Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

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

Real Madrid Have The Firepower
But Juventus Are Well Armoured

May 4, 2015

Real Madrid face a defensively strong team in Juventus as they travel to Turin for the first-leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final.

After toiling hard for close to three hours, Real Madrid were only able to score one goal against Atletico Madrid in the two legs of the Champions League quarter-finals. The extraordinary attacking trio of Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema failed to break the perseverance of the Atletico defence. It was Chicharito who managed to finally beat Oblak, who produced some stunning saves in both the legs, after receiving a pass from Ronaldo and tapping the ball into the empty net.

As Real Madrid prepare to face Juventus in the first leg of the semi-final, it seems like their attack will have to work equally hard to break through the strong defence of the Serie A side. Juventus have won the Scudetto on Saturday with four games to spare and have conceded only 19 goals in 34 league games. In the Champions League, the Serie A champions’ defence has been equally, if not more, impressive with only five goals leaked in 10 games.

The Italian giants carry the tag of underdogs while facing the reigning champions, Real Madrid. However, Juventus are absolutely capable of beating last year’s winners as after winning the Serie A title, they can afford to put all their focus on the Champions League. On the other hand, despite having a stronger squad with bigger names, Real Madrid are marred with injury issues as Modric and Benzema will not feature on Saturday and they have a tight schedule with difficult fixtures as they look to somehow beat Barcelona to La Liga title.

The Juventus defence boasts of three Italian centre-backs who have been playing together for the past four years for the Old Lady as well as Italy. Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci have won four consecutive Serie A titles and have ample experience to deal with Real’s strength upfront.

If Real Madrid found it hard to beat the Atletico defence, the Juventus backline will be even more rigid to break through. Chiellini and co are not as aggressive as the Atletico defenders and also do not indulge in foul play. However, the trio is certainly more disciplined and can contain the threat of Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez.

Legendary Italian, Andrea Pirlo has urged his team to follow Atletico’s example and fight for the full 180 minutes. He insists that Juventus will have to be rash and win the first leg.

“We have to keep a cool head, be smart and remember that the tie lasts 180 minutes. We mustn’t be rash and go out there trying to win it in the first leg. We have to follow Atletico’s example: with two minutes to go in last year’s final, they were all set to be crowned champions.”

Though it will be tough for the Real Madrid attack to fire all cylinders, especially in Turin, it will certainly not be impossible for them. They have got Bale back into the line-up and that gives them the extra pace in the attack. The return of Bale happens to be great news for Ronaldo as we saw on Saturday against Seville. Real Madrid must use their pace and make full use of the counter attacking opportunities they will get throughout the games. Beating a three man defence may just be an added advantage for ‘Los Blancos’. However, coach Ancelotti must make sure that the attackers don’t get burnt out in the first leg as The Whites have another challenge to face over the weekend when they host Valencia, before the second leg of the Champions League semi-final.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

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

Pepe: ‘No favourites against Juventus’

May 4, 2015

Real Madrid defender Pepe says there are ‘no favourites’ as they prepare for the Champions League semi-final with Juventus.

The Spanish side are the current holders of the competition, and are seen as favourites by many, but the Portuguese central defender says it’s all to play for.

“We know the game will be difficult,” Pepe admitted in the Press conference before the match.

“It’s difficult to play here, but we approach the game with great serenity. We know there are no favourites at this stage of the Champions League.

“We’re still competing in three competitions, and we want to get to the final again, it would be a dream for everyone.

“We’re also fighting for La Liga.”

The 32-year-old will come up against former teammate Alvaro Morata tomorrow night, as well as Carlos Tevez, and the former Porto man is aware of the threat the Bianconeri attack poses.

“Tevez? He’s a player with great quality, he never loses the ball. He’s a player who fights a lot and chases every ball, be battles on the field.

“We’re facing great players, not just Tevez, but also [Fernando] Llorente and Morata.

“As for Morata, he’s a guy who made his debut alongside me at Real, I have a lot of time for him and for his family. He’s a really good lad.

“I’m glad to face him in such an important match. I know he has a lot of affection for Real, but tomorrow when the whistle blows he’ll play for his current shirt, and I’ll play for mine.

“At that point, friendships are put to one side.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

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

LEONARDO BONUCCI: ‘TEAMWORK TO STOP CRISTIANO RONALDO’

May 4, 2015

Leonardo Bonucci believes Juventus can stop Cristiano Ronaldo in tomorrow’s Champions League semi-final, provided they work as a team.

Speaking to the Juventus Youtube channel, the Italian defender discussed the team’s sober celebrations after winning the Scudetto and their preparations for tomorrow night’s game.

“Winning it is nice anyway, it always makes you happy,” the defender said.

“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 asked how he plans to stop Cristiano Ronaldo.

“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)

Ancelotti: ‘Juventus high quality’

May 4, 2015

Real Madrid Coach Carlo Ancelotti says Juventus have ‘players of the highest quality’ ahead of their meeting tomorrow.

The Bianconeri welcome the Spanish giants to Turin for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tomorrow, and Ancelotti is under no illusions about the task facing his side.

“Juve have always had a strong and competitive team,” the Coach responsed, when asked why Real Madrid have only won once in Turin.

“Winning here is not easy. Having said that, we want to realise a dream after winning the Champions League last year.

“We want to play in the final again this year, there are 180 minutes to be played, and we’ll do everything to fulfil this dream and achieve that goal.

“I think the most important thing is to play the best we can, using all the quality that we have. We’re preparing to play attacking football, but we also have to defend very well.

“They’re a team who have gained experience in the Champions League in recent years. They won the Scudetto this weekend, and they have experienced players of the highest quality.

“That’s their strength.”

It has been suggested that the Old Lady are a similar side to the Atletico Madrid side which Ancelotti’s men overcame in the last round, but the former Juve Coach sees things differently.

“The qualification will be disputed between two teams who are on a par. I think that Juve are a different team from Atletico, with different characteristics.

“So I think it’ll be a different game. Against Atletico we had a lot of possession and controlled the game.

“Juventus like to keep the ball, they have different characteristics and therefore these games will be different.”

[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: I don't regret rejecting Real Madrid

The Juventus midfielder had the chance to join Los Blancos nine years ago but elected
to stay at AC Milan, with whom he won the Champions League the following season.

May 4, 2015

Andrea Pirlo says that while he regards Real Madrid as "the biggest team in the world", he does not regret turning down the chance to move to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2006.

The Juventus midfielder, who will face Los Blancos in Turin on Tuesday, was plying his trade at AC Milan at the time and considered leaving the Rossoneri after they were implicated in Calciopoli, an infamous refereeing scandal that rocked Italian football.

However, Pirlo ultimately decided against accepting erstwhile Madrid coach Fabio Capello's offer to join him in the Spanish capital that summer.

"Capello called me in 2006," the playmaker is quoted as saying by AS. "Milan had problems with the Calciopoli scandal and the deal was nearly done.

"But then everything was sorted out and my contract was renewed.

