take on a resurgent Cristiano Ronaldo in the Champions League semi-finals.

May 4, 2015

Juventus have no time to celebrate their fourth consecutive Serie A title as they host Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final.

Massimiliano Allegri's men sealed the Scudetto on Saturday with a 1-0 win at Sampdoria, Arturo Vidal's goal enough to claim all three points.

But the Turin club will have to quickly refocus on Tuesday's visit of the defending European champions, who scraped into the last four courtesy of a 1-0 aggregate win over rivals Atletico Madrid.

And Allegri is under no illusions as to who the favourites are heading into the encounter.

He said: "It's not every day you get to play Real Madrid, so we have to keep our heads to reach the final. If we don't get there, it'll be expected."

The hosts are still without midfielder Paul Pogba for the clash due to a hamstring injury that has kept him on the sidelines since March.

Kwadwo Asamoah, Martin Caceres and Luca Marrone are also unavailable for Juventus as the club bids to reach the final for the first time since 2003, when they came from behind to beat Real 4-3 on aggregate in the semi-finals.

Madrid, meanwhile, head into the game with the fitness of France international striker Karim Benzema still in doubt.

Benzema has missed the last five games because of a knee injury, but may be able to return to training, potentially handing a further boost to a Real team who saw Gareth Bale make his comeback at Sevilla following a calf complaint.

"Benzema we will see in the next two days," coach Carlo Ancelotti said after Saturday's 3-2 La Liga win over the Andalusians.

"Tomorrow [sunday] we will see if he can train with the team. The good thing is that Bale played 30 minutes without any problems. We have recovered a very important player [in Bale] and it would be even better if we could get Karim back too."

Madrid and Juve have appeared in the final of Europe's premier club competition 20 times between them and have recent history in the Champions League, having met in the group stages last term.

The Spanish side won 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu before claiming a 2-2 draw in Turin, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring three goals over the two games.

And, with Ronaldo heading into a repeat of the 1998 final won by Real on the back of hat-trick versus Sevilla, a typically solid Italian defensive display will be required if Juve are to overcome the odds.


OPTA FACTS

Juventus and Real Madrid have met in six editions of the Champions League (since 1992), with the Old Lady progressing to the final on the only previous occasion they faced the Blancos in the semi-final stage (in 2003).

Overall, these two clubs have met 16 times in the Champions League/European Cup – Real Madrid lead the head to head record by eight wins to seven, with only one draw.

This solitary draw between these two sides came in their last meeting; 2-2 in Turin in November 2013.

Juventus have reached the semi-final of the Champions League/European Cup for the 11th time; with the most recent of these also coming against Real Madrid in 2002/03.

The Bianconeri have progressed to the final in seven of their previous 10 semi-final ties in the European Cup/Champions League.

Juventus have lost only one of their last 54 competitive games at home (W45, D8).

Real Madrid have reached a European Cup/Champions League semi-final for the 26th time. Of the previous 25 occasions, they have progressed to the final 13 times.

Real Madrid have been eliminated in their last three European semi-finals against Italian sides (Juventus 2003, Torino 1992 and AC Milan 1989).


LAST FIVE MATCHES

Juventus W W L D W

2015/05/02 - Sampdoria 0 - 1 Juventus
2015/04/29 - Juventus 3 - 2 Fiorentina
2015/04/26 - Torino 2 - 1 Juventus
2015/04/22 - Monaco 0 - 0 Juventus
2015/04/18 - Juventus 2 - 0 Lazio


Real Madrid W W W W W

2015/05/02 - Sevilla 2 - 3 Real Madrid
2015/04/29 - Real Madrid 3 - 0 Almería
2015/04/26 - Celta de Vigo 2 - 4 Real Madrid
2015/04/22 - Real Madrid 1 - 0 Atlético Madrid
2015/04/18 - Real Madrid 3 - 1 Málaga


HEAD TO HEAD

2013/11/05 - Juventus 2 - 2 Real Madrid
2013/10/23 - Real Madrid 2 - 1 Juventus
2009/07/31 - Real Madrid 1 - 2 Juventus
2008/11/05 - Real Madrid 0 - 2 Juventus
2008/10/21 - Juventus 2 - 1 Real Madrid

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Juventus V Real Madrid – Champions League Preview: Bianconeri

Eyeing First Leg Victory Against The Defending Champions

May 4, 2015

Juventus are set to host Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final on Tuesday night at the Juventus Stadium.

