Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

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Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Benzema returns for Madrid

May 12, 2015

Karim Benzema is confirmed as fit, and is named in Real Madrid’s squad for the Juventus match tomorrow night.

The Frenchman missed the first leg with an injury, but has been named as part of Carlo Ancelotti’s 21-man squad for the semi-final second leg.

Toni Kroos is also deemed fit enough for the match, despite being taken off with an injury during the weekend’s draw with Valencia.

The Bianconeri need only avoid defeat to reach a first Champions League final since 2003, while Los Merengues are seeking to become the first team to retain the trophy.


Real Madrid squad to face Juventus:

 

Casillas, Navas, Pacheco, Varane, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao, Carvajal, Marcelo, Arbeloa, Nacho, Kroos, James Rodriguez, Lucas Silva, Bale, Isco, Illaramendi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Hernandez, Jese.

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Morata: I Don’t Hold Any Grudges Towards Real Madrid

May 12, 2015

Juventus striker Alvaro Morata has stated that he holds no grudges towards Real Madrid following his summer transfer to the Bianconeri in 2014.

The 22-year-old will make his return to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday evening when Juve will take on Los Blancos in their Champions League semi-final second leg.

“I do not hold any grudges towards anyone,” said Morata when speaking to Sky Sport Italia.

“I am grateful towards [Real Madrid coach] Carlo Ancelotti for giving me so many opportunities to play. Including those few minutes in the Champions League final last season.

“Because of this, I do not believe that I have to prove anything to anyone.

“I am a Juventus player and I will do my best for the team.”

The Spanish starlet has also been quizzed upon whether there is a possibility of a transfer back to his former club.

“I am not thinking about a return to Real Madrid, I am happy in Turin,” he said.

“We have proven that we are one of the best four teams in Europe and we are now aiming for the final.”

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Pogba makes Juventus squad

May 12, 2015

Paul Pogba is, as expected, part of the 22-man Juventus squad travelling to Madrid for tomorrow’s Champions League clash.

The Bianconeri are seeking to hold onto a 2-1 lead from the first leg against holders Real Madrid, and Pogba has returned to the squad after making his comeback from a hamstring injury in the weekend draw with Cagliari.

There are no real surprises in Massimiliano Allegri’s squad, with the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Gianluigi Buffon and Carlos Tevez all making the trip.


Juventus squad to face Real Madrid:

Buffon, Chiellini, Ogbonna, Pogba, Pepe, Marchisio, Morata, Tevez, Coman, Llorente, Barzagli, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Storari, Matri, Evra, Rubinho, Pereyra

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Buffon: 'Juve will attack Madrid'

May 12, 2015

Gigi Buffon assured Juventus do not expect to just “defend and keep a clean sheet” against Real Madrid. “We mustn’t have regrets.”

Tomorrow’s tie is their chance to reach the Champions League Final for the first time in 12 years and Juve have the advantage after winning the first leg 2-1.

“When you step into these monuments of football lore, it really takes on a different dimension,” the ‘keeper told Sky Sport Italia in the Bernabeu.

“This aura will also be one of the components we must face in the best way possible. We mustn’t leave here with regrets.

“Real Madrid were very unlucky in their last Liga game, as I think if they played that another nine times, they’d win every one.

“Tomorrow we’ll have to allow Real something, but I am sure we’ll be able to hurt them too. It’s frankly unlikely to think we could come here and do nothing but defend to keep a clean sheet.

“Will I be the protagonist of the game? I hope to be a protagonist along with my teammates, as if we get a positive result then all of us will be protagonists.

“What really matters is reaching the Final.”

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Allegri: 'My biggest match'

May 12, 2015

Max Allegri admits “this is the most important match of my career” and Paul Pogba could start Real Madrid v Juventus.

The second leg of the Champions League semi-final is at the Bernabeu tomorrow evening after Juve won the first encounter 2-1.

“It’s not my first time at the Bernabeu, as I was here in my first year with Milan,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“This is the most important match of my career, as it doesn’t happen every day to be in a Champions League semi-final. Now we are here and we believe that we can get to Berlin.”

Real Madrid have fallen behind in La Liga and were criticised for their recent performances.

“They are absolutely not in crisis. This is a side with great players and technique. At home they create much more than away and we need a great performance.

“We must play with a relaxed state of mind, because we’ve got the qualities to be here and we’ve proved that already.

“We have to be aware of our own strengths. We are here to play these 95 minutes to reach the Final.”

Pogba missed the first leg and made his comeback in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Cagliari, getting the decisive goal.

“He is in good shape, he played a good 60 minutes. There is a possibility he will play, but we still have to make a decision,” noted Allegri.

“At the moment only Martin Caceres is out of action and that is an important statistic.”

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Buffon: 'Juve pride in Madrid'

May 12, 2015

Gigi Buffon sees Real Madrid v Juventus as a “proud” moment for those who helped lift the club up from Serie B.

He has already played in a Champions League Final, losing to Milan on penalties in 2003, while he also lost all three previous trips to the Bernabeu.

“I’m in good company, as many players have lost here and obviously goalkeepers often emerge having conceded in this stadium,” said Buffon in his Press conference.

“It’s inevitable that the climate around us will create so much pressure that if we just sit back and defend, we’ll end up with regrets.

“Inevitably the statistics show Real Madrid have scored at home in their last 80 or 90 games, but it’s also true that they tend to concede something.

“I don’t believe we will change our usual approach very much. Obviously you have to play with intelligence.”

Since that last Final, the Bianconeri saw two titles stripped and were demoted into Serie B, yet Buffon and other star names stayed.

“I am very proud of our journey. I thank those who remained with me to reboot the Juventus legend. This season too we’ve gone beyond the rosiest expectations, especially as we also reached the Coppa Italia Final.

“Real Madrid v Juventus is the game of pride for the Juve world, for us players, the club, the staff and fans.

“You never create enough antibodies to resist an emotional reaction to situations like this. It’s going to be a long 90 minutes.

“Within us we have the desire to make this dream come true. We also know the only way to earn our place in the Final is to play good football.”

The Champions League Final is in Berlin, where Buffon and some of his Juve teammates won the 2006 World Cup for Italy.

“It’s an interesting journey, from Berlin to Berlin. A football lifetime has passed since then. I am more mature and that helps me face up to certain situations.”