"Madrid is Madrid. There’s nothing more to say. It’s the biggest team in the world.

"But regrets? No. That following season, in fact, we won the Champions League at AC Milan."

Current Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was in charge of the San Siro side at the time and Pirlo is looking forward to being reunited with his former coach at Juventus Stadium.

"He’s like a father to me," the 35-year-old stated. "We spent many years together.

"He got me playing my best football in a different position, further back. He changed my role on the pitch.

"I lived indescribable times with him."

However, Pirlo is now intent on helping Juve end Ancelotti's bid to lead Madrid to a historic second successive Champions League title at the semi-final stage.

"We must remember that there’s a second leg," the Italian international added. "It’s 180 minutes.

"The first leg is vital and needs to be played intelligently, with prudence and confidence.

"We have a dream to follow, and there’s nothing to lose, but we can’t get carried away because of that."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

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

Ancelotti: ‘Juventus helped me’

May 4, 2015

Carlo Ancelotti insists his time at Juventus was beneficial, as he prepares to return with Real Madrid tomorrow night.

The Coach two years on the bench in Turin, but was never loved by the fans, and left in 2001 after two second-placed finishes.

“I Coached here for two years, and my relationship with the fans was fine,” Ancelotti claimed in his Press conference ahead of the Champions League semi-final.

“I learned to much at this club. I had problems with some sections of the support, but what can I say? The two years I spent here helped me to grow.”

The former Milan Coach also told journalists that he has a team in mind already, but was in no mood to divulge his secrets.

“I have a team in mind, but I’m not telling you!

“Cristiano [Ronaldo] is fine, I think. He was fine up until Saturday evening, and after that I don’t know. We had a light training session yesterday, he’s fine.

“We’ll replace [injured striker Karim] Benzema with Chicharito [Javier Hernandez] as we’ve always done.

“Bale? I think he’s very good, perfect in fact. He had a slight knock, but we gave him time to recover from this injury, and he’s physically ready.

“He only played 30 minutes against Sevilla, he’s fresh, he’s at 100 per cent.

“Three at the back? We’ve been preparing for this game with four defenders. I’ve used Sergio Ramos as a midfielder, and I may do that again tomorrow.

“The team has confidence at the moment, we’ve got some players out injured, but we’ve replaced them very well.

“We have confidence, we want to reach another final and we’ll do our best.”

Despite rejecting the notion of his own side playing with a back-three, Carletto admitted that he is not sure how Juventus will line up.

“I honestly don’t know. Juve are one of the few teams who can play comfortably with three defenders or four, and who can switch between them.

“It’s a question mark, but it doesn’t change a lot for us. We have to try to impose our identity, style and pace on the game.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

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

Llorente: Madrid will provide
the biggest challenge of our lives

The Bianconeri have already wrapped up the Serie A title and are through
to the final of the Coppa Italia - but they must now face Real Madrid in Europe.

May 4, 2015

Fernando Llorente is in no doubt that Juventus can win the treble this season - even though they must face Real Madrid will provide "the biggest challenge" of the team's life in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The Bianconeri wrapped up a fourth successive Serie A title at the weekend courtesy of a 1-0 win at Sampdoria, while they are already through to the Coppa Italia final, in which they will meet Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico.

However, as coach Massimiliano Allegri recently admitted, their dream is the Champions League and on Tuesday they host current titleholders Madrid in the first leg of a last-four showdown.

Llorente freely admits that getting the better of Los Blancos will be tough but he says that he and his colleagues have faith in their ability to pull off a treble.

"We believe in it, and why not? It's pointless to hide from it," the striker told reporters on Monday. "We want to beat Real and reach the final in Berlin: for us they will be the biggest challenges of our lives.

"Winning the Scudetto was beautiful but we cannot allow ourselves too much time to celebrate."

Llorente enjoyed a fine debut season in Serie A after joining Juve from Athletic Bilbao on a free transfer in the summer of 2013 but he has struggled this term, managing just six goals in 29 league appearances.

The Spaniard acknowledges that he has underperformed in recent months but he has been lifted by last week's headed effort in a crucial 3-2 win over Fiorentina.

"It's true that things that not go in the way in which I expected, although I must say that I still managed to score some decisive goals all the same," he added. "I'm rediscovering my best form."

[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 Will Give Everything
For Juventus Against Real Madrid

May 4, 2015

Juventus striker Alvaro Morata has revealed that he will give his all against former club Real Madrid in the upcoming Champions League semi-final clash between the two sides.

The Bianconeri will host the Spanish giants at Juventus Stadium on Tuesday in the first of two legs and the 22-year-old admits that while he’s thankful for his time with the Los Blancos, he’s currently only looking to help the Old Lady lift the tournament trophy this year.

Morata spoke to Sky Sport Italia about Juve’s mission to win the Champions League and his own determination to do his best for the Serie A title holders, while also commenting on his past at Real Madrid.

“It absolutely doesn’t matter how long it has been since you last won the tournament, the important thing is to win,” said the Spaniard.

“We are Juventus and Juventus want to win this trophy. Here we are as one of the final four teams in the Champions League and we have this chance to play a semi-final with Real Madrid.

“We may be in the top four right now, but we really want to be in the final two and lift the Champions League trophy.

“There has been a large number of my friends from Madrid asking me to get them tickets for the first leg in Turin, but it’s something that I’ve only done for my parents and my girlfriend so I can fully concentrate on this game.

“I care a lot about this game and I have to stay focused. I don’t have to prove anything to anyone, I’m grateful that Carlo Ancelotti allowed me to play a lot of matches at Real Madrid, including the Champions League final.

“However, now I’m at Juventus and I’m going to give everything I can to this club.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

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

Tevez: ‘Unexpected semi-final’

May 4, 2015

Juventus striker Carlos Tevez admits he ‘did not expect’ a Champions League semi-final, but wants to win the competition.

The Bianconeri face Real Madrid tomorrow night in the first leg of their first Last Four appearance in the competition since 2003.

“I didn’t expect a semi-final,” Tevez admitted in the pre-match Press conference.

“I expected to win the League, and we wanted to fight as much as possible for the Champions League.

“[Coach Max] Allegri, [President Andrea] Agnelli and the entire hierarchy have demonstrated that they are all very serious and want to win the Champions League together.

“I think it will be a very difficult semi-final, I believe it’s wide-open, the two games will be very hard-fought and open.

“I don’t think it’s a semi-final in which there are favourites, whoever makes fewer mistakes will win the game.”

The Argentinian international also took the time to talk-up his striker partner Alvaro Morata, who will be facing his former side tomorrow.

“I believe that Alvaro has grown enormously in the last four or five months, he’s grown in confidence and he’s ready to play a game of this level.

“I think he’s a great player and he certainly won’t be overawed by the game.”

Finally, Tevez adressed questions about his violin celebration against Fiorentina, seen by most as a dig at Roma Coach Rudi Garcia.

“No, my daughter likes the violin,” Tevez smiled.

“That’s why I did it.”

[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: ‘Madrid a great team’

May 4, 2015

Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri calls on his side to be close to perfect to beat a ‘great team’ in Real Madrid.