This is the Bianconeri’s first semi-final in 12 years, with the last time dating back to the 2002/2003 season when they ousted Tuesday’s opponents Real Madrid by an aggregate score of 4-3, taking revenge for the 1998 Champions League final which saw the Spanish giants defeat Juve courtesy of a goal from Predrag Mijatovic.

On the other hand, the Spanish giants are the defending champions having defeated city rivals Atletico Madrid in last year’s final 4-1. The 10-time Champions League holders have been one of the most prominent sides in terms of semi-final ties in recent years too, reaching the last four in the past five attempts.

Both sides are no strangers when it comes to facing one another in the Champions League though, having come face to face on 16 occasions, the last of which coming in the group stages of last season’s edition. The first game at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium ended 2-1 in favour of Carlo Ancelotti’s men, whilst the return fixture saw both sides play out a 2-2 draw at the Juventus Stadium.

Even though both sides seem to be on opposite sides of the spectrum in terms of Champions League achievements in recent seasons, the duo arduously qualified to the last four. Juventus edged Ligue 1 outfit Monaco by a score of 1-0 on aggregate thanks to a penalty from Arturo Vidal; on the other hand, Real Madrid also qualified by a 1-0 scoreline, leaving it late against Atletico Madrid in a replay of last season’s final.

Massimiliano Allegri’s men finalised their 31st Serie A title on Saturday with a 1-0 win against Sampdoria, but the Bianconeri’s recent run of form in all competitions is not as good as the Spanish giants. Ancelotti’s men have won their past five games, whilst Juve have drawn one and lost one, with the defeat coming in the Derby della Mole against Torino, which was Juventus’ first defeat against their city rivals since 1995.

Both sides however enter the game missing an important cog in midfield. In-demand French midfielder Paul Pogba will not feature for the Turin side in the first-leg, whilst the Spanish club will miss the services of Luka Modric.

Other notable absentees include Martin Caceres for La Vecchia Signora, while French striker Karim Benzema is a doubt for the Madrid-based outfit.


Form Guide: Juventus (D-W-W-W-D-W) Real Madrid (W-D-L-W-W-W)


Expected Starting XIs

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal; Pereyra; Tevez, Morata.

Real Madrid: Casillas; Carvajal, Pepe, Varane, Marcelo; James Rodriguez, Kroos, Ramos, Isco; Bale, Ronaldo.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Champions League Fixtures 2015:
Semi-Finals Leg 1 Schedule

May 4, 2015

The first legs of the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League are nearly upon us, with the first two fixtures taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday. Viewers will get to watch Real Madrid take on Juventus in Turin and Barcelona host Bayern Munich, with full live stream coverage available for both matches.

All four of these clubs rank among the most successful and most revered teams in European football, and fans should be in for two phenomenal semi-final ties. Let's have a look at the schedule for the first legs of each match:


Tuesday, May 5 - 8:45 p.m. - Juventus - Real Madrid

Wednesday, May 6 - 8:45 p.m. - Barcelona - Bayern Munich


Juventus v Real Madrid

Defending champions Real Madrid will travel to Turin and play historical rivals Juventus on Tuesday, at the Juventus Stadium. The Bianconeri are making their first semi-final appearance in this competition in over a decade, a remarkably long absence for such a storied club.

Of course, the Calciopoli scandal played a large part in the club's struggles the past decade, but with their fourth consecutive Serie A title in the bag after the win over Sampdoria, those struggles are well and truly in the past, per the club's official Twitter account:


JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcid
GALERI: WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!

The Bianconeri briefly celebrated the title before turning their eyes toward Los Blancos and the difficult challenge that awaits them, according to centre-back Leonardo Bonucci:

JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen
.@bonucci_leo19: "It's amazing how great this Scudetto feels. Let's enjoy today, then we'll think about Tuesday. We want to keep dreaming!"