Buffon was asked about teammate Carlos Tevez and what makes him so special.

“He has a very strong temperament and is a real leader on the field dragging everyone else with him. He understands the various moments of the match and sacrifices himself for the team, realising what the team needs most.

“This in my view is a sign of great professionalism and also football intelligence.”

Paul Pogba could well start after making his comeback in the 1-1 draw with Cagliari on Saturday.

“Even if he doesn’t have 90 minutes in his legs, the important thing is for him to have about 60-70 minutes the way he knows how.”

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

UEFA Champions League Semifinal, Leg 2,
Preview: Juventus vs. Real Madrid

May 12, 2015

When Juventus steps onto the Santiago Bernabéu field tomorrow night, there will be a couple of similarities to the situation they found themselves in a little while back in Germany. Juve had the same 2-1 aggregate scoreline to protect, the same away-from-home deal and the well-known fact that their opponent, Borussia Dortmund, had an away goal in their back pocket.

When Juventus plays Real Madrid on Wednesday night, that part of the situation is exactly the same. It's the same 2-1 scoreline. It's the same trip away from Juventus Stadium — although it's Spain, not Germany. It's the same notion that Real Madrid has an away goal thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's first-half header seven days ago.

The stakes, however, are even that much higher on Wednesday night in Madrid. Much, much, much higher.

By the end of Tuesday night, we will know who the winner of Juventus and Real Madrid will be facing. All signs point toward Barcelona being that team because of the insane final 15 minutes of the first leg that produced three goals against Bayern Munich. And come 24 hours later, the second Champions League finalist of 2015 will be officially set in stone as well.

For Juventus, it's simple: Protect the aggregate lead, head to Berlin next month and continue this season's magical European run into the grand finale.

Max Allegri and his Juventus squad has made its money the last two months with one impressive European performance after another when the situation has called for it. They stormed through Germany in the round of 16, then defended like their freaking lives depended on it on the banks of Monte Carlo to get past Monaco. (Okay, so the trip to France wasn't so pretty, but it worked out fine, didn't it?) It has been the clear signal that Juventus can be competitive in more than just the domestic portion of its schedule.

If they can produce another 90 minutes like they played in Turin against Real Madrid, well, the four-time defending Italian champions could very well be playing for a European title as well.

That's something we haven't been able to say for 12 years now. Is it fate that Juventus is playing the same team it played in the Champions League semifinals in 2015 that it did back in 2003? Or is this just a coincidence knowing that Real Madrid are easily one of the best the the world of football has to offer right now?

Maybe it's a little bit of both. We'll wait and see on that one.

But if the aggregate scoreline from 2003 wants to replicate itself once more, then there will be plenty of folks thinking that this whole thing was meant to be. (Although there won't be Milan awaiting us all in the Champions League final. I will resist further jokes at this time.)

I think the one Juventus player who remains from that game back in 2003 would be okay with it. That's just a hunch on my part.

JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen
.@gianluigibuffon: "Each of us has the desire to chase this dream. The only way to get to the final is to come here and play football."


GOOD NEWS

Juventus holds a 2-1 lead heading into Wednesday night's second leg. By my calculations, there's just 90 minutes or so separating Juve and the Champions League final.


BAD NEWS

Real Madrid will be looking for a win, and only a win, with an away goal in their back pocket and doing so at home. That's because a win is the only way Real Madrid makes it into the Champions League final for the second straight season. All of this could combine into a very bad thing if Juventus don't come out and play like they did in the first leg.


WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. Paul Pogba on short rest.

Seeing Juventus' No. 6 back on the field on Saturday was a wonderful sight simply because it had been nearly two months since we last saw Pogba and all the awesomeness he brings to the table. Pogba played well in his first appearance since mid-March while scoring Juventus' lone goal in a 1-1 draw against Cagliari in the process. Now, with Pogba being back in the fold, it is only natural for him to become a regular starter once again. But as was the case when Andrea Barzagli came back from his own injury absence — albeit a much longer one — there's the understandable curiosity of how he will look and respond to the short amount of time in between games. Everybody thinks Pogba will start tomorrow night. And, to be honest, he should. He looked lively against Cagliari, and didn't show much rust at all outside of not playing a full 90 minutes. But when you consider how Juve clearly won the midfield battle in the first leg thanks to Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio then throw in a now-healthy Pogba, that might make me sit a little easier compared to other aspects of the game.

JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "@paulpogba's in good shape and I think there's a good chance of him starting tomorrow night."

 

2. Max Allegri's approach to the game.

When Juventus traveled to Germany, the tactical plans were perfectly clear — defend the final third like crazy and then hit Dortmund on the counter whenever the opportunity came about. Those plans worked out to near-perfection, with a dominant win and a spot in the Champions League quarterfinals coming Juve's direction. Might a different opponent call for different tactics? That's obviously something we will have to wait until Wednesday to find out for sure, but the high-pressure, hit-them-on-the-counter philosophy that has worked out quite well both domestically and in Europe over the course of the last couple of months. I don't think there are too many things that can grab your attention more these days than Carlos Tévez and Álvaro Morata storming forward at full speed on the counterattack. It has not only worked out to be a solid strategy, but it's created a good number scoring chances as well. And let's be honest, the possibility of shutting out Real Madrid and all the talent on that roster when they're going to be rushing forward in search of at least one goal is going to one tough thing to accomplishment.

JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen
.@gianluigibuffon: "Real have so much quality in the final third that if we come here just to defend our lead we'll leave with regrets"

 

3. Trying — emphasis on TRYING — to slow down Cristiano Ronaldo.

It seems rather simple considering Ronaldo has scored about a bazillion goals since he first donned a Real Madrid jersey. But even when you think you've got him all figured out, he goes and pops free in the six-yard box and scores between two defenders to even the score at 1-1. Ronaldo will be Juve's No. 1 defensive assignment just like he is against every single other team he plays against. Outside of his goal, I like to think that the Juve defense did a pretty good job against Ronaldo in the first leg — an accomplishment in its own right when you consider how he can go absolutely nuts on teams at seemingly the snap of his fingers. There's no doubting they will have to do the same kind of thing no matter what kind of formation Carlo Ancelotti goes with Wednesday night. That's the way it should be even with the other players Real Madrid will have on the field.