The Bianconeri are in the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2003, and will face Los Merengues in the first leg in Turin tomorrow night.

“If we’re talking about a Champions League semi-final, we’re talking about top-notch teams,” Allegri explained in his pre-match Press conference.

“When you play these games you have to play… I don’t want to say a perfect game, because there’s no such thing, but you have to do great things in attack and defence.

“I don’t think that Juventus-Real Madrid and Real Madrid-Juventus are two games which will end 0-0, so we have to be good, especially in attack.

“They’re European champions, they’re the holders, so it’s true that they might be slight favourites ahead of us.

“That said, it’s not a semi-final where we have nothing to lose. If we lose we won’t make the final.

“We have to remember what we’ve done so far, and make the most of our chances, in the knowledge that we’re facing a great team, with great players.”

[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

May 4, 2015
 

Juventus

Juventus have no time to celebrate clinching their fourth successive Scudetto as they welcome Real Madrid to Turin for the Champions League semi-final.

The Bianconeri clinched their 33rd league title at the weekend with a 1-0 victory at Sampdoria but attention has already turned to the Champions League, and the visit of the current title holders.

Speaking ahead of tomorrows game, Juve coach Max Allegri called for a big performance from his team whilst declaring there’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’ game.

“If we’re talking about a Champions League semi-final, we’re talking about top-notch teams,” Allegri told reporters.

“When you play these games you have to play… I don’t want to say a perfect game, because there’s no such thing, but you have to do great things in attack and defence.

“I don’t think that Juventus-Real Madrid and Real Madrid-Juventus are two games which will end 0-0, so we have to be good, especially in attack.

“They’re European champions, they’re the holders, so it’s true that they might be slight favourites ahead of us.

“That said, it’s not a semi-final where we have nothing to lose. If we lose we won’t make the final.

“We have to remember what we’ve done so far, and make the most of our chances, in the knowledge that we’re facing a great team, with great players.”

Turning his attention to the possible lineup, Allegri dropped a hint that he’ll stick with his 4-3-1-2 formation rather than the tried and tested 3-5-2.

“You’re all calm and good with numbers. Ancelotti has given you four, and I’ll give you another four…

“He’s a Coach whom I respect as a person, but especially for the things he’s achieved, as he’s won in Italy, England, France and Spain.

“As I said, it’s hard to imagine the two games will end 0-0, so we’ll have to be good in attack and defence.”

Allegri will have an almost fully-fit squad to choose from with Paul Pogba and Martin Caceres the only absentees, both through injury.

Gigi Buffon is fit and will start in goal with Stephan Lichtsteiner and Patrice Evra in the full-back roles while Leonardo Bonucci will probably start ahead of Andrea Barzagli to partner Giorgio Chiellini.

Andrea Pirlo should begin in midfield with Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio alongside him and Roberto Pereyra sitting behind a strike-duo of Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata.


Probable lineup

4-3-1-2: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio; Pereyra; Tevez, Morata


Injured Players

Caceres (ankle), Pogba (hamstring)


Suspended Players

None


Form

(W-D-L-W-W)


Match Facts

Unbeaten in 12 home matches in UEFA competition, Massimiliano Allegri’s men have won four out of five games in Turin in this campaign, including victories over Borussia Dortmund and AS Monaco in the knockout rounds.

Overall, the Bianconeri have lost just one of 17 European home fixtures at the redeveloped Juventus Stadium (W10 D6 L1).

The Italian champions have appeared in seven European Cup finals, winning twice.

Chiellini, Lichtsteiner, Morata, Pogba, Roberto Pereyra, Tévez and Vidal are all a booking away from a ban.

Carlos Tevez has scored as many goals in the Champions League this season (6) as he had in his five previous CL campaigns combined.


 

Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti was philosophical ahead of tomorrows semi-final, insisting that anything can happen between Juventus and Real Madrid.

“If Juve are in the semi-finals it’s because they deserve it,” Ancelotti told the media in his pre-match presser.

“It was a surprise, but that doesn’t mean that we’re the favourites. When you get to the semi-finals anything can happen.

“We don’t know who is better, I can honestly say that we are two different teams, with different characteristics and different players.

“Both sides will try to impose their qualities tomorrow, and we want to be the ones to do that.

“If Juve impose their style on us, then I think they have the better chance of winning, the more we impose ourselves then the better our chances will be.

“This is the Champions League, and these are the semi-finals. If you’re brave you win. If you’re afraid you lose.”

Ancelotti confirmed that he has a provisional starting XI while discussing how his side could potentially lineup.

“I have a team in mind, but I’m not telling you!”

“Cristiano [Ronaldo] is fine, I think. He was fine up until Saturday evening, and after that I don’t know. We had a light training session yesterday, he’s fine.

“We’ll replace [injured striker Karim] Benzema with Chicharito [Javier Hernandez] as we’ve always done.

“Bale? I think he’s very good, perfect in fact. He had a slight knock, but we gave him time to recover from this injury, and he’s physically ready.

“He only played 30 minutes against Sevilla, he’s fresh, he’s at 100 per cent.

“Three at the back? We’ve been preparing for this game with four defenders. I’ve used Sergio Ramos as a midfielder, and I may do that again tomorrow.

“The team has confidence at the moment, we’ve got some players out injured, but we’ve replaced them very well.

“We have confidence, we want to reach another final and we’ll do our best.”

I’ll confess to not having watched much of Real Madrid this season, but Carletto seems to be implying he’ll stick with a back 4 against Juve meaning Iker Casillas will start in goal with Raphaël Varane, Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal and Marcelo in front of him.

The midfield picks itself with Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez being partnered by one of either Sami Khedira or Isco.

Up front there’s little debate – Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale will play on either wing with Javier Hernández spearheading the attack.


Probable lineup

4-3-3: Casillas; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo; Rodriguez, Kroos, Isco; Bale, Hernandez, Ronaldo


Injured players

Alvaro Medran, Karim Benzema (Doubtful), Luka Modric


Suspended players

None


Form

(W-W-W-W-W)


Match Facts

Jupp Heynckes’ Madrid beat a Juve team coached by Marcello Lippi in the 1998 UEFA Champions League final.

The Spanish giants have not conceded an away goal in 444 minutes in this season’s competition.

Madrid have won eight of their last 11 away games – drawing two – and won all three in this season’s group stage.

Ancelotti can become the first coach to win the trophy four times.

Pepe, Ramos, Coentrão and Toni Kroos will incur a suspension with their next booking. Marcelo is available, having served a one-match ban against Atlético.

Cristiano Ronaldo alone has attempted 28 shots on target in this campaign (more than any other player).

 

Formations

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

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

Juventus name squad for Madrid

May 4, 2015
 
Massimiliano Allegri has named a 23-man squad for Juventus’ Champions League semi-final with Real Madrid.

Paul Pogba is still absent with injury, as are Martin Caceres and Kwadwo Asamoah, but otherwise the Bianconeri are at full-strength.

