Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Zidane: No Team Should Be Favoured Over Juventus

Jun 5, 2015

Zinedine Zidane has unsurprisingly revealed that he will be supporting Juventus during Saturday’s Champions League final against Barcelona, also admitting no side should ever be favoured over the Bianconeri.

Zidane, twice a Champions League runner up with Juventus during his five seasons with the Turin outfit is hoping to see his former side emerge victorious and has openly admitted his support for Massimilliano Allegri’s team.

“Yes, I am supporting Juve even though it is said that Barcelona are favourites,” Zidane told SportMediaset.

“But one must remember that no team is favourite against Juve.

“The key players for Juventus will be [Carlos] Tevez and [Paul] Pogba. [Lionel] Messi? He never stops.”

After leaving Juventus for Real Madrid, Zidane endured greater success in the Champions League, winning the trophy in 2002 after his sensational volley saw Madrid home against Bayer Leverkusen at Hampden Park.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Champions League Final, Juventus vs. Barcelona:
Five keys to the Battle of Berlin

Jun 5, 2015

Barcelona's front three of Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Luis Suárez has contributed 120 goals so far this season. The South American trident represents the end-level boss of this season's Champions League, and Juventus will have to be at her absolute best on Saturday. Below are five things that could be key to determining which side lifts the big-eared cup.

One of the many subplots of Saturday's Champions League final is that the last game of the season will also be Xavi Hernández's last in Blaugrana. It may be Andrea Pirlo's last in Bianconero, possibly others as well, but none of the players on either side represent a style in the same way Xavi does.

Xavi represents midfield possession and positional play of the highest level, seeking to control the match first and create goalscoring chances through that, prioritizing safety and preventing counters through careful management of turnovers. But Xavi is all but gone.

This is Ivan Rakitić's Barcelona, tailored to the directness of Luis Suárez and Neymar. Lionel Messi and Andrés Iniesta, for their dribbling brilliance, seem to fit well in any style of play. Luis Enrique deserves credit for embracing a shift towards a more direct, punch-and-counterpunch Barcelona that wants to get the ball to its forwards quickly and in space, no matter what that means for potential loss of possession and positional balance. But most of the merit must go to the players, who made it work and got the results to keep the pressure off. At least since the turn of the year.

So yes, Barcelona is very good. But, and this is maybe a forgotten point in much of the media, so is Juventus. With that in mind, here are five keys that may determine which side lifts the European Cup.


1. Lionel Messi

The Argentine magician has been in some of the best form of his career in recent months, at times making world-class stars like Neymar and Suárez look like third-rate chancers by comparison. Returning to the wing but retaining his complete centrality to Barcelona's attacking play, Messi has taken on a greater importance to the team's buildup, occasionally dropping to collect the ball from defense. He is of course most dangerous when he starts dribbling past you -- Juventus will have to be very disciplined, keeping the Argentine in front of them and presenting him safe options, preventing the number 10 from accelerating play, because when he does nobody else can keep up.

Giorgio Chiellini would have been a vital piece of the Messi plan, and without him there is some uncertainty as to who will be Messi's most direct opponent. Whoever is tasked to stop him, Messi's performance (or, more accurately, how many goals Messi creates) will be vital in determining the champion.


2. Andrea Pirlo

The bearded maestro has had ups and downs this season, with this match possibly representing his last in Italy. But the talent that marks him out as perhaps the best ever in his role remains, the ability to put a teammate in on goal with a perfect ball at any moment, or to effortlessly curl a free kick past wall and goalkeeper.

Having Pirlo in your team of course also means a certain level of defensive vulnerability. He has never been the best at tracking runs, and age hasn't helped in that respect. Barcelona will certainly try and test the defense by running across Pirlo. The success they have attacking Pirlo's zone, and Pirlo's ability to create chances at the other end, could have a big impact on the scoreline.


3. Paul Pogba or Ivan Rakitić?

Whichever midfielder can put his stamp on the game will put his team in pole position. While neither is a Xavi- or Pirlo-style dictator of a game's tempo, both are versatile and can hurt you in several ways -- getting wide to put in a cross, running into the box to support the forwards, playing the delicate through ball, or crashing in shots from distance. If Massimiliano Allegri and Luis Enrique each choose the players in their most frequent starting positions they will be put face-to-face, and whoever gets the better of their battle will create real problems for the opposing defense and goalkeeper.