 

4. How Andrea Barzagli fits into the equation.

As we've seen from Allegri in recent months, when Barzagli doesn't start, it doesn't necessarily mean he won't be playing. In the first leg against Madrid, once the lead was taken back, in came Barzagli and the switch to the 3-5-2 was put into action to lock down the win. It's just another wrinkle that Allegri has added to the tactical flexibility this current version of Juventus has. Nobody is picking Allegri to go with a three-man backline from the opening whistle, and Barzagli playing 90 minutes over the weekend is a good indication that a 4-3-1-2 formation is in Juve's first-year manager's plans. But you have to think that if Juventus holds any kind of lead entering the second half, Barzagli will be one of the three substitutes coming off the bench to try and keep Juve ahead once again. And whenever that does happen, seeing Barzagli will help control the blood pressure. (A little, but that's it, though.)

My starting XI (4-3-1-2): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba; Vidal; 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]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Trapattoni: Buffon Will Be Key
For Juventus Against Real Madrid

May 12, 2015

Former Juventus coach Giovanni Trapattoni believes Gianluigi Buffon will be key for the Bianconeri if they are to progress from Wednesday evening’s Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.

The 76-year-old guided the Bianconeri to European Cup success during the 1984-85 season, and the Italian has pinpointed the veteran goalkeeper as a key player for Juve if they are to hold on to their 2-1 advantage from the first leg.

“Juventus are one game from the final. The Bernabeu can be a double edged sword for Madrid. On the one hand Cristiano Ronaldo will definitely be key, for the Bianconeri I say Buffon,” he told Quotidiano Sportivo.

Alvaro Morata gave the Bianconeri an early lead in the first leg before Cristiano Ronaldo struck with a close range header to level the tie. Carlos Tevez netted the winner for the Old Lady with a second half penalty.

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

REAL MADRID V JUVENTUS

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH PREVIEW

May 12, 2015

Juventus

Juventus coach Max Allegri called the semi-final against Real Madrid ‘the biggest match of his career’ while hinting that Paul Pogba could start the game.

The Serie A title is in the bag and there’s the matter of a Coppa Italia final against Lazio in June, meaning a win tomorrow against Real Madrid keeps Juve’s dream of a historic treble alive…for now.

The Bianconeri fielded a largely second-string team for last weekends 1-1 draw against Cagliari, meaning the likes of Pirlo, Buffon, Tevez and Morata were all rested ahead of tomorrow nights game. Despite the disappointing result, there was one significant positive note with Paul Pogba making his return to the starting XI for the first time since Juve’s 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in February.

Max Allegri typically fields a 3-5-2 away from home, especially in the Champions League, but early indications suggest he’ll stick to a 4-3-1-2 lineup.

Allegri alluded to some changes to his starting lineup in his pre game press conference, suggesting Pogba may start from the first minute.

“We must play with a relaxed state of mind, because we’ve got the qualities to be here and we’ve proved that already.” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia.

“We have to be aware of our own strengths. We are here to play these 95 minutes to reach the Final.”

Speaking about Pogba’s return, Allegri was optimistic about his chances of playing against Real.

“He is in good shape, he played a good 60 minutes. There is a possibility he will play, but we still have to make a decision. At the moment only Martin Caceres is out of action and that is an important statistic.”

Gigi Buffon is fit and rested and is certain to start in goal with Stephan Lichtsteiner and Patrice Evra playing in the full-back positions. Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini will likely start in the centre of defence with Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba making up a 3-man midfield.

Arturo Vidal is far from a conventional trequartista but his performance in the first-leg showed how adaptable he can be, even playing behind the strikers. Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata both got a well earned rest at the weekend and should be raring to go for Juve’s biggest game of the season to date.

 

Probable lineup

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

 

Injured Players

Martin Caceres (ankle)

 

Suspended Players

None

 

Form

(L-W-W-W-D)



Real Madrid

Probable lineup

4-3-3: Casillas; Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Isco, Kroos, Rodriguez; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo

 

Injured players

Luka Modric, Álvaro Medrán

 

Suspended players

None

 

Form

(W-W-W-L-D)

 

Formations

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Real Madrid V Juventus – Team News,
Tactics, Lineups And Predictions

May 12, 2015

Juventus travel to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night to take on Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final. The recently-crowned Italian champions know that any kind of result which sees them avoid defeat will help them reach their first final in this competition since 2003. They face a tough task despite their lead against the reigning champions who are looking to defend the title for the first time in the revamped Champions League era but know they must score or face elimination after defeat in Turin thanks to goals in each half from former player Alvaro Morata and Carlos Tevez. Cristiano Ronaldo’s away goal does offer Los Blancos hope as does their home record. In the league this season, they have scored at least once in every home game and have managed 58 goals in their 18 matches at that venue to date.

It is a similar story for them in Europe too with 15 goals in their five home matches in this competition to date so the Bianconeri will likely be called upon to defend with the class that they have become accustomed to. Massimiliano Allegri’s side have already produced disciplined defensive, counter-attacking performances away from home in the knockout rounds already this year in Dortmund and Monaco, a good showing in the Spanish capital last season in the group stages will also give the Old Lady hope and confidence of knowing that they can perform in that environment.


Team News and Tactics

Real Madrid

It has not been a good week for Real Madrid, with defeat in the first leg last week followed by a 2-2 draw at home to Valencia in La Liga on Saturday which left Carlo Ancelotti’s side four points behind the league leaders Barcelona with just two games remaining. The Champions League now seems the only realistic possibility of a trophy this season. The Spanish side are attempting to become the first team in the modern era to successfully defend this competition and they will still be confident of advancing despite losing the first leg in Turin. Such is the pressure in Madrid, Ancelotti might well lose his job if the 11th European Cup does not arrive. Real Madrid were beaten 4-3 at home by Schalke 04 in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash last month, but they have won 19 of their last 22 European games on home soil. The Spanish outfit have also triumphed in 22 of their 36 two-legged European ties when they lost the first leg away from home, but they have lost each of the last four in that situation.