Rubinho is still absent with injury, so Emil Audero will take his place on the bench, while Luca Marrone is also available.

Andrea Pirlo is named in the squad, and is expected to start in midfield alongside Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal.


Juventus squad to face Real Madrid: Buffon, Chiellini, Ogbonna, Pepe, Marchisio, Morata, Tevez, Coman, Llorente, Barzagli, De Ceglie, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Storari, Matri, Evra, Pereyra, Marrone, Audero.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

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

Pepe: Champions League elimination
would not be failure for Madrid

The European champions must face Juventus in the last four of this year's competition
and the defender says there would be no shame in losing to such a strong side.

May 4, 2015

Pepe says Real Madrid have a responsibility to retain their Champions League crown this season but insists that being eliminated at the hands of Juventus in the semi-finals would not constitute failure.

Los Blancos claimed their 10th European title last season, defeating city rivals Atletico in the final, and are now in a position to become the first side to successfully defend the trophy in the competition's current format.

Pepe freely admits that Carlo Ancelotti's men are determined to make history but points out that they face a significant hurdle in the shape of Juve, whom they face in the first leg of their last-four tie in Turin on Tuesday.

“We dream of playing another final and winning the Champions League," the Portugal international told reporters on the eve of the first leg. "This is what the greatness of this club tells us we must do.

"But would it be failure if we are eliminated? Not at all.

"We respect all our opponents and this will not be easy. We have to face a serious challenge here.

"We know how difficult it is to play here and, at this stage of the Champions League, there are no favourites.

"This will be a tough game against an Italian team who will want to defend well while trying to win the match with the great attack that they have."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

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

UEFA Champions League Semifinal, Leg 1,
Preview: Juventus vs. Real Madrid

May 4, 2015

Juventus have had a lot of big games during this whirlwind 2014-15 season. They've had big European games, big domestic games and some that impact one or the other in some kind of indirect or silly way. They've had moments that tested their strengths, potentially exposed their weaknesses and probably everything in between.

The string of big games have been there all season in Europe. There was the trip to Spain to play Atlético Madrid, a Champions League finalist last season. There was the task of even getting to the knockout round in the first place when Atléti came to Turin in December. There was the trip to Germany to play Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16. Then came Monaco and all the manic defending in the second leg that came along with it.

All of them have allowed Juventus to get this point.

Tuesday night's test is the biggest one of them all to date — both because of the opponent and the stakes at hand with 90 minutes in the Spanish capital left to be played next week. We could ay the same against Monaco. We could say the same against Borussia Dortmund. That's just what happens when you reach the knockout stages of the Champions League.

This one, though, just has that extra something.

Of course, being the semifinals instead of, say, the round of 16 has a lot to do with it. That's just what happens at this stage of the game. But Juventus vs. Real Madrid is a classic encounter between two European heavyweights. We've seen it take place last season, but that was just the group stage. This is the Champions League semifinals — something Juventus hasn't reached since the 2002-03 season.

Real Madrid are the reigning champions, looking to do nothing less than make the Champions League final once again and repeat as winners. Juventus have gotten their fourth straight Scudetto out of the way at the exact time they wanted to, and have been able to turn total focus over to Real Madrid's opening-leg visit to Turin and Juventus Stadium.

Just a couple of teams with nothing to play for, right? Ha! On the contrary.

Oh, what fun there could be. Hopefully.


GOOD NEWS

Karim Benzema is officially out for tomorrow night's first leg in Turin. That's not meant to be a shot at Chicharito, but he's certainly not Benzema.


BAD NEWS

While Max Allegri is hoping for Paul Pogba to be back for the second leg, the French midfield dynamo is still out with his thigh injury.


WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. The eternal tactics choice: 4-3-1-2 or 3-5-2?

Maybe, just maybe, we've figured out what Allegri will do before the actual starting lineups are announced.

JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "Ancelotti said he'll play with four at the back? So will we."

Well, that's a big help, I'd say. Maybe Max was in a giving mood during his pre-match press conference. Carlo Ancelotti wasn't feeling as generous and didn't say what his tactics would at his own presser on Monday, but I guess we all can't get nice things.

If the 4-3-1-2 is in play and the formation Allegri will go with, then that means Andrea Barzagli is probably the odd man out in defense and Roberto Pereyra is playing behind the strikers. Agree with it or not, that's just how Max is gonna roll. Juventus' ability to shift from one formation to the other allows Allegri to go back and forth whenever he so pleases. So if we see a shift from the 4-3-1-2 to the 3-5-2 at any given point Tuesday night, I guess we shouldn't be surprised at this point. But considering how Allegri believes there will be a good number of goals scored between the two teams, then maybe it makes sense Mad Max is going with a more offensive-minded formation.

 

2. Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Juventus' defense.

Here's what Ronaldo did when Juve and Real Madrid met in the group stage of last year's Champions League:

Two games, three goals, one assist, 11 total shots

Yeah, he's pretty damn good.

With Benzema out injured, there should be even more of a focus on Ronaldo in the final third. It doesn't really matter if it's a three-man or a four-man backline, Ronaldo is Ronaldo and one of the best players the game has to offer. His speed will give Juventus' defense fits, and he will draw the attention of just every Juve defender at some point in the game. Can Juventus stop him entirely? I don't know about that. But what the likes of Giorgio Chiellini and the rest of Juventus' defense will have to prevent is allowing Ronaldo to absolutely wreak havoc on the Juventus Stadium turf. We all know how important it was for Juve to keep the opposition from scoring an away goal in the last leg and what that can allow them to do away from home. Basically, if Ronaldo does anything close to what he did the last time Juve and Real played, then it won't be good news — or anything close to it.

 

3. Carlos Tévez vs. Real Madrid's defense.

As important Ronaldo is to Real Madrid's attack, the same can be said for Tévez, who has been a monster both domestically and in Europe this season. The last time Real Madrid saw him, Tévez was playing out wide in a 4-3-3 and Fernando Llorente was the one scoring the goals. This time, Tévez will be focal point of Juve's attack, with former Real Madrid striker Álvaro Morata looking to haunt the team that sold him over the summer. But this is the stage, once again, for Tévez to show the kind of form he's been in this season. Unlike the player we'll talk about in the next section, Tévez wasn't rested over the weekend in the Scudetto-clinching win over Sampdoria. Still, Carlitos will have to be crucial against Real Madrid, and continue the kind of form that has seen him score 26 goals in all competitions this season. You know he's going to work like hell to do exactly that, which is he's just so damn awesome.

JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "We need to put in a strong performance, especially in the final third."

 

4. How Carlo Ancelotti tries to stop Andrea Pirlo.

I'd say these two gentlemen know a thing or two about each other from their days at Milan, eh? What do you think?