4. High Pressing

Barcelona's game is not as reliant on suffocating possession and positional rigor, ties closely to a very aggressive press, as they once where, however the old Pep Guardiola method still shows up now and then when the opposing defense sits back. Ivan Rakitić has brought a new energy to the press when it is employed, eliminating one of the weaknesses that cost Barcelona under Tata Martino and during the too-short tenure of Tito Vilanova.

Juventus, for their part, are also occasionally very aggressive with their pressure, with Arturo Vidal especially among the best in the world when asked to get aggressive further up the pitch. Both teams have had some difficulty playing out from the back this season (another element of the Rakitić-for-Xavi swap in central midfield), so whichever team is more effective with its press, and more able to generate the good opportunities that come with winning the ball high up the field, will have a great chance to win.


5. Set-Pieces and Aerial Play

Barcelona have mightily improved their set-piece defense this season, one of the keys to their league success, but they still fundamentally only have about three guys who you would trust to win their defensive headers-- Gerard Piqué, Sergio Busquets, and Suárez. Javier Mascherano is as tough a customer as you're ever likely to see, but he, like fullbacks Jordi Alba and Dani Alves, can be regularly beaten in the air, which is something Juventus must look to exploit.

At the other end, a major part of Barcelona's success in transition has been the forwards' ability to win the high ball and start the quick counter. Suárez and Messi are fantastic at reading the flight of the ball, even against bigger opponents, and if they are allowed to make good first contact on high balls out from defense it will be a very long night. Just ask Bayern Munich.

It's a final, after all, and these things tend to come down to small margins. By competing in these key areas, and maybe getting the better of a couple of individual matchups, Juventus can overcome the odds and lift a historic third European Cup.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Spanish papers fear Morata

Jun 6, 2015

Spanish papers note Barcelona are “clear favourites” in the Champions League Final, but fear Alvaro Morata for Juventus.

The showdown kicks off in Berlin this evening at 20.45 CET).

In conjunction with our sister site Football Espana, we bring you the front page headlines from Spain’s media this morning.

Marca leads with Lionel Messi walking out on to the turf and the headline: ‘The man of the Final.’

It points out Barça “rely on a full-fledged Messi to win their fifth Champions League. Clear favourites against a versatile Juventus, who also aspire for the Treble.”

The biggest concern seems to be Spanish striker Morata, whose goals already eliminated Real Madrid in the semi-final.

Indeed AS have Morata on the cover given equal billing with Messi: ‘Treble or Moratazo.’

“Barcelona are favourites in the betting,” but Juve have their own Spanish weapon.

Mundo Deportivo has the trio of Luis Suarez, Messi and Neymar charging across the Brandenburg Gate like the statues of horses.

“Forca Bar5a” is the headline, reminding readers this would be the club’s fifth Champions League as well as a Treble and seeing Berlin painted in Azulgrana colours.

Luis Enrique explains “we have the best players in the world, but we’re a team.”

Max Allegri counters by telling fans “not to expect 0-0.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

'Juve, here's key to beat Barca'

Jun 6, 2015

Angelo Di Livio recommends “fast breaks” and a clamp on Leo Messi for Juventus to beat Barcelona.

The respective champions of the Italian and Spanish leagues square off tonight to take home the Champions League, an opportunity that hasn't presented itself for the Bianconeri in 19 years.

“It's hard to say how this game should be prepared,” former Champions League-winner Di Livio told Gianluca Di Marzio. “Games such as these aren't prepared, they prepare themselves.

“It's a single match, and Juventus are up against the best team in the world.

“They'll have to keep an eye on all the details and try and double down on [Leo] Messi.

“The tactical key for Allegri is going to be ball possession and fast breaks, because Barcelona will look to dominate from the outset.”

The 48-year-old was also asked how important the absence of defender Giorgio Chiellini was for Juventus.