Real Madrid have been eliminated in their last three European Cup semi-finals against Italian sides. Juventus beat them in 2003, Torino in 1992 and AC Milan in 1989. But the Spanish side have won 21 of their 29 home games against Italian opponents and only lost six times. Los Blancos absolutely breezed through the group stages this season – winning all six of their Group B fixtures to top the section on 18 points. They only stumbled past Schalke and Atletico Madrid, however, which will be a concern for Ancelotti at this stage. Ending the season without a major trophy is always seen as a disappointment for a club of Real Madrid’s size and history, but they will need a strong performance in front of their own supporters. The possibility of a stunning final against Barcelona will surely act as the motivation. Real Madrid had a scare against Valencia when Toni Kroos was forced off in the first period. The German took to social media on Sunday, however, to deny claims that he would be out for the remainder of the season. Kroos also trained on Monday, before Ancelotti revealed that the problem was not muscular. It is expected that Kroos will start against Juve, but Luka Modric is still on the sidelines with a knee problem. Karim Benzema could also be back following a knee problem, but it is expected that the Frenchman will start on the bench. Dani Carvajal and Marcelo should both return at full-back, while it is currently unclear where Sergio Ramos will be deployed. The Spaniard returned to centre-back against Valencia and might retain that position with Raphael Varane dropping out. Javier Hernandez is likely to start in a forward position alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.

Probable Starting Line-up (4-3-3):Casillas; Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; James, Kroos, Isco; Hernandez, Ronaldo, Bale

 

Juventus

Juventus clinched their fourth successive Italian title with four games to spare on May 2. However, success in Europe’s premier competition has been hard to find in recent seasons. In fact, the last time that the Old Lady reached this stage of the Champions League was in the 2002-03 season, when they eventually lost on penalties to great rivals AC Milan in the final. The Italian outfit have made a serious impression in this season’s competition, however, and showed their credentials at this level with a strong performance in the first leg. Their home form has always been strong, but they have also not conceded a single goal in any of their last three away games in this competition, which included a 0-0 draw at Monaco in the quarter-finals. What’s more, Juventus have won 33 of their 41 European ties where they won the home first leg – including all four when the score was 2-1. That said, Juve’s record in Spain is not too strong – winning on just three of their 21 trips and losing 14 times in the process. This is also their 11th semi-final appearance in the European Cup and they have won seven of those two-legged ties.

For a club of Juventus’s history, a total of two European Cups is a little disappointing. In terms of their progression to this stage, they finished second in Group A behind Atletico – collecting 10 points from their six games. They did lose 1-0 away to Atletico, however, and that score in Madrid on Wednesday would take the home side into the final on away goals. Borussia Dortmund were dispatched 5-1 on aggregate in the round of 16, before the Italian side beat Monaco 1-0 on aggregate in the quarter-finals. They have only conceded twice in their last seven Champions League games, meanwhile, which is an indication of the task facing Real Madrid. Juventus were handed a huge boost at the weekend when Paul Pogba, who had been out since March 18 with a thigh problem, made a scoring return against Cagliari. Morata and Tevez are expected to keep their places in the final third, with Massimiliano Allegri keeping faith with the players that performed in Turin. Martin Caceres and Kwadwo Asamoah are still on the sidelines.

Probable Starting Line-up (4-3-1-2):Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Chiellini, Bonucci, Evra; Pirlo, Marchisio, Pogba; Vidal; Morata, Tevez


Key Facts

47% of the teams that have won 2-1 at home in the first leg of a knockout game in the Champions League (9/19) managed to reach the final.

Juventus have been in this situation twice before and have always managed to qualify for the next round: in quarter final v Olympiakos 1998/99 & in last 16 v Borussia Dortmund this season.

Juventus and Real Madrid have both won eight games in their encounters in the European Cup/Champions League (D1).


Players to Watch Out For

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

The Portugal ace struck a record 17 times as Real Madrid claimed their tenth crown last May and has nine more this campaign. He will be their go-to guy on this big occasion once again.

Andrea Pirlo (Juventus)

Sidelined for six weeks with a calf injury, Pirlo returned for the Monaco first leg game and was immediately influential, his pass leading to the penalty that decided the tie. The 35-year-old midfielder will play a crucial role if Juventus are to progress from this massive clash.


Prediction

Real Madrid 3–1 Juventus (After Extra Time)

This game is in the balance after Cristiano Ronaldo’s away goal in Turin but Madrid should be wary of a Juventus counter that could prove decisive. The hosts may be forced to field a very attacking midfield trio, praying that the likes of Kroos and Benzema are available for selection. Juventus are still the underdogs but with Paul Pogba back fit they will fancy their chances of winning the midfield battle once again and can usually rely on their defence to get the job done.


Blast From the Past

A double from Alessandro del Pierro helped Juventus win 2-0 at the Bernabeu in 2008.
 

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Vialli: Juventus Have 75 Percent
Chance Of Reaching Final

May 13, 2015

Former Juventus striker Gianluca Vialli is optimistic of the Bianconeri’s hopes of reaching the Champions League final, stating they have a 75 percent chance of making it past rivals Real Madrid.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side hold a slender 2-1 lead going into their second leg against the Spaniards at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night and despite admitting it will be difficult for Juventus, Vialli is optimistic of seeing his former side reach the final in Berlin next month.

“Juve have a 75 percent chance of qualifying, I am very optimistic,” Vialli told Sky Sport Italia.

“They will need to use their heads and legs, in this respect the Old Lady are much better than Real.

“The Bernabeu will be an important factor where there will a red hot environment.

“Juve will have to play with courage and not succumb to the pressure of the Spanish.”

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Rossi: Juventus And Real Madrid
Will Finish In A Draw

May 13, 2015

Legendary Juventus striker Paolo Rossi believes both sides will score in this evening’s Champions League semi final second leg between his old side and Real Madrid, and is banking on a 1-1 scoreline.

The former Italy forward, turned media pundit, lifted the World Cup back in 1982, a tournament which was held in Spain and played in the final at the Santiago Bernabeu as the Azzurri defeated West Germany 3-1.

“The stadium has completely changed but I still feel very emotional being here,” he told Tuttosport. “It’s an oppressive place but these kind of atmospheres used to spur me on as a player rather than frighten me.

“And that’s how I think the Juve players will feel this evening. I think it’s finely balanced and I can see Real scoring but then I think Juventus have a goal in them too. So I’m predicting a 1-1.”

Rossi played 83 times in Serie A for the Bianconeri and netted 24 times between 1981 and 1985.