As I said earlier this week, Pirlo will have to be one of the Juventus players who will probably need to be on top of their game for the team to be successful. We know that Pirlo will be rested after not featuring over the weekend against Sampdoria. Rested Pirlo is the best kind of Pirlo and obviously one that will look to break down the Real defense with his trademark passes and tricks. Given that Real Madrid are likely to shift away from their 4-4-2 they used over the weekend against Sevilla because of Gareth Bale's anticipated return to the starting lineup, a three-man midfield could be the direction Ancelotti goes. If that is indeed the case, just how, exactly, he sets things to defend against Juventus' resident maestro will be quite interesting to keep an eye on.

JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen
.@MrAncelotti: "@Pirlo_official's a great player. He considers me a father? I consider him a brother!"


My starting XI (4-3-1-2): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio; Pereyra; Morata, Tévez


OFFICIAL KICKOFF TIME: 8:45 P.M. IN ITALY; 2:45 P.M. ON THE EAST COAST; 11:45 A.M. ON THE WEST COAST

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

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

Tevez: Madrid tie will be decided by mistakes

The Argentine believes the semi-final with Carlo Ancelotti's men
will be tough and hard fought but believes his side can progress.

May 4, 2015

Carlos Tevez believes Juventus' Champions League semi-final tie with Real Madrid will be won by the team who makes the least mistakes.

The two sides meet in the first leg of their last-four tie in Turin on Tuesday and the striker is expecting a close encounter.

"It will be a difficult, open and hard fought semi-final. There's no favourite, the team that makes the least mistakes will win," he told reporters.

"Here, I have the belief of my coach and my team-mates. They make me feel important. The big secret behind Juventus is the group's mentality, that's what's brought us the success we've had."

Tevez believes he and star midfielder Arturo Vidal can combine to drive the Italian champions to victory and is looking forward to seeing former Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Vidal is in great shape, he scored on Saturday against Sampdoria and has regained his confidence. I hope that together we can make the difference.

"I'll see Cristiano in the tunnel and we'll have a chat. But we'll be rivals the minute the game starts.

"Alvaro Morata has come on leaps and bounds over the past few months and is ready. He won't feel the pressure."

[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: Juve must do great things to beat Real Madrid

The coach feels there will be plenty of goals in the Champions League
semi-final tie and admits his side must be at their best to progress.

May 4, 2015

Massimiliano Allegri believes Juventus must do "great things in defence and attack" to beat Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals.

Juve progressed to the last four of the competition after beating Monaco in the quarter-finals to set up a tie with Madrid, who beat city rivals Atletico.

Allegri is sure there will be goals in both games of their last four tie, but feels his side must be at their best in every position if they are to reach the final.

"We need to put in a strong performance, especially in the final third. There are top rate teams in the Champions League semi-finals," he told reporters. "It will be a double-header of the highest calibre, we must do great things in defence and in attack, but we have to be very good in attack.

"I don't think we'll see clean sheets in either game. Madrid are the defending champions, so it will be challenging but it is fair that they are considered favourites at this point.

"We are ready to take our chances against a great team and so many great champions."

The injured Paul Pogba will miss Tuesday's clash in Turin, but the coach hopes his star midfielder will be fit for the game in Madrid the following week, before revealing that he will play with four defenders in the first leg.

"We hope to have Pogba back for the return leg.

"Ancelotti said he'll play with four at the back? So will we. All that matters in football is results. A lot is said at the start of the season, but at the end of the season all that remains are the results.

"There can be so many opinions that nearly anybody can be right. We've had pretty good results and I'm delighted and proud, thanks to the lads and the club I've worked with."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

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

5 Reasons to Believe Juventus Can
Shock Real Madrid in Champions League

May 4, 2015

Real Madrid travel to Juventus Stadium on Tuesday evening, the reigning European champions hoping to triumph in a semi-final encounter with Italian football’s most dominant side.

Having finally lifted the trophy for the 10th time, the visitors will hope to continue their incredible record in the continent’s top competition.

Standing in their way is a Juve side who clinched their fourth consecutive Serie A title this past weekend, proving once again that the peninsula’s other clubs are currently no match for the Torinese giants. Having reached this stage for the first time in 12 years, Max Allegri and his players will hope to overcome their status as huge underdogs in this tie.

Over the following pages is a look at five reasons why the Bianconeri might pull off a surprise win over this two legged encounter, seeking to book a place in next month’s final in Berlin.


1. Winning Their Latest League Title

Having sealed that fourth league title on Sunday, Juventus ensured this meeting with Real Madrid can be their entire focus over the next two weeks. Indeed, next weekend’s Serie A encounter with Cagliari is rendered completely meaningless, the Bianconeri able to rest any number of players before the second leg against Carlo Ancelotti’s men.

In La Liga, however, the side from the Spanish capital trail Barcelona by just two points with three games still to play.

The fixture list has been somewhat unkind to them, meaning they host fourth-placed Valencia next weekend before the conclusion of this Champions League semi-final.


2. The Form of Carlos Tevez

While his play might not be at the level of Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez is every inch as important to his side as those two modern greats.

The 31-year-old has been in fine form throughout 2014-15, netting 28 goals in all competitions, a tally which already includes six Champions League strikes.


3. Hunger Throughout the Team

Despite their continued domestic success, Juventus are somewhat starved of glory in Europe. The Bianconeri last won the Champions League back in 1996, and the current squad would love to etch their names into club folklore by adding a triumph on the grandest stage of all.

Former boss Giovanni Trapattoni believes that could prove crucial, telling TuttoSport (h/t Football Italia): “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.”


4. The Impact of Massimiliano Allegri

Having clinched three league titles under Antonio Conte, Juventus were rocked when the coach resigned last summer. Max Allegri arrived and quickly made some interesting changes, teaching the side to be comfortable playing with an orthodox four-man defence as well as within the 3-5-2 framework so beloved by his predecessor.

“The change of Coach gave Juventus something more, because in the first two months of the season we wanted to prove that we were still the best,” defender Giorgio Chiellini told Sport Mediaset back in March (h/t Football Italia).

“We are grateful to Conte and recognise everything he did here, but we also want to prove to everyone and above all to ourselves that we are a great team.”


5. Arturo Vidal

While other players—including the aforementioned Carlos Tevez—may have an impact upon this tie, perhaps it might once again fall to Arturo Vidal to inspire the Bianconeri.

The Chilean midfielder has struggled for both form and fitness this term but has delivered whenever Juventus need him the most.

It was his goal that ultimately sealed their passage to the last four of Europe’s elite competition, and it is not the only time he has proven decisive during the current campaign.

As discussed in this previous column, Vidal continues to be a vital component for the Italian champions and will be central to their hopes of 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)

Five Battles That Will Decide Juventus V Real Madrid

May 4, 2015

Juventus fly the flag for Italy in Europe’s elite competition, and Forza Italian Football highlight the five key battles which could decide a momentous game of football.

Juventus are chasing a first major European honour in 19 years, but face the reigning champions in a two-legged semi-final to reach the grand stage next month.

With the Serie A title claimed last weekend, the Bianconeri are free to pursue the Champions League with all they have, to abolish the demons of many underwhelming campaigns in recent years.

Massimiliano Allegri’s men have reached the final on three occasions since their 1996 success against Ajax, but failed in all three showpieces.