“It matters a lot. And I'm sorry for Giorgio too, I know him and I played with him, and I know how keen he was on playing this game.

“It makes for an influential absence in terms of character, but also because of his leadership skills. He'd have played even on one leg if he'd had that option, I expect.”

Finally, Di Livio was asked to compare the current Juventus squad with that which snatched the Champions League trophy in 1996.

“It's hard to compare two teams of such excellence. I can say that I recognise my own Juventus in terms of personality. They have the right spirit.

“I haven't heard [Gianluigi] Buffon and Chiellini, to be honest. But I can wish them the best of luck.

“If there's a message I want to send out it's that Juventus have a great opportunity and they mustn't let it slip.

“The game must be lived without pressure. They must play with a free and open mind to make their dream come true.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Juventus €222m v Barcelona €345m – the wealth
gap between the Champions League finalists

The two clubs have put together first-team squads of very different compositions in the transfer market.

Jun 6, 2015

By Kris Voakes | International Football Correspondent

When Juventus and Barcelona face off in Berlin in Saturday’s Champions League final, it will be a clash of not just two differing football philosophies but also of opposite spending tendencies.

While many have pinpointed the contrasting styles of play as a key component of the European showpiece, it is fair to say the two clubs have already gone about constructing their first-team squads in very different ways.

Despite basing their side around a large pool of home-grown talent, Barca have spent huge amounts in putting together the squad which has already secured the Primera Division title and the Copa del Rey.

Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets number among nine players trained in their own youth ranks who have gone on to be key members of their Champions League run. And yet for every local boy there is a big signing.

Luis Suarez’s €81 million move from Liverpool ahead of the 2014-15 season followed an even bigger and more controversial transfer involving Neymar 12 months earlier. The Brazilian cost €86.2m in the end, with the club admitting the full extent of their total spend on the ex-Santos player months after claiming the cost had been around €30m less.

Add in hefty fees for the likes of Dani Alves, Javier Mascherano and Ivan Rakitic and Barcelona's squad value surpasses the €340m mark.

Over in Turin, the Bianconeri have spent significantly less on building a side to challenge in Europe, but they have laid out money for a far greater number of players in the process. Their cheaper €222m squad conversely includes only five players who cost the club nothing, with Claudio Marchisio the sole product of their youth system to have remained with them throughout.

The key is that they haven’t splashed out on nearly as many big-money signings, with only Gianluigi Buffon’s phenomenal €52.9m 2001 deal costing them more than €20m. Elsewhere around the squad, the Italian league and cup winners have been able to find top players for reasonable fees and have been topped up with free transfers for the likes of Paul Pogba and Andrea Pirlo.

The Champions League doesn’t come cheap these days, with mega money involved in building a side worthy of a final, but Saturday’s interesting clash of approaches suggests there is more than one way to construct a winning outfit.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Boniek: 'Barca not better than Juve'

Jun 6, 2015

Zbigniew Boniek expects an open final: 'Juventus have the better defence, Barcelona the better attack'.

The Polish football legend won the Champions League final in 1985, though that occasion was tarnished by the Heysel Stadium disaster.

Asked by Gianluca Di Marzio to forecast tonight's game, he disagreed with the consensus that saw Barcelona as favourites.

“It's going to be a great match, between two excellent teams,” he said. “Allegri has a brilliant group, and some brilliant players.

“I believe the match is going to be open, because Barcelona isn't so much stronger than Juventus.

“The Bianconeri's goalkeeper and defence have the edge, while the Blaugrana are stronger upfront.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Evra: I will shake hands with Luis Suarez

The Juventus defender says he expects no repeat of the moment
the Uruguay international snubbed him during their racial abuse feud.

Jun 6, 2015

Juventus defender Patrice Evra says he will shake hands with Barcelona’s Luis Suarez in Saturday’s Champions League final.

The two were embroiled in a race row during their time in England when Suarez was found guilty of racially abusing the then Manchester United defender during a clash with Liverpool at Anfield.

Suarez was handed a ban but, upon his return, caused more controversy by snubbing Evra in the pre-match handshakes.

“I will shake his hand – I am a professional,” the Frenchman told Sky Sports.