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Buffon labels Madrid fans 'ingrates'
over 'outrageous' Casillas boos

The goalkeeper has been jeered by his own supporters
after making a string of high-profile mistakes this season.

May 13, 2015

Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon has labelled Real Madrid fans "ingrates" for their "outrageous" booing of goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

The Spain skipper has spent his entire professional career at the Santiago Bernabeu, winning three Champions Leagues trophies and La Liga five times amongst a host of other honours.

However, a slump in form over the last couple of years has seen him become the target of jeers from the stands but Buffon has leapt to his defence.

"There are certain iconic figures who don't deserve this attitude," he said at a press conference.

"It is an unpleasant and outrageous thing for a professional like him, who has always given his all. The protest against him is an unprecedented gesture from ingrates.

"For 20 years he has given so much for the Real Madrid shirt. Regardless of whether things are going well or not, there are icons who don't deserve this kind of treatment."

Juventus travel to Madrid on Wednesday with a 2-1 lead from the first leg of their Champions League semi-final in Turin last week but Buffon says their job is only half done.

"We have gone beyond our expectations. We are 90 minutes from the final," he continued.

"I'm more mature now than when I was playing in the 2006 World Cup final in Berlin but it's still too early to dream about going through to Berlin."

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Vidal: I won't stop until I win the Champions League

The Chilean says it is a dream for him to even reach the semi-finals
but has vowed to give his all to lift the European Cup in Berlin next month.

May 13, 2015

Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal has promised he will not rest until he has his hands on the Champions League trophy.

The Bianconeri hold a slender 2-1 lead from the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie with Real Madrid heading into the Santiago Bernabeu return.

The Chile international says reaching the last four was a dream come true but is now hoping his side can seal a place in the Berlin final next month.

"It is a dream, because I have always dreamt of being in a Champions League semi-final," he told Uefa.com ahead of Wednesday's second leg.

"I watched it at home as a boy, and now I am really here, that is the thing I have been enjoying the most. And we will try to become champions.

"I know it's very difficult, but I've made it here, and that is difficult too. So I hope to not stop until I lift the trophy.

"When you play against Madrid, you play against the best players in the world, and we know that. We'll try to give our utmost.

"But we also have first-class players, and we hope we can show that over the two legs and reach the final."

Vidal scored the only goal of the quarter-final meeting with Monaco to send his side through to the semi-finals and has now revealed the nerves he had before taking the ultimately decisive spot kick.

"I was very emotional at first, because it was very hard to score in the Champions League. Last year I scored a lot, and the year before I scored as well, but this year it was a lot harder because of various problems.

"But many beautiful things, and also bad [feelings] came together in that moment. I like to let my heart speak when I score and celebrate it to the maximum. And thankfully we qualified for the semi-final with that goal."

Juventus lost two of their three opening group stage matches at the start of the season and Vidal has admitted he and his team-mates underestimated their opponents.

"That was a very ugly moment we went through with Juventus in those first games, as we never expected to lose.

"And yes, we lost in a way that we didn't like. We thought it would be an easier group, but it got complicated and in the end we had to give everything to get through."

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Juve rely on ‘Fantastic Four’ in Madrid

May 13, 2015

Juventus look set to deploy the ‘Fantastic Four’ in midfield for tonight’s Champions League semi-final second leg.

The Bianconeri take on Real Madrid at the Bernabeu looking to hold on to a 2-1 lead from the first leg and make the final of Europe’s top club competition.

Indications from today’s training session are that Arturo Vidal, Andrea Pirlo, Paul Pogba and Claudio Marchisio, dubbed the ‘Fanstastic Four’ by Italian media, will all start in midfield.

Injuries to Pirlo and Pogba have meant that the four have not played together in over two months, but that looks likely to change tonight, with Vidal playing in a slightly more advanced role than his colleagues.

Former Merengues striker Alvaro Morata looks set to be given the nod to start alongside Carlos Tevez up-front.

In defence, Andrea Barzagli looks likely to start the game on the bench, but will be ready to join Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini should Coach Max Allegri switch from 4-3-1-2 to 3-5-2 as things progress.

Patrice Evra and Stephan Lichtsteiner are virtual certainties to start at full-back, with Gianluigi Bufffon taking his customary place between the sticks.

A sold-out crowd of 81,000 will be boosted by 4,000 Bianconero fans, with the last eight tickets for the game being sold today for as much as €600.

The Spanish capital is in the grip of a heatwave at the moment, and the temperature is expected to still be as high as 31 degrees when the players take to the pitch at 19.45.


Probable Juventus line-up to face Real Madrid: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Marchisio, Pirlo, Pogba; Vidal; Tevez, Morata.

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Juventus request water breaks

May 13, 2015

It’s claimed Juventus have asked UEFA for water breaks during tonight’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

The Spanish capital is in the grip of a heatwave ahead of tonight’s semi-final second leg, with temperatures expected to be above 30 degrees at kick-off time.

Spanish newspaper AS reports that the Bianconeri have therefore petitioned UEFA to be allowed water breaks, which the governing body is considering

The breaks will reportedly only be allowed if the temperature is at least 32 degrees 90 minutes before the match starts, in which case UEFA will meet an hour before kick-off to make a decision.

If cooling breaks are to be used, they will be in the 30th and 75th minute of the match, AS claims.

The newspaper also believes that the Bianconeri have requested that the Bernabeu pitch be watered prior to the game getting underway.

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Line-ups: Real Madrid-Juventus

May 13, 2015

Paul Pogba and Karim Benzema make their comebacks from the start as Juventus visit Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final.

The first leg ended 2-1 to the Bianconeri in Turin, so anything other than a defeat will send them through to face Barcelona in the Final on June 6.

It kicks off at the Bernabeu at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) and the heat is so intense in Madrid that Juve have asked UEFA for water breaks.

Pogba was out injured for 52 days with a thigh strain and made his comeback with a goal in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Cagliari.

Max Allegri has opted to throw the 21-year-old Frenchman in from the start to reunite with Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal.

Carlos Tevez partners Alvaro Morata, a player who could well return to Real Madrid after a complex two-year loan deal with counter-options.

It’s a four-man defence again, benching Andrea Barzagli with Patrice Evra at left-back.

Real Madrid make changes too, bringing in Raphael Varane for Pepe and starting Benzema despite the fact he’s been out of action since April 14.