Real managed to end Sevilla's unbeaten run at home over the weekend, emerging with a 3-2 win to keep the battle for the La Liga title alive. Cristiano Ronaldo found the back of the net three times, and looks to be in strong form heading into Tuesday's clash.

According to the club's official Twitter account, he made history by scoring yet another hattrick for Los Blancos:

Real Madrid C.F. ✔@realmadriden
AMAZING! @Cristiano Ronaldo is now the player with most hat-tricks in Real Madrid's history! LEGEND!

On paper, the defending champions hold a clear advantage over the Italians, who haven't played at this stage of the competition in years and don't field a lot of players with experience late in tournaments.

But the presence of veterans like Andrea Pirlo and Gianluigi Buffon should help settle the nerves, and with the Serie A title race wrapped up, Massimiliano Allegri's troops can shift their focus entirely toward this tie, unlike Los Blancos.

Allegri also believes the absence of Luka Modric gives his team a chance, per Football Italia:

footballitalia @footballitalia
Max Allegri believes #RealMadrid are missing their most important player, so #Juventus can win

Modric isn't the only high-profile midfielder who will miss Tuesday's clash, as Paul Pogba won't be able to return from injury in tiem to make the squad, via Fox Soccer:

FOX Soccer ✔@FOXSoccer
Juventus MF Paul Pogba to miss next week's Champions League semifinal clash with Real Madrid.

Historically, Juventus have always given Real trouble in European competition. The Italians defend with discipline and aren't afraid to get rough if the situation calls for it, and with Carlos Tevez playing up front, they field one of the most in-form strikers capable of deciding a match on the counter-attack.

Giorgio Chiellini's struggles this season could be exposed against Real's powerful attack, however, providing the Italy international starts to begin with. This match may be low on goals, with both teams eyeing the second leg at the Bernabeu to make the difference.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

'Real Madrid phenomenal, but...'

May 4, 2015

Andrea Pirlo believes Juventus don't need a 'miracle' to beat Real Madrid, and looks forward to meeting his former Coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The Bianconeri face up to Los Blancos tomorrow evening in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final, and their veteran midfielder is looking forward to playing the match on even grounds.

“Real are the greatest club in the world and the most prestigious, but we have a 50 per cent chance of beating them,” Pirlo has told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

“We have gained a lot of maturity in these few years. Our international experience was beneficial for the team in general.

“In the three seasons under [Antonio] Conte we were still short of something, perhaps we weren't ready.

“This year, we have gradually developed the confidence that we could hold our own against anyone.

“We play some good football, with no fear or reverential nervousness. Yes, against Real we'll play on an equal footing until the end.

“They are a phenomenal team, stacked with incredible champions, Ronaldo above all others – he scores two-three goals per game, so come to your own conclusions about him.

“But we don't need a miracle. I'll say this again, it can be done. We'll have to be careful, but especially we need to be bold.

“We have nothing to lose, so let's pursue our dream with an open mind.”

The 35-year-old was then asked what it felt like to come across Ancelotti again, after their success together at Milan.

“It's like meeting a father. He changed my career, inventing a role for me in front of the defence.

“Together we had some unforgettable experiences. Our past together is substantial.

“As for my current Coach, Max Allegri, I'll say this again – I never had any problems with him.

“When I was in a good condition I always played. Later I decided to leave because I was after new incentives, I felt the need to take new risks for myself.

“With Juventus I found plenty of excitement and new objectives. It was the right choice – the perfect one, in fact.

“In 2006 I was sought after by Real Madrid. [Fabio] Capello wanted me. In the end I decided to renew my contract with Milan, and that year we went on to win the Champions League.

“I am very happy about my career and I'm not regretful about not having played in the Premier League or in other championships. I wore the colours of the three greatest Italian clubs.”

Finally, Pirlo was asked whether he still felt excited ahead of games like that of tomorrow.

“Yes, though not over-excited. I am driven, very driven. Nights like these can't help but fire you up.

"Watch out for us, because last year Atletico Madrid came one step away from the ultimate success."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Allegri: Juventus must be perfect against Madrid

The 47-year-old has acknowledged the Serie A champions face a difficult
task to reach the semi-finals but says they must believe in their own quality.