Juventus are chasing a first major European honour in 19 years, but face the reigning champions in a two-legged semi-final to reach the grand stage next month.

With the Serie A title claimed last weekend, the Bianconeri are free to pursue the Champions League with all they have, to abolish the demons of many underwhelming campaigns in recent years.

Massimiliano Allegri’s men have reached the final on three occasions since their 1996 success against Ajax, but failed in all three showpieces.


1. Carlos Tevez v Pepe

Carlos Tevez can best be described as electric, and represents the main outlet for Juventus to find goals in the home leg.

He thrives off the support from Juventus’ stacked midfield, but also creates his own chances which is one of his greatest features.

In what could represent his last chance of European success, Tevez needs no more motivation to perform in a match of great magnitude.

Against Pepe, he has a hot-headed obstacle who could be prone to losing his cool with Tevez’s unpredictable nature, particularly with his movement.

The Portuguese can sometimes look a little out of place in the huge fixtures, a weakness which Tevez should look to directly put to the test.


2. Cristiano Ronaldo v Stephan Lichtsteiner

Cristiano Ronaldo is a man who, quite rightly, doesn’t need an introduction.

The forward will radiate danger wherever he is on the pitch, undoubtedly in search of yet another record to break.

Because of Juventus’ compact three man defence, Ronaldo may seek joy out on the left side, where it will be up to Stephan Lichtsteiner to show defensive discipline of the highest order.

Lichtsteiner has had a very solid campaign so far, winning Serie A with a handful of games to spare, and putting in consistent performances which suggest he could contain even the world’s best.

Ronaldo’s searing pace, abundance of tricks and an ability to use both feet to no disadvantage will all be considered by the studious Swiss.

It is a tremendously tough task for Lichtsteiner, but it’s one which needs to be performed admirably if Juventus are to succeed in this year’s competition.


3. Andrea Pirlo v Toni Kroos

Andrea Pirlo already has two Champions League successes to his name, but will be hunting a third with that same hunger and desire.

In manning that deep lying role in midfield, Pirlo may find himself close to Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos, who possesses similar qualities.

Set piece extraordinaires with the ability to spot and play a variety of passes with just one thought, Pirlo and Kroos are vital cogs in the machine of each respective side.

Rather than a bruising battle of conflict, the competition between these two could reside in their effectiveness, although neither would resist an opportunity to shut their opposite number down with a tackle.

Both Pirlo and Kroos represent that highly-valued player who the defence can find in deep willing to receive a pass at all times, with the willingness to turn and instigate an attack, a key aspect in the play of each side.


4. Sergio Ramos v Arturo Vidal

The potential tussle between Sergio Ramos and Arturo Vidal is an intriguing one, which could go some way to deciding the outcome of this match.

Vidal is one of the world’s finest midfielders, an accolade demonstrated with roaring success in the past few seasons, while Ramos made his name in defence.

However, Ramos’ emergence as a defensive midfielder was arguably decisive in beating Atletico Madrid to a semi-final berth, putting the final nail in Asier Illaramendi’s Los Blancos coffin in the process.

So far, the relocation of Ramos has been an unorthadox success for coach Carlo Ancelotti, who will be hoping that his star will continue to bear fruit.

With Vidal poised to again drive forward in an unrelenting fashion, the still strengthening barrier of Ramos sets up a key battle.


5. James Rodriguez v Giorgio Chiellini

James Rodriguez has enjoyed a successful debut season with Real Madrid, but wouldn’t have faced many defenders as intimidatingly good as Giorgio Chiellini.

Fresh from the confidence of guiding his side to yet another domestic domination, Chiellini is ready to do battle to secure an honour which would take his reputation to a level even higher.

Far from a one-sided battle, Rodriguez has excelled in a position out on the right side this season, as opposed to a central role.

Six goals and five assists have been the result of 10 starts out wide, so Chiellini will have to be wary of the 2014 World Cup star inflicting serious damage.

Rodriguez is a unique player in his own right, but Chiellini will be confident in applying his knowledge to counteract his opponent.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

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

Sacchi: Pirlo & Tevez are phenomenal

The former coach believes the Juventus duo are crucial to their hopes
of progressing to the final of the Champions League at the expense of Real Madrid.

May 4, 2015

Arrigo Sacchi has hailed Andrea Pirlo and Carlos Tevez as "phenomenal" players and believes they will be crucial to Juventus in their Champions League semi-final with Real Madrid.

Juve host Madrid in Turin on Tuesday in the first leg of their last-four tie and Sacchi, a former Italy and AC Milan coach and Madrid sporting director, believes the Italian side can put the European champions under a lot of pressure, insisting Tevez and Pirlo are key.

"The Italian teams have never been easy for Madrid. If the players forget that, they could cause them some problems," he told AS. "Pirlo is a phenomenon who plays at his own pace.

"Another phenomenon is Tevez. He plays all over the field and for the team. He plays in a difficult space to defend against - in between the oppoisition defence and the midfield."

Sacchi believes Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri has done well to carry on the good work of Antonio Conte and feels he has improved the team's defence.

"He's taking advantage of the work of Conte. But now they pay more attention to the defensive side of the game.

"He will play a 5-3-2 against Madrid. Allegri doesn't have the courage to play with only two centre-backs.

"If anyone is expecting a mistake from the Juve defence, they should think again. Juve will say 'Relax, we can close it up and sooner or later Madrid will put a foot wrong'.

"Madrid are without Luka Modric, which is vital. They rely heavily on individual quality and don't always press well. When they don't have possession, they are not always good."

The two-time European Cup-winning coach also touched on the other semi-final between Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

"The two teams will play to win," he said. "Bayern did not always have consistency but now they are fine.

"They kill, the team is a machine!"

[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 – Team News And Tactics

May 4, 2015

The two superpowers of world football, Real Madrid and Juventus, meet each other in the first semi final of UEFA Champions League in Turin and looking at the current form of both the teams, this game promises to be a memorable one.

Juventus clinched their fourth straight Serie A title on this weekend and Max Allegri’s side remain in hunt for a treble to make it a historical season. But the task ahead of them is not at all easy as Real Madrd have performed better in Europe than them in recent past.

Real Madrid, the record ten times champions of Europe, are on course to become the first team ever to defend their UEFA Champions League title but Carlo Ancelotti’s men will have to do it without the services of Luka Modric and Karim Benzema.


Team News and Tactics

Juventus

Things were not looking well for the Old Lady of Italy before the start of this season as Antonio Conte had resigned from his post while they also failed to land any big name striker in the transfer window.

But new coach Max Allegri has done wonders with this team as Juventus are already crowned as the champions of Italy, while they are on a right track to complete the treble.

The biggest strength of this Juventus side is their solid defence. In Serie A, Juventus have conceded just 19 goals in 34 outings, while in the Champions League, the Old Lady have shipped just five goals in 10 matches, with Giji Buffon having kept six clean sheets in the process.

The midfield of Juventus, consisting of Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, Paul Pogba and Marchisio, is arguably the strongest in Europe. But, Paul Pogba is still out injured and he won’t be playing against Real Madrid tonight which is a big blow for coach Max Allegri.