Sergio Ramos struggled badly in a midfield role in Turin and returns to the defence, while Toni Kroos can start despite limping off on Saturday.

Luka Modric is still a big loss for Carlo Ancelotti.


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

Real Madrid bench: Navas, Pepe, Fabio Coentrao, Arbeloa, Illarramendi, Hernandez, Jese


Juventus: Buffon; Lichsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Pirlo, Pogba, Marchisio, Vidal; Morata, Tevez

Juventus bench: Storari, Barzagli, Padoin, Pereyra, Sturaro, Coman, Llorente

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Marotta: 'Juve will attack Madrid'

May 13, 2015

Juventus director Beppe Marotta said they “cannot sit on the laurels” of their first leg win over Real Madrid.

They won 2-1 in Turin and play the second leg of the Champions League semi-final at the Bernabeu this evening.

“This is a very important and difficult game. It’s all about the extremes!” Marotta told Sport Mediaset.

“The first round was positive, this will be more difficult, but I believe in this team. There is the handicap of the heat, but it’ll be a problem for them too.

“We cannot sit on the laurels of the first leg result, which is very limited. Real Madrid are very prolific in the Champions League.

“The Coach wanted to transmit the right attitude to the players, which is to fight for the win from the start.”

Alvaro Morata will start against his former club, having already found the net in the first leg.

“Morata is a player who regardless of his young age has a very strong sense of internal balance. For him it’s a Champions League semi-final and I don’t think he’ll be affected much by playing in this stadium where he’s been many times before.”

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

'No Juve cameo in Madrid'

May 13, 2015

Director Beppe Marotta insists Juventus “are not here for a cameo appearance” against Real Madrid.

The first leg ended 2-1 in Turin and the Champions League semi-final decider is tonight.

“We are not here for a cameo appearance, but to progress in the competition. Regardless of what happens tonight, it remains an unforgettable season,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

“We know Real Madrid are a strong side who score all the time. They have a quite remarkable attacking potential, but we will try to make the most of the counter-attack.

“I started out from the small time and being at the Bernabeu for a Champions League semi-final is a dream come true. However, I am not sated. I want to go forward.”

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

HT 1-0: Juve behind at the Bernabeu

May 13, 2015

Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty has given Real Madrid the half-time 1-0 lead, so Juventus must score to reach the Champions League Final.

The first leg saw a 2-1 victory for the Bianconeri, but the away goal left it in the balance. Paul Pogba and Karim Benzema returned from injury, though at least the Frenchman managed an hour and scored a goal on Saturday against Cagliari. Sergio Ramos returned to defence and Raphael Varane was picked ahead of Pepe. Juve stuck with a four-man defence and Alvaro Morata faced his former teammates.

The history was on Juve’s side, as Madrid hadn’t gone through after losing the first leg in 13 years, getting eliminated seven times in a row.

Gareth Bale and Benzema turned over from promising positions, but Juventus certainly did not sit back in the opening stages at the Santiago Bernabeu. Cristiano Ronaldo’s free kick took a deflection off the wall to land on the roof of the net.

After 13 minutes Iker Casillas got down to turn an Arturo Vidal low drive away after good work from Carlos Tevez.

Benzema sprung the offside trap and could’ve gone for goal, but tried to roll across for Ronaldo and it was crucially intercepted. Gigi Buffon’s first real intervention was after 20 minutes, flying across his goal to punch away a Bale blockbuster from distance.

The game changed when Giorgio Chiellini clumsily bumped into the back of James Rodriguez’s calf and the referee opted for a penalty. Juve were furious, but Cristiano Ronaldo buried the spot-kick into the roof of the net. This gave Real Madrid a 1-0 lead on the night, but above all 2-2 on aggregate with an advantage in away goals.

The Merengues were fired up, but a dangerous Benzema counter-attack and Sergio Ramos overhead kick from the corner came to nothing. Buffon also plucked a Benzema header out of the air.

Juventus had more possession in the first half, but wasted a promising counter-attack and were almost caught out twice on the break by Ronaldo hitting the side-netting and a great Buffon save at the near post on Benzema.


Real Madrid 1-0 Juventus (Half-Time, 2-2 on agg)

Scorers: Ronaldo pen 23 (R )

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

Juventus: Buffon; Lichsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Pirlo, Pogba, Marchisio; Vidal; Morata, Tevez

Ref: Eriksson (SWE)

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

1 - 1

Cristiano Ronaldo (23')

Álvaro Morata (57')

Juventus win Aggregate 3-2

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Real Madrid 1-1 Juventus (agg 2-3): Morata strikes
on Bernabeu return to send holders out

The striker levelled after Cristiano Ronaldo's first-half penalty
to send the Italian champions into the final to face Barcelona.

May 13, 2015

Alvaro Morata returned to haunt Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu as his goal sent the Champions League holders out of the tournament and put Juventus in the final.

Juve went into Wednesday's second leg of their semi-final at the Santiago Bernabeu holding a 2-1 advantage, but they were on the back foot throughout the first half in Madrid.

Cristiano Ronaldo gave the hosts an away-goal advantage from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute after Giorgio Chiellini had felled James Rodriguez in the area, and at that stage they looked good value for their lead.

Carlo Ancelotti's men continued to threaten at the beginning of the second period too, but it was Morata - who played in last year's final for Madrid before being allowed to leave the club - who proved the difference.

Having also scored in the first leg, he found the net against the run of play shortly before the hour mark this time to stun a partisan crowd into silence.

Real pushed hard for the goal that would have forced the match into an additional 30 minutes and preserve their hopes of a mouthwatering Clasico final, but Juve clung on to book their meeting with Barcelona in Berlin on June 6 with the 1-1 draw.

The Madrid team bus was welcomed to the stadium by the kind of throng usually reserved for a victory parade ahead of the match and Marcelo, roared on by an equally fervent crowd inside the Bernabeu, carved out the hosts' first opportunity.

The full-back raced down the left before whipping in a cross for Gareth Bale, but the Welshman – in need of a strong showing following heavy criticism of his first-leg display – headed harmlessly over.

Madrid continued to look the more likely to break the deadlock in the early stages and, after bringing the ball down well in the box, Karim Benzema, who was back in the team following seven matches out with a knee injury, fired high and wide.