May 4, 2015

Massimiliano Allegri has demanded perfection from Juventus ahead of the Champions League semi-final tie with Real Madrid.

The Serie A champions have set their sights on their first European final since 2002-03, when they were beaten on penalties by AC Milan, but must overcome the current holders.

While Allegri realises that Juve face a tough task to see off the titleholders in the final four, he has urged his own side to have faith in their quality.

"Juventus need perfection against Real Madrid," Alegri told Corriere dello Sport.

"Madrid have improved a lot under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti. He brought a lot of international experience to the team. He won the Decima last season, while they are still in it this year too, as well as having a chance of winning the Liga title.

"There are a lot of things we should not do against Madrid. They are an extraordinary team, with a lot of technique and speed.

"I expect a great tie, with two superb matches.

"We are one step away from achieving some extraordinary and will have to go into the tie with all serenity and we have to be aware of our own strength."

Juventus last met Madrid in the group stages of last year's edition of the Champions League, when they were beaten 2-1 at the Bernabeu before recording a 2-2 draw at home.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Know your opponent: Five questions for
Real Madrid blog Managing Madrid

May 4, 2015

What was your first reaction when you saw Juventus draw Real Madrid in their long-awaited return to the Champions League semifinal? Was there a bit of nostalgia considering who Juve beat the last time they were at this stage of the best club competition there is? Maybe there was some excitement as Juve look to take down the current European champions? Or maybe there was just general nervousness because that's just what we do around here.

No matter what the reaction was, Juventus vs. Real Madrid is a classic heavyweight bout on the biggest of stages.

So when seeking out a little extra help to prep us for such an enticing encounter, the first place I turned is SB Nation's Real Madrid blog, Managing Madrid. That meant taking Lucas and his crew away from dreaming of rather well-known Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba potentially wearing their own fabled jersey one day. It was a tough task, but I think we pulled through.

I posed Lucas five questions, and he was nice enough to answer, So, without further adieu, here's my little chat with the home of Real Madrid on SBN, Managing Madrid. Enjoy!


BWRAO: Since you're there in Madrid covering Real in person on a regular basis, what's the vibe around the club right now? How do you think they're playing entering the first leg?

MM: The players are confident. They are obviously disappointed with Barcelona managing not to drop points during the last couple of weeks, but they like their chances at repeating the Champions League title, although they won't take anything for granted against Juve. The members also think that the Bayern-Barcelona tie can wear those two teams down for a potential Final against them, both physically and psychologically.

About the level of play right now, I think it's all good. No team was able to win at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán over the last 34 Sevilla home games and Real Madrid just accomplished that with a fairly decent performance. James in particular has been playing great lately and Kroos has regained some good form as well, so the midfield is doing well recently.


BWRAO: As you guys have reported over on Managing Madrid, it looks as though striker Karim Benzema will start Tuesday night's first leg on the bench. Do you agree with Chicharito being preferred over Benzema right now?

MM: Well, Benzema has been injured. Although he will be back for the first leg, Chicharito will likely get the nod over him just to avoid further risks. However, as soon as Benzema gets in shape, expect the Mexican to be dropped to the bench again. He's nowhere near Benzema's importance to this squad, Carlo knows that as he is a huge Benzema supporter. Furthermore, Karim and Cristiano Ronaldo have a very good chemistry going on and Cristiano always plays better with him on the pitch. According to reports, he will be a reserve this Tuesday, but expect him to start the return leg at the Bernabéu barring any setbacks.


BWRAO: Will Gareth Bale end up being a factor in either leg of the semifinal?

MM: He should be. He assisted Cristiano Ronaldo on Real's third goal against Sevilla after coming on with 20 minutes to go. Make no mistake about it: Bale's season could be improved, but it is not mediocre, either, and the team's offensive production increases with him on the pitch. It would not be crazy to think he could either score or assist against Juventus, not at all. Especially if we consider that Juventus don't have the fastest defenders to match up against him. It would be wise to pay close attention to him.


BWRAO: How different is Real Madrid's midfield without Luka Modric?