On the attacking front, the form of Carlos Tevez is a big plus for Juventus. Carlos Tevez has scored 28 goals this season and he will be a key player for the Bianconeri tonight.

Meanwhile, ahead of tonight’s game, Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has said that Real Madrid is the ‘most important club’ in the world.

“Real Madrid are the most important club in the world,” said Andrea Pirlo.

“They have a lot of experience in this type of game and have a team of champions.”

“The first leg is crucial and we’ll need to play with intelligence as we have done in recent years. We’ll be mindful but also show some swagger, because we have a dream to fulfill and nothing to lose, but also aware that there’s a second leg to follow.”

Predicted Starting Lineup (5-3-2):

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

Real Madrid

Real Madrid are trailing by two points to FC Barcelona in La Liga at the moment and they obviously are the second favorites to win that competition now. But, the Los Blancos still remain in hunt of their second successive UEFA Champions League title but they will have to overcome the challenge of Juventus first.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men showed great character to beat Atletico in the quarterfinals. But the tonight’s game is a different ball game altogether as Juventus are looking in great touch at the moment while, Italy remains the difficult hunting ground for Los Blancos as they remain winless in their last seven trips.

The defence of Real Madrid looks well settled as they have not conceded a goal in 444 minutes in their away matches in the Champions League so far.

Carlo Ancelotti was forced to use Chicharito as the replacement of Karim Benzema against Atletico at Santiago Bernabeu and the Mexican surprised everybody by scoring a winning goal. And, Ancelotti will have to start with Chicharito again tonight as Benzema still remains sidelined.

Meanwhile, the biggest headache for Carlo Ancelotti at the moment is his midfield as Luka Modric remains sidelined due to an injury.

Real Madrid midfield has looked short of ideas in absence of Modric on many occasions this season. Ancelotti will be hoping for an inspirational performance from the likes of Kroos, Isco and James tonight.

Meanwhile, Toni Kroos has said that having an Italian coach will help them in a game against Juventus.

“We have an Italian coach that knows Juventus very well,” Toni Kroos said. “I think that will help us.

“We are going to do all that we can to reach the final knowing that no club has managed to defend the Champion League crown.

“This is our biggest challenge of the year.”

Predicted Starting Lineup (4-3-3):

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

Players To Watch Out For

Carlos Tevez (Juventus)

In spite of ongoing rumours surrounding his future, Tevez remains the most dangerous attacker of Juventus and he has all the ability to cause trouble to the solid defence of Real Madrid.


Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

Cristiano Ronaldo looked out of form in April but he made a strong come back in a game against Sevilla on Saturday, which is certainly a bad news for Juventus. Max Allegri will have to find a way to stop Ronaldo tonight or the CR7 will make life miserable for his defence in their own backyard tonight.


Score Prediction

Juventus 1-1 Real Madrid

Juventus Stadium has become a fortress for the Old Lady this season and, on the other hand, Real Madrid have also played exceptionally well away from home in Champions League. Both teams look well balanced at the moment and it will be a big surprise if a tonight’s clash produces a clear winner.


Blast From The Past
 

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

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

Remembering Juventus vs. Real Madrid -
Champions League semifinals 2003

As Juventus prepare to meet Real Madrid again, let's take a look back
at one of Juventus' finest European performances in the modern era.

May 5, 2015

It's unbelievably been 12 years since Juventus have made it to the last four of Europe's premier club competition. The last time that the Old Lady were at this stage, the Stadio Delle Alpi was still Juve's home ground, the team contained champions such as future Juve coach Antonio Conte, Lilian Thuram, Gianluca Zambrotta, Edgar Davids, Paolo Montero, and lesser appreciated players like Alessandro Birrindelli, Gianluca Pessotto, Marcelo Zalayeta and one of my favourites, Igor Tudor (see Juventus vs Deportivo of that same season). I don't think I need to mention our "big 3" of that time, do I?

Coincidentally — or not — on that last occasion, Juventus also played Real Madrid; a Real Madrid going through it's first Galacticos era. That Real Madrid team included megastars like ex-Juve midfield maestro Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Ronaldo (the real one), Raul and Roberto Carlos, among others. Juventus were very much the underdogs, especially considering that Real Madrid were defending champions, having won the previous season. They added Ronaldo the following summer, and were fresh from sweeping aside an imperious Manchester United team at Old Trafford. Juventus, for their part, had beaten Barcelona on away goals in the previous round.

On May 14, 2003, Juventus went into the second leg of the semifinal down 2-1, having lost at the Bernabeu to goals from Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos either side of a David Trezeguet away goal. What took place that night, in front of a packed Stadio Delle Alpi (a rare occurrence in those days), was one of the greatest performances by a Juventus team in European competition.

Every player was on song that night. The defence, midfield and attack all combined to produce an assured, aggressive and confident performance that nullified the threats posed by the most expensive team assembled (at that time). Despite giving up a penalty and a late goal, things could hardly have gone better for the Bianconeri on that night.

I remember that game so vividly; from Alex Del Piero making Fernando Hierro propose to him before finishing past Iker Casillas for Juve's second, to Thuram's imperious display at the back. I still get emotional thinking about it *sniff sniff*. It was so beautiful...

Can this year's class repeat the heroics of that '03 class and get past Real Madrid in the last four of the Champions League? Just a few hours till we find out whether they have what it takes. There will definitely be no shortage of motivation, given what can be possibly achieved if they do.

Whatever the result, as always, fino alla fine! Forza Juve!

[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 vs. Real Madrid: Team News

May 5, 2015

After years of waiting, Juventus have finally fought their way back to the last four of the Champions League, with the Bianconeri making their first semi-final appearance since 2003. Awaiting them are the reigning European champions Real Madrid, seeking to become the first side to retain the trophy in its current format.

It is a rematch of that clash from 12 years ago, with Carlo Ancelotti’s presence on the bench for the Spanish giants providing a further link between the present and the past. He was of course the coach of the Milan side who would go on to defeat the Old Lady that same year, having also had a spell in charge of the Turin-based club a few years earlier.

The feeling of familiarity continues throughout the teams, with Cristiano Ronaldo having won this competition with Manchester United alongside current Juve stars Carlos Tevez and Patrice Evra. The meeting will also be particularly poignant for the two Spanish players in Max Allegri’s squad, strikers Alvaro Morata and Fernando Llorente.

While the former grew up in Real’s youth sector, the latter enjoys a fine strike rate against them, having struck in both group games between the sides back in 2013 and netting five times for Athletic Club during his time in La Liga.

“We’ll have to play a perfect match, because they don’t make mistakes,” Llorente warned in an interview with Sky last week (h/t Football Italia). “We can hurt Real, and I’m ready to give everything. We did well against them last year and should have won in Turin, but we compromised that victory with a mistake, but if we don’t commit errors we can do it.”