Ronaldo saw a free kick drift over off the arm of Arturo Vidal, although there were few Real appeals for handball, before the Chilean drew a diving save from Iker Casillas with Juve's first shot at goal.

A dipping Bale effort had Gianluigi Buffon sprawling after 20 minutes, but the goalkeeper was unable to keep out Ronaldo's spot-kick soon afterwards – diving right as the ball flew straight down the middle.

The penalty had been awarded for Chiellini's clumsy tackle on James, and chances for Ronaldo and Benzema threatened to compound Juve's misery as Madrid ended the half in the ascendancy.

James went down in the box again shortly before the break, but this time he was shown a yellow card for simulation having tumbled under the challenge of Vidal.

Claudio Marchisio sent an effort just wide of the left-hand post at the beginning of the second period, but Marcelo reminded Juve of the threat posed by the home side with a shot that veered just off target.

However, the visitors re-established their aggregate advantage three minutes from the hour. And it was that man Morata who took centre-stage.

Casillas punched clear from a cross, but Juve kept the ball alive and Morata eventually sent a shot bouncing over the head of the Spanish goalkeeper and into the back of the net from Paul Pogba's nod down.

As had been the case when he opened the scoring in the first leg, Morata opted not to celebrate.

Bale saw numerous chances to test Buffon come and go as Real sought the goal that would bring about extra-time, while Marchisio had a golden opportunity to put the match beyond doubt kept out by Casillas.

That missed chance mattered little at the final whistle, though, as Juventus, who survived late penalty appeals for a Patrice Evra challenge on substitute Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, celebrated a first final since 2003, having last won the tournament back in 1996.

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

1 - 1

Cristiano Ronaldo (23')

Álvaro Morata (57')

Juventus win Aggregate 3-2

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

CL: Juve conquer Madrid!

May 13, 2015

Juventus will face Barcelona in the Champions League Final after eliminating Real Madrid 3-2 on aggregate.

Alvaro Morata, who grew up in the Merengues youth academy, scored in both legs and the 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu sealed their qualification, the first since 2003.

The first leg saw a 2-1 victory for the Bianconeri, but the away goal left it in the balance. Paul Pogba and Karim Benzema returned from injury, though at least the Frenchman managed an hour and scored a goal on Saturday against Cagliari. Sergio Ramos returned to defence and Raphael Varane was picked ahead of Pepe. Juve stuck with a four-man defence and Alvaro Morata faced his former teammates.

The history was on Juve’s side, as Madrid hadn’t gone through after losing the first leg in 13 years, getting eliminated seven times in a row.

Gareth Bale and Benzema turned over from promising positions, but Juventus certainly did not sit back in the opening stages at the Santiago Bernabeu. Cristiano Ronaldo’s free kick took a deflection off the wall to land on the roof of the net.

After 13 minutes Iker Casillas got down to turn an Arturo Vidal low drive away after good work from Carlos Tevez.

Benzema sprung the offside trap and could’ve gone for goal, but tried to roll across for Ronaldo and it was crucially intercepted. Gigi Buffon’s first real intervention was after 20 minutes, flying across his goal to punch away a Bale blockbuster from distance.

The game changed when Giorgio Chiellini clumsily bumped into the back of James Rodriguez’s calf and the referee opted for a penalty. Juve were furious, but Cristiano Ronaldo buried the spot-kick into the roof of the net. This gave Real Madrid a 1-0 lead on the night, but above all 2-2 on aggregate with an advantage in away goals.

The Merengues were fired up, but a dangerous Benzema counter-attack and Sergio Ramos overhead kick from the corner came to nothing. Buffon also plucked a Benzema header out of the air.

Juventus had more possession in the first half, but wasted a promising counter-attack and were almost caught out twice on the break by Ronaldo hitting the side-netting and a great Buffon save at the near post on Benzema.

After the restart Claudio Marchisio’s snapshot whistled wide, as did Marcelo’s effort, while Vidal wasted a promising move by passing when Morata had strayed offside.

Juve found the breakthrough and, like the first leg, it was Real Madrid youth product Morata who got the goal. A free kick was knocked back down by Pogba for Morata, whose shot into the ground from 12 yards bounced over Casillas. Once again, he did not celebrate out of respect for his roots.

Bale turned wide from point-blank range, while a Marchisio pass across the face of goal was just beyond Morata. James Rodriguez fired a scorcher inches over the bar, but Marchisio was sent clear by Vidal and tried to side-foot it into the far bottom corner, prompting a splendid Casillas save.

Bale’s volley and a header from three yards were both over the bar, then on 74 minutes Chicharito Hernandez had penalty appeals for a clumsy Patrice Evra challenge from behind.

Juve moved to 3-5-2 for the final 11 minutes, replacing an exhausted Andrea Pirlo. Pogba played on for almost the entire 90, but fatigue showed when Fernando Llorente pulled back and his shot was beaten out from under the bar by Casillas from 12 yards.


Real Madrid 1-1 Juventus (2-3 on agg)

Scorers: Ronaldo pen 23 (R ), Morata 57 (J)

Real Madrid: Casillas; Carvajal, Varane, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Isco, James; Ronaldo, Benzema (Chicharito 67), Bale

Juventus: Buffon; Lichsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Pirlo (Barzagli 79), Pogba (Pereyra 89), Marchisio; Vidal; Morata (Llorente 84), Tevez

Ref: Eriksson (SWE)

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

1 - 1

Cristiano Ronaldo (23')

Álvaro Morata (57')

Juventus win Aggregate 3-2

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Real Madrid crash out as Juventus
set up Barcelona UCL final

May 13, 2015

Champions League holders Real Madrid crashed out of the competition with a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu that saw Italian giants Juventus advance to the final 3-2 on aggregate.

Madrid went ahead in the 23rd minute when Cristiano Ronaldo netted from the spot after a foul on James Rodriguez by Giorgio Chiellini. Juventus protested as the contact looked minimal, but Swedish referee Jonas Eriksson pointed to the spot and Ronaldo beat Gianluigi Buffon down the middle.

Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema went close, while Ronaldo wasted a glorious chance on the counter attack, but the sides went into the half tied at 2-2 on aggregate and with Juventus still needing a goal to avoid losing out on away goals.

Then, in the 57th minute a cross came in and wasn't dealt with by Iker Casillas. Paul Pogba's header across the box found Alvaro Morata and the former Madrid striker chested the ball down and hammered an equaliser.