MM: Quite a lot. He's not only a unique player and probably one of the world's best midfielders if healthy. Some fans might think his physical attributes are detrimental to the team's defensive system, but the truth is Modric is a better defender than Illarramendi or Lucas Silva, who are taller and stronger. Modric's experience in the Barclays Premier League helped him a lot on this front.

And obviously, the team lacks creativity when he's not on the pitch. His passing skills are very valuable and something neither Illarra nor Silva have. Good news for Ancelotti is he has found a good replacement in Sergio Ramos, who is brave enough to try to do the same things Modric does on the pitch. Illarra and Silva are way too shy and their teammates don't trust them, but it works differently with Ramos there. He's obviously not as good as Modric for that same position, but Real Madrid's system and flow is not affected when he plays there, and that's a success.


BWRAO: If there's one area of Real Madrid's team you think Juventus can exploit, what would it be?

MM: Set pieces, no question. Real Madrid struggled a lot early in the season at defending corner-kicks because of Casillas' average aerial game. If Juventus can deploy a tall team, it would not surprise me to see Real conceding one in those plays. But again, if Ramos plays in the midfield, Ancelotti will have an extra quality defender when the ball is in the air. Other than that, Casillas is on his decline as a player and it's hard to predict how well he'll play. He's not consistent and is capable of completing good performances (Rayo some weeks ago) or really bad ones (return leg against Schalke). You just never know.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

No Benzema against Juventus

May 4, 2015

Real Madrid have named their squad to face Juventus, and are leaving Karim Benzema at home.

There were rumours that the Frenchman would be forced to skip tomorrow's Champions League semi-final first leg against the Bianconeri, as he battled to prove his fitness after a recent knee strain.

Those reports have been confirmed, as the Spanish club have released a 20-man squad for tomorrow's game, which does not include Benzema.

Also absent is the injured Luka Modric. Speculation is that in Benzema’s absence, Carlo Ancelotti will run with a 4-4-2 formation.


Real Madrid squad to face Juventus:

 

Casillas, Keylor Navas, Pacheco, Varane, Ramos, Pepe, Coentrão, Carvajal, Arbeloa, Marcelo, Nacho, Kroos, James, Bale, Lucas Silva, Isco, Illarramendi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Jesé, Chicharito

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Preview: Juventus vs. Real Madrid

May 4, 2015

Juventus and Real Madrid - two of club football's heavyweight teams - have appeared in 20 European Cup finals between them.

That tally will go up to 21 this season as they meet in the semi-finals of the Champions League, with the first leg being played in Turin on Tuesday evening.


Juventus

For a club the size of Juventus, it's somewhat surprising that they have not reached the last four of European football's premier club competition since they were defeated on penalties in the 2003 final by fellow Italian outfit AC Milan.

By chance, Juve's opponents in that season's semi-finals were Madrid, with the Old Lady coming out on top 4-3 on aggregate. No doubt head coach Massimiliano Allegri will be hoping that it acts as a positive omen for his side this time around.

Talking of Allegri, he is currently basking in the glory of having secured the Serie A title at the weekend - the club's fourth in a row and 31st in its history.

Unlike previous recent campaigns, Allegri's men have been able to take their positive domestic form into Europe this season, particularly defensively.

In Serie A, Juve have shipped just 19 goals in 34 outings, while in the Champions League, Gianluigi Buffon's net has been breached on only five occasions in 10 matches, with the experienced goalkeeper having kept six clean sheets in the process.

Moreover, the Juventus Stadium has proven to be something of European fortress for the hosts since it was redeveloped. They are unbeaten in their last 12 home encounters in UEFA competition and have lost just one in 17.

They reached this stage of the tournament thanks to a 1-0 aggregate victory over Monaco, which came about thanks to the composure of Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal from the penalty spot.

Recent form: W D W W W D
Recent form (all competitions): W W D L W W


Real Madrid

Almost as soon as Real Madrid had finished celebrating 'La Decima' in Lisbon 12 months ago, attention turned to whether or not they could become the first club to successfully defend the Champions League trophy.