“Like I’ve said many times, I’m proud of my colour and it doesn’t matter. I’m playing against Barcelona, I’m not playing just against Luis Suarez.

“Every player in the team, they will feel me, because I will play a really important game.”

Evra also revealed his surprise at the workload expected of players in Italy, insisting he has never felt better.

“It was a shock at the beginning because, to be fair, I did not expect the way Juventus Football Club were working," the 34-year-old added. "They work really hard.

“I think the training sessions are more difficult than the game. In pre-season I remember the manager [Massimiliano] Allegri always asking me ‘Pat, are you OK’ – I was always saying ‘for the moment I’m still alive’. And it was true, because it was difficult. I’d never worked so hard in my life.

“It’s a great experience because, even for my age now, I feel like I’m more powerful than when I was younger. I qualify myself like a bottle of wine – the more I get older, the more it tastes sweet!”

Both Juventus and Barcelona are on the hunt for a treble after both earned domestic league-and-cup doubles.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Low: Juventus know how to deal with Messi, Suarez & Neymar

The World Cup winner believes that the Bianconeri can curb the Blaugrana's
attacking threat but he still expects the Catalans to prevail.

Jun 6, 2015

Germany coach Joachim Low believes that Juventus are up to the challenge of stopping Barcelona’s prolific triumvirate of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.

The two sides are both hoping to secure famous trebles in Saturday’s Champions League final in Berlin, with both already having claimed domestic league-and-cup doubles.

Barca arrive in Germany as favourites but Low is expecting a tight affair.

“Everyone believes that Barcelona is favourite but it will be very difficult. Juve know how to react to players like Messi, Neymar and Suarez," Low told Uefa in Berlin.

"Barcelona are in good shape, with no injuries. I think in the end they will prevail narrowly. They are full of world-class players.”

The 2014 World Cup-winning coach went on to add that he is looking forward to an intriguing tactical clash in which both teams will take a very different approach.

"It will be a bit of a struggle of systems,” he said.

“An Italian team with a good defensive organisation against a Spanish team with great offensive quality. Although Juve are a team that don’t only defend – they can attack, too."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Ferrara: 'Juve need Italian mentality'

Jun 6, 2015

Ciro Ferrara said Juventus should “play with an Italian mentality” against Barcelona in the Champions League Final.

The former defender was on the pitch when Juve last won this trophy, beating Ajax in 1996.

“If you take them as individual players, then Barcelona are stronger, but their forwards stay in advanced roles and do not chase opponents,” Ferrara told Sky Sport Italia.

“Juve are a very compact side. They have to play with an Italian mentality, the way Inter did against Barcelona in the semi-final of 2010.

“Everyone is tied to their era. I played in a Juve that made history, not just by winning the Champions League, but for the other finals, the Scudetti won and all the rest.

“This is a winning Juve side that needs that step up in quality for a definitive consecration on the European stage.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Bartomeu: 'Juve can hurt Barca'

Jun 6, 2015

Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu admits “we want to make history, but Juventus can hurt us.”

The Champions League Final is tonight in Berlin and whatever happens one of these clubs will complete the Treble.

“We want to make history with another Triplete,” Barteomeu told Sport Mediaset.

“However, Juve can hurt us. They have a great collective and set the example in terms of planning.

“I am friends with President Andrea Agnelli and we have an excellent rapport.”

Barça are believed to be interested in Juve midfielder Paul Pogba and agent Mino Raiola was spotted this morning talking to Blaugrana director Ariedo Braida.

“Pogba? He’s a great player,” smiled Bartomeu.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Nedved: 'Juve can win this'

Jun 6, 2015

Pavel Nedved hopes Juventus can tonight make up for his 2003 Champions League Final disappointment. “We can win this.”

The Czech star was suspended for that Final against Milan at Old Trafford, much as Giorgio Chiellini is ruled out by injury to face Barcelona in Berlin.

“It was a huge disappointment for me in 2003,” Nedved told Tuttosport.

“Now Juve are back at the top, are dominating football in Italy and are holding their own in Europe, even if four clubs can consider themselves stronger.

“The lads strongly wanted this Final. Of course, with Leo Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez, some people – who in my view are over the top – say that Barcelona start from 2-0.

“Yes, they are difficult to stop, unpredictable, creative and strong, but we can win this.

“Barça are the favourites, fine, but the Final is a different thing. Anything could happen in a one-off game.

“We must block off Barcelona’s initiative and attack them.”

Nedved has a particular eye out for his old teammate Gigi Buffon, who was in that 2003 Final.

“The Champions League is the only trophy missing from his career.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Romulo: 'Juve are confident'

Jun 6, 2015

Romulo insists Juventus are “sure everything will go well” in the Champions League Final with Barcelona.

It kicks off tonight at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.

“It was wonderful to win Serie A and the Coppa Italia, but it’s even better to play the Final of the Champions League 12 years later,” full-back Romulo told FootMercato.

“We are sure everything will go well. The squad is motivated, confident and concentrated. We are aware of how important this game is, we must reach it in the best possible shape – well rested, well trained and well fed to give our best.

“We can’t know what will happen. Many consider Barcelona to be the favourites, but anything is possible. The team that makes the fewest mistakes will win. The fans in Turin have faith and so do we.”

Max Allegri has already beaten Barcelona in the Champions League while at Milan, neutralising Leo Messi, while he had an excellent record against Luis Enrique as Roma boss.
“Everyone knows we are tactically disciplined,” continued Romulo. “Juventus are a compact squad who are difficult to face.

“I think that Paul Pogba will become one of the best players in the history of football. He is very quick, has technique and is physically strong.

“It is difficult to find all three of those characteristics in one player, but he has it all. He’s just extraordinary.

“Pogba is also a little bit Brazilian, as he’s always smiling and joking.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Legendary Juventus Defender Offers Advice
On How To Mark Barcelona’s Messi

Jun 6, 2015

Legendary Juventus defender Claudio Gentile has offered advice on how to mark Lionel Messi ahead of the Champions League final against Barcelona.

Renowned as one of the toughest and uncompromising defenders in football during the 1970s and 1980s, the six-time Scudetto winner memorably marked Diego Maradona out a match during the 1982 World Cup.

“What would I do against Messi?: The same things I did at the Sarria against Maradona,” the 61-year-old told Marca.

“Above all, to not let him get the ball and if he does, in the worst conditions possible.

“It must never be him that starts off a move with the advantage.

“You need to mark Messi in a special way, to keep him away from the rest of the team.

“Juve need him to feel out of sorts, to feel isolated; they need him to raise his head and not find any Barcelona shirts nearby.

“That’s the only way to limit the effectiveness of his moves.

“I say ‘limit’ because there is no way to completely stop him; that’s impossible.

“A defender has to be strong. That’s something very different to being dirty and going in to do harm. A defender is a defender, not a dancer.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Juventus vs. Barcelona 2015: Lineups
confirmed for UEFA Champions League Final

Jun 6, 2015

Just as anticipated in the hours leading up to kickoff, both Juventus manager Max Allegri and his counterpart on the Barcelona sideline, Luis Enrique, have gone with the starting lineups everybody thought they would.

Neither manager had reason to go against the grain and shake things up. The only major shake-up came days ago when Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini had to leave training early with a calf injury that is keeping him out of tonight's final. Other than that, Allegri's starting lineup and 4-3-1-2 formation is as expected as it could be.

Gigi Buffon will start in goal and captain the four-time defending Italian champions. Leonardo Bonucci will partner with Andrea Barzagli instead of Chiellini. Patrice Evra will be the left fullback, Stephan Lichtsteiner is on the right. Juventus' four midfielders will be the four we all thought would start — Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba with Arturo Vidal starting behind strikers Álvaro Morata and Carlos Tévez.

Like I said, predictable. But that's because everybody not named Chiellini who was expected to be here is.

The only thing left to find out is what Allegri's actual game tactics will look like because the lineup was a piece of cake.

Luis Enrique will be lead by the record-setting trident of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar up front. Between them, 120 goals — yeah, that's no exaggeration — have been scored as Barcelona storms through opponent after opponent. The 4-3-3 is no surprise, neither are the players in both the midfield and defense. Young German Marc-André ter Stegen gets the start he does as is customary in the Champions League for Barcelona, which also sets up an interesting old-school new-school matchup in the two goals between him and Buffon. (Sorry, kid, but I'll take Superman.)

Obviously Allegri and Juventus don't want to be the next stop for the Barcelona Express and its South American conductors. The challenge is a big one, with more than just MSN to try and slow down.


The starting lineups for both teams are as follows:

Juventus XI (4-3-1-2):

Gianluigi Buffon; Stephan Lichtsteiner, Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Patrice Evra; Claudo Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo, Paul Pogba; Arturo Vidal, Carlos Tévez, Álvaro Morata

Juventus bench: Marco Storari, Angelo Ogbonna, Simone Padoin, Stefano Sturaro, Roberto Pereyra, Kingsley Coman, Fernando Llorente


Barcelona XI (4-3-3):

Marc-André ter Stegen; Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano, Jordi Alba; Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta; Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar

Barcelona bench: Claudio Bravo, Marc Bartra, Jérémy Mathieu, Adriano Correia, Xavi Hernández, Rafinha Alcântara, Pedro Rodríguez

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Zanetti: Juventus Captain Buffon Is The
Main Man In Champions League Final

Jun 6, 2015

Serie A legend Javier Zanetti believes goalkeeping Veteran Gianluigi Buffon will be the deciding factor in the Champions League final clash between Juventus and Barcelona.

The Argentine lifted the trophy for the competition back in 2010 with Inter and is now confident that his once fierce rival, Juventus, will manage to overcome the odds and conquer Spanish giants Barcelona in Berlin, tipping the 37-year-old in-between the sticks to be the main man.

“Juve can definitely hurt Barca,” he said in an interview to Sportsmediaset. “The Champions League is such an important occasion and I know that Buffon will be the one who will keep them [Juventus] in the game.”

Despite all of the success Buffon has captured in his career, the Italian has never managed to win the Champions League, coming ever so close after losing in the all-Italian final on penalties to AC Milan in 2003.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Line-ups: Juventus-Barcelona

Jun 6, 2015

Juventus start Andrea Barzagli, Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata against Leo Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez in the Champions League Final.

It kicks off at 20.45 CET.

This is the Bianconeri’s first Final since 2003, but it is also a return to the Olympiastadion in Berlin, where Italy won the World Cup in 2006.

Juve – whose stars Gigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo and Barzagli were there that day – are in the same locker room they used with the Azzurri to defeat France.

Giorgio Chiellini is injured, so Barzagli makes his comeback alongside Leo Bonucci, but has rarely been used in a back four.

Patrice Evra gets his reunion with Suarez after the controversy of October 2011, when the then-Liverpool striker received an eight-match ban for racist insults.

Morata gets the nod alongside Tevez, with Arturo Vidal sitting in the hole between attack and midfield.

Barcelona have a fully fit squad, as Andres Iniesta has recovered from a mild injury scare at the weekend to start.

All eyes are on the front three of Messi, Neymar and Suarez, who between them have over 120 goals this season.

This will be Xavi’s last appearance in a Barca shirt before he moves to Qatari club Al Sadd, but is on the bench.

Some statistics do not look favourably on Juve, who are the underdogs in this clash. They have lost their last three Champions League Finals, not lifting the trophy since 1996, while Barcelona won all of their last three.

The most recent defeat for the Azulgrana was 4-0 to Milan in 1994, when once again there was a Spanish Dream Team that everyone expected to win.

However, Barcelona have beaten Juve only twice in eight attempts, drawing two and losing four. In the modern Champions League, that record is one draw and one loss.


Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Evra; Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio; Vidal; Tevez, Morata

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


Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Dani Alves, Piqué, Mascherano, Jordi Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar

Barcelona bench: Bravo, Bartra, Adriano, Mathieu, Xavi Hernandez, Rafinha, Pedro Rodriguez

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Elkann: 'Barca have an off day'

Jun 6, 2015

Juventus patron Lapo Elkann hopes Barcelona’s superstars can “