Moments later, Juve had a chance to put the tie to bed as Claudio Marchisio slipped through the defence, but Casillas beat his shot away.

Madrid continued to push for a goal that would seal extra-time, but Gareth Bale headed wide from a very similar position to his 2014 Champions League winner against Atletico and a Patrice Evra push on substitute Javier Hernandez wasn't punished.

Juventus took off Andrea Pirlo for defender Andrea Barzagli and, after Pogba's shot was saved by Casillas, the Italians shut up shop to claim their first European Cup final place since 2003.

The tone was set for a night of Madrid attacks just 35 seconds in when Marcelo's deep cross picked out Bale, who headed over.

Benzema used brilliant skill to turn away from Leonardo Bonucci, only to blaze over, before Ronaldo's free-kick was deflected on to the roof of the net.

Madrid were eventually rewarded in the 22nd minute when Chiellini's clumsy challenge on James Rodriguez gave them a penalty Ronaldo converted with ease, and there was no let up as they pushed forward again.

Ronaldo cut back in the area and appeared to give himself an easy shot to score, but chose to cross for Benzema and saw the ball cleared.

When Bale launched a swift counter-attack Ronaldo fired a powerful shot into the side-netting, and Benzema then brought a fine save out of Buffon with a close-range effort before the first half ended with a booking for Rodriguez as he took an exaggerated tumble in the area.

Little appeared to have changed after the break as Marcelo sent a bobbling shot wide, but Juve gradually began to build a head of steam.

At first there appeared little genuine threat as an offside flag frustrated Morata but they were edging forward, and the complexion of the night changed dramatically after Ramos fouled Arturo Vidal on the wing.

Casillas punched the free-kick clear but it was pumped straight back in and Paul Pogba headed it down for Morata to control and fire home.

The former Madrid man again did not celebrate but his team-mates certainly did with the odds back in their favour.

Bale was inches away from the perfect response as he did his best to hook in Marcelo's cross after a neat move but Juve had their tales up now and came forward again.

Marchisio's cross was just beyond Morata's reach, but they had the perfect chance to kill off Madrid in the 69th minute when Vidal slipped the ball through to Marchisio. He had the whole goal to shoot at but failed to disguise his intentions and Casillas made a huge save.

Madrid took heart, but Bale's powerful shot from the edge of the area flashed wide, and he then headed Marcelo's cross over from point-blank range.

The Welshman's boo-boys re-emerged in the stands but he did not shrink away, flashing a long-range shot narrowly wide in the 84th minute.

Pogba missed the chance to kill it off 88th minute when the ball came back to him on the penalty spot only for Casillas to palm it clear, but Juve were able to see out four minutes of stoppage time and book their ticket to Berlin.

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

1 - 1

Cristiano Ronaldo (23')

Álvaro Morata (57')

Juventus win Aggregate 3-2

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Real Madrid 1-1 Juventus (2-3 Agg): Morata Fires
Bianconeri Into The Champions League Final

May 13, 2015

Juventus were able to progress to the Champions League final against title holders Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Wednesday night.

With the first leg ending 2-1, Cristiano Ronaldo put the hosts in the lead before Alvaro Morata came back to haunt his former side by scoring the equaliser and thus booking Massimiliano Allegri’s men a place in the final.

The first 40 seconds saw a bright start to the game, Marcelo sending in a cross to the unmarked Gareth Bale, but the Welshman’s header went over the bar.

Karim Benzema had a great chance to put Los Blancos in the lead when he rounded Stephan Lichtsteiner only to send his finish over the bar.

Los Merengues came close to breaking the deadlock soon after, when Cristiano Ronaldo’s free-kick took a slight deflection before going inches over the bar.

Arturo Vidal responded minutes later, but Iker Casillas parried away the Chilean’s stinging strike from distance.

The home side came agonisingly close to making it 1-0 when Benzema broke the offside trap, but his low cross to Ronaldo didn’t mount to anything.

The Spanish attacking onslaught continued, Gianluigi Buffon being called into action as he put Bale’s shot out for a corner.

Real Madrid were awarded a penalty two minutes later, with Ronaldo making no mistake from the spot to put the home side in the lead on away goals.

Ronaldo was again at the centre of danger, rounding Lichtsteiner before sending a cross on the far post which was cleared by Vidal; the follow-up from Isco though hit the side netting.

The Portuguese international once again caused the Juve defence havoc, with the his half-volley hitting the side netting.

It was all Madrid at that point; Benzema almost finding a second, only to be denied by Buffon.

The start of the second half was similar to the first, with Claudio Marchisio’s shot from distance going inches wide of the post.

Juve had their equaliser near the hour mark when Pogba headed the ball to Morata whose clever finish found the net.

Bale could’ve regained Los Blancos’ lead soon after, but his volley went inches wide of the post.

James Rodriguez was next to threaten Juve’s goal, but his shot from distance went inches over the bar.

The Bianconeri should’ve put the game to bed with 20 minutes remaining, but Casillas pulled off an excellent save to deny Marchisio’s one-on-one.

The Spanish giants missed another great chance to regain their lead, and tie the game on aggregate, but Bale’s header somehow went over the bar.

Pogba had a glorious chance to win the tie with only three minutes remaining, but his finish was saved really well by the ever-present Casillas.

La Vecchia Signora are now expected to face Barcelona in the Champions League final on June 6 in Berlin.

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

1 - 1

Cristiano Ronaldo (23')

Álvaro Morata (57')

Juventus win Aggregate 3-2

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Buffon: 'Destiny in Berlin'

May 13, 2015

Gigi Buffon said it was “destiny” that Juventus reached the Champions League Final in Berlin, where he won the 2006 World Cup.

The Bianconeri will face Barcelona on June 6 in Berlin after eliminating Real Madrid 3-2 on aggregate.

“It seemed like destiny, but it really did go the way we hoped,” the goalkeeper told Sport Mediaset.

“Mind you, we mustn’t go there to be tourists. We are there to play a game that means a huge amount for all of us.

“I am so proud of my teammates, of all the work we’ve done and the journey we’ve made.”

The captain seemed genuinely moved at the final whistle of a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu with more than just a tear in his eye.

“You don’t get the chance to play a Champions League Final often, so we can’t do it by halves. We’ve got to give our all.”