As far as head coach Carlo Ancelotti - a former Juventus boss - is concerned, it's the only thing that could save his job at the Bernabeu and even that might not be enough to stop him being issued with his P45, particularly if rivals Barcelona pip Los Blancos to the La Liga title.

They make the trip to Turin with a positive away record in the Champions League, having lost just one of their last 11 games, winning eight times.

However, it must be said that Italy has not been the happiest of hunting grounds for the men from the Spanish capital. They have failed to win on any of their previous seven visits, with their last victory on Italian soil coming during the 2004-05 group stages against Roma.

On a more positive note, Ancelotti's charges have been uncharacteristically stingy on their travels. They have not conceded a goal away from home in this season's competition since the opening match against Ludogorets, which dates back some 444 minutes.

They also take positive form into this encounter, having beaten Sevilla 3-2 at the weekend courtesy of a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick. It marked a first home defeat of the campaign for Andalusians and also sealed a seventh consecutive La Liga win for Madrid.

As for the Champions League, they reached this stage by disposing of city rivals Atletico in a repeat of last season's final. Javier Hernandez was the hero on that occasion as he scored the only goal of the tie late on in the second leg.

Recent form: W W W W W W
Recent form (all competitions): D W W W W W


Team News

Madrid's French international striker Karim Benzema has scored six Champions League goals this term, but it has been confirmed that a knee injury will sideline the 27-year-old for this tie.

His absence is likely to see Hernandez continue in his role as deputy up front, while Gareth Bale, who scored his first ever Champions League goal for Madrid against Juve last term, should start following a stint out with a calf complaint.

The inclusion of the Welsh winger is likely to condemn Isco to the bench, with Sergio Ramos potentially continuing in the holding midfield role as a result of the absence of Luka Modric.

Staying with the midfield battle, the home side will once again have to make do without the services of youngster Paul Pogba, who is still suffering with a hamstring complaint.

Patrice Evra and Carlos Tevez, both of whom were teammates of Ronaldo at Manchester United when they won the Champions League in 2008, are expected to feature, but an ankle knock has ruled out Martin Caceres.


Juventus possible starting lineup:

Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Pirlo, Vidal, Marchisio; Tevez, Llorente
 

Real Madrid possible starting lineup:

Casillas; Carvajal, Varane, Pepe, Marcelo; Ramos, Kroos, James; Bale, Ronaldo, Hernandez


Head To Head

These two sides have met on 16 occasions and there is very little to split them. There has been just the one draw, with Madrid leading the head-to-head record 8-7.

They were drawn together in last season's group stages - games that saw Real collect four points.

The most famous clash between the two came back in 1998 when they met in the final of the Champions League in Amsterdam. A closely fought contest went the way of the Spaniards thanks to Predrag Mijatovic's 66th-minute goal.

However, it's not all been bad for Juve, who famously won at the Bernabeu in 2008 when club legend Alessandro Del Piero scored a brace of goals.


We say: Juventus 0-0 Real Madrid

While Juventus do have talent of their own in attack, it's how their defence deals with the threat of Ronaldo and co that is likely to determine the outcome of this tie. The two teams may have different styles, but both are effective, which could see them cancel each other out. First legs are traditionally more cagey affairs than the return meetings, when both sides know exactly what is required to advance.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Juventus - Real Madrid Betting: Back a goalless
first half when Ancelotti's men visit Turin

Both sides have put in strong defensive performances so far in the Champions League
meaning the opening 45 minutes of this side should see no goals.

May 4, 2015

The most successful team in the history of Italian football host their Spanish equivalent in what should be an extremely tight Champions League semi-final tie on Tuesday.

These two sides met in the group stages last year, with Real Madrid winning 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu Juventus securing a 2-2 draw in Turin, and once again it is likely that there will be little to separate the two.

Los Blancos come into the match on a seven-game winning run in La Liga, with Saturday's dramatic 3-2 win at Sevilla likely to boost their confidence ahead of the trip to Turin.

Juve, for their part, secured their fourth successive Scudetto at the weekend, and boast a phenomenal record at home, where they are unbeaten in Serie A for nearly two-and-a-half years. Their home record in Europe in just as imposing, with Bayern Munich the only team to have won a Champions League match in Turin in the last 11 years.

It is therefore quite a challenge that faces Real Madrid but the defending champions are the favourites, with William Hill pricing them at to claim a victory while Juventus are offered at and the draw can be backed at .

Despite suffering defeats to Atletico Madrid and Olympiakos in the group stages, Juve have subsequently tightened things up, conceding just one goal in their last six games in the tournament. The Old Lady progressed to the last four thanks to a 1-0 aggregate win over Monaco, with Madrid also qualifying for the semi-finals thanks to a solitary goal over 180 minutes against Atletico.

This could lead us to deduce that goals may once more be few and far between and under 2.5 goals is offered at . However, backing a goalless first half at looks more appealing, despite appearing to be a left-field selection with so many talented attacking players on display.

Madrid will want to keep things extremely tight and not concede, conscious of the fact that a goalless draw is not a bad result - as shown in the previous round - with los Blancos keeping a clean sheet in four of the five away matches they have played in the competition so far this season.

Juve, meanwhile, will also be desperate to prevent the visitors from scoring and, having conceded just once in 540 minutes of Champions League football, they will be confident of shutting the Spaniards out. First legs of European ties are often cagey affairs, particularly the first halves, which means backing a goalless opening to this semi-final is a solid selection.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Casillas: 'Juventus will attack'

May 4, 2015

Iker Casillas expects Juventus to try and dominate tomorrow's Champions League semi-final, and denies injuries will be decisive.

The Spanish international’s side will this week continue the defence of last year’s title, conquered against a defensively minded Atletico Madrid.

However, in considering facing up to Juventus in the semi-final first leg in Turin, the goalkeeper expects the Bianconeri to take a different approach.

“I don't think tomorrow's game will be like the one against Atletico,” Casillas has told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

“Juventus in the Champions League and in their decisive matches have always done their utmost to dominate the game.

“That said, in a semi-final everyone walks into the pitch with the result in their minds. I'm expecting few goals and a high level of tension until the end.

“I don't think our performance in the respective championships will make any difference,” he said, in reference to the fact that Juventus had already won the Scudetto, while Madrid are trailing Barcelona.

“We need to give both competitions the necessary weight.

“La Liga is not in our hands, all we can do is keep on fighting. In the Champions League we are all at the same level.

“We depend on ourselves. If we do well, we can reach the final and play for the victory.

“Juventus will be missing [Paul] Pogba, we're short of [Luka] Modric and [Karim] Benzema. But we've done well even when we were short of some players.”

The 33-year-old was also asked whether his club- and international coaches, Carlo Ancelotti and Vicente del Bosque, resembled each other.

“They do, because they win, and they win important contests. They also have a similar way of handling their teams.

“They consider the group, they are not authoritarians and they do not impose themselves forcefully, though they're both capable of getting angry.

“Their leadership style is chilled, unlike others that are more bitter.”

Finally, Casillas was asked about Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon's statement that victories become better when you're older.

“He's right. I won my first European cup when I was 18 and it didn't seem like much of an achievement.

“Now things are different. Every time you don't win, you think, 'oh dear, I've missed out on one more year to win something'. You know you can't go on forever.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

'Juventus can stop Cristiano'

May 4, 2015

Leonardo Bonucci praises Juventus for their 'sober celebrations', and outlines how to stop Cristiano Ronaldo.

Tomorrow evening will see the Bianconeri host Los Merengues in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.

On from teammate Fernando Llorente’s statements about Juve’s ambition, Bonucci has agreed that the Scudetto victory was not as dramatic as it could have been.

“Winning it is nice anyway, it always makes you happy,” the defender has said, in an interview published in the Juventus YouTube channel.

“But it's right that it should have been celebrated in such a sober fashion, because there's such an important match awaiting us on Tuesday.

“You don't reach the Champions League semi-final every day.

“We'll need a great game in terms of character, courage, attention in defence and cynicism upfront.

“We have confidence and we know we'll have our chances.

“We have full respect for Real Madrid but at the end of the day what matters is how we walk into the pitch.

“If we go in with courage and a desire to win, then we'll have a good night at home and that will let us play for something important in Madrid.”

Bonucci was also asked how a superstar like Cristiano Ronaldo could be stopped.

“By playing as a team, by means of concentration and determination, and by running the extra mile for your teammate.

“That's the only way to fill the gap that subsists between us and Real Madrid.

“They're very strong from an individual point of view, while we're strong as a team.

“Our four Scudetti in a row are not an accident, true, but at the European level the great champions become decisive, and they've got several.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Casillas: Buffon is a role model for me

The Real Madrid shot-stopper says that he has always looked up to
his Juventus counterpart, while he also considers Andrea Pirlo a joy to watch.

May 4, 2015

Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas has revealed that he has always viewed Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon as something of a role model.

The two iconic shot-stoppers will go head to head on Tuesday night in the first leg of a Champions League semi-final, which has unsurprisingly sparked a debate over who is the better No.1.

Casillas, 33, has admitted that he has always looked up to Buffon, who is four years the Spaniard's senior.

"Gigi is a reference point for me. Anyone of my generation who dreamt of becoming a goalkeeper had the target of emulating him," the World Cup winner told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

Casillas also confessed his admiration for the 35-year-old Andrea Pirlo, another veteran who remains an integral part of the Italian champions' midfield.

"Andrea is fantastic for everything that he knows how to do with the ball," the Spain international stated. "It's a pleasure for all of us who love football to be able to watch him."

Juve have been compared to Real's opponents in the quarter-finals, Atletico, whom the Blancos defeated 1-0 on aggregate. While Casillas is expecting two tight encounters against the Italian titleholders, he feels that Massimiliano Allegri's men will take the game to the reigning European champions.

"I don't think Juve are like Atletico," he added. "They are trying to impose their football on Europe this year, just as they have done in Italy.

"I'm expecting two games with few goals but of high tension until the final minute.

"Also, while they're missing Paul Pogba, we're missing Luka Modric and Karim Benzema, so there's balance also in terms of the absentees."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

'Shape-shifting Juve against Real'

May 4, 2015

Former Coach Giovanni Trapattoni has faith in Max Allegri, and recommends a 'shape-shifting, cynical Juve' to beat Real Madrid.

The Old Lady faces a daunting task in tomorrow evening's Champions League semi-final first leg, as she goes up against a team stacked with superstars, but il Trap expresses no concern.

“Allegri knows exactly what he must and must not do,” he has said, in an interview with Tuttosport.

“Juventus have given ample proof that they have the necessary attributes to accomplish great endeavours.

“This is one way among others to beat Real, by means of character.

“When you're at the level of a semi-final, very often small details determine whether you win or lose.

“It's like a Formula 1 race, in which a second won or lost makes the difference.

“If Juve are shape-shifting and cynical, they can do it. If spectacle and beautiful football cannot guarantee a victory, then you must change your tactical approach.

“When you think that the result comes before everything else, then you should take to the pitch with a knife between your teeth.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Juve in 4-3-1-2 for Madrid

May 4, 2015

Juventus and Real Madrid must negotiate important injuries ahead of their clash, but the Italians could be better off.

The first leg of the Champions League semi-final between the two teams will kick off tomorrow evening at 7.45pm UK time.

The Old Lady march into the game shorn of a key player in the shape of Paul Pogba.

The Frenchman may recover in time for the second leg, but in the meantime the keys to the midfield will likely be handed the old Antonio Conte trio – Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio.

Indications from training are that they will be backed by the tried and tested duo of Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini in defence, as part of a back four.

Attack is believed to be a straight race between Alvaro Morata and Fernando Llorente to partner Carlos Tevez, with the former currently shading things.

Madrid Coach Carlo Ancelotti was forced to drop Karim Benzema at the last minute, and he will be without Luka Modric too.

But Gareth Bale is back in the team after recovering from a calf injury, and will likely be asked to flank Cristiano Ronaldo.

There is speculation that the Italian may opt for a 4-4-2 rather than a 4-3-3, while Sergio Ramos teeters between being pushed up into the midfield or held back in a defensive role.


Probable line-ups:

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio; Pereyra; Tevez, Morata

Real Madrid: Casillas; Carvajal, Varane, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Khedira, Isco; James, Bale, Ronaldo