Predicted Lineups

Juventus: (4-3-2-1):
Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio; Pereyra, Tevez; Morata

Real Madrid: (4-3-3):
Casillas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Isco, Rodríguez; Benzema, Bale, Ronaldo


Player to Watch

While it would be easy to pick out the likes of Tevez or Ronaldo here, perhaps the key man in this tie will be Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo. Now fully recovered from injury, the Italian international is expected to take up his usual role in front of the defence, and his performance could well determine the outcome of this semi-final.

Much is made of Pirlo’s struggles when the opposition press and harass him, but in truth he has vastly improved this aspect of his game since moving to Turin. He showcased an ability to escape such attention in the last round, dragging AS Monaco players out of position constantly before popping up on the flank to play a wonderful pass to Morata.

That led to the penalty which ultimately decided the tie, and while Pirlo can occasionally be guilty of overplaying the ball near his own box, he is not the liability many have made him appear to be. If the 35-year-old can once again disrupt play and create chances for his team-mates, Juventus have every chance of springing a surprise here.


Key Battle

Real Madrid will score goals in this tie. Given the current strike rate it is impossible to imagine the Bianconeri being able to hold the Spanish giants scoreless over two legs, making it vital that they themselves find the back of the net.

Key to that will be Tevez, Serie A’s most in-form striker and the likeliest player to trouble the opposition defence in such a high profile clash. He has six goals thus far in the competition, a total bettered only by Ronaldo’s tally of eight among these two teams and must add to that if Juventus are to progress.

The task of stopping him will likely fall to Sergio Ramos, the defender will relish the challenge presented by Tevez.


Odds (via Odds Shark)

Away win: 41/100

Home win: 42/25

Draw: 59/25

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

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

Underappreciated Carlos Tevez Is Juventus' Galactico

May 5, 2015

There are some who would describe this season’s Champions League semi-final line-up as being composed of the best three teams on the planet, plus Juventus. Many, more pointedly, would suggest that Juve’s opposition is just a subordinate clause prefacing Real Madrid’s second successive final, with Carlo Ancelotti and company likely to make short work of his former club before embracing their destiny of reaching the Berlin final.

Whereas this Juve side may not quite inspire the dread outside Italy of their 1990s counterparts under Marcello Lippi (and it remains an anomaly that they only won one title in three successive attempts between 1996 and 1998), they are a force to be reckoned with. El Real may have the names in the shape of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and the rest, but Juve have their own superstar.

Carlos Tevez is often absent from debates on which players number among the world’s greatest, but he really shouldn’t be. It seems equally ridiculous to say that he could make this week’s semi-final one of the defining moments of his career, given that he is one of only seven players in history to have won both the Champions League and the Copa Libertadores.

Yet there is a sense that the time is right for another reminder of Tevez’s brilliance. It is something that has been apparent on an almost weekly basis in Serie A for going on two years. He comes through at exactly the moments when Massimiliano Allegri and his team need him the most, whether it be the floated free-kick against Roma at Stadio Olimpico, the close-range sledgehammer to crack open stubborn Empoli or the dead-eyed slot against Lazio, to name but three.

As much as one can only admire the enduring quality of Luca Toni and Mauro Icardi’s rising talent, it would be a travesty if anyone other than Tevez won the title of Capocannoniere (Tevez currently has 20, two more than each of the aforementioned chasing pair).

Add to those goals a further seven assists (from a total of 28 starts), plus six in the Champions League and a further two in Coppa Italia action, and it’s clear exactly how pivotal he still is to Juve’s direction, even at 31. Frankly, the suggestion that Palermo’s Paulo Dybala (a recognised transfer target for the Bianconeri) is a ready-made replacement—even acknowledging the young Argentinian’s progress and potential—is fanciful at this stage.

There are a whole host of reasons why Tevez isn’t quite as respected as he should be. His stop-start international career with Argentina is the only one of them that’s really grounded in football. Most of the others at least partly relate to his longtime partnership with agent Kia Joorabchian, the author of Tevez’s extraordinary arrival in Europe with West Ham in 2006 and widely presumed as the motivating factor behind his later departure from Manchester United to Manchester City.

At City, there was also the image of Tevez as a deserter as well as a mercenary, when he went AWOL for a midseason sojourn back to Argentina, as recorded here by BBC Sport. When on the pitch, however, his commitment and energy has always been beyond reproach. One of Roberto Mancini’s smartest moves as City boss was to quickly forgive Tevez, and he went on to make useful contributions in the successful Premier League title run-in of 2012.

Tevez is the real deal, and he always has been. What he hasn’t been, until this season at least, is prolific in the Champions League. His superb free-kick against Malmo in September was his first goal in the competition since the opener for United against Aalborg in December 2008.

Perhaps premier among this season’s half-dozen was the opener against Borussia Dortmund in the last-16 return leg at Signal Iduna Park. Not only did it help return Juve to the last eight, but it re-established a genuine authority in Europe. They were to be admired, and feared, once more.

So it’s little wonder that director general Beppe Marotta sees “no reason” why Juve would agree to end Tevez’s deal a year before its 2016 expiry, to facilitate an expected eventual return to his first love, Boca Juniors, as per Radio Rai (h/t Football Italia). He is Juve’s galactico, and Real Madrid must handle him with care this week.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

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

Llorente: Juventus Can Beat Real Madrid By Showing Unity

May 5, 2015

Juventus forward Fernando Llorente believes his side can beat Real Madrid ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg at the Juventus Stadium by showing unity and fighting spirit.

The Old Lady secured their fourth straight Serie A title at the weekend and are now able to focus solely on their bid for a third Champions League triumph.

“I think it’s very important to be facing Real Madrid with the league title already in the bag,” the 30-year-old told JTV.

“It’s one less thing to think about, meaning we can focus solely on this double header against Madrid. They’re two extremely important games.

“We celebrated the league title win inside the dressing room, but now’s not the time for celebrations.

“We need to be ready for Tuesday’s game and have all our strength for that day.

“They’re a great team and I think we put in two fine performances against them last year.

“They went on to win the competition and are a superior side, but I don’t think you’ll see this superiority over two games.

“We can beat Real Madrid by being a united team and fighting as if it were the last game of our lives.

“If we don’t allow them space or dwell too much on the quality of their players, I think we’ll have a greater chance of winning.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

-

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

Tevez: Juventus Are Underdogs Against Real Madrid

May 5, 2015

Juventus striker Carlos Tevez has claimed that the Bianconeri are not favourites to progress as they prepare for their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid on Tuesday.

The first leg is in Turin, 12 years after Juve’s last Champions League semi-final appearance, and Tevez is looking forward to the occasion.

“We will not be favourites for the games against Real.” Tevez told reporters at his pre-game press conference as reported by Tuttomercatoweb.

“It will be difficult for us to progress to the final but that is our goal. I did not expect for the team to go so far in this competition. I expected us to fight in every game but not to get to the semi-finals.

“Therefore we are all really excited about playing in this match on such a great stage.

“I was told when I came to this club that they were building towards something big and that they wanted me to play an important role.

“I have found confidence in the faith that the people at this club have in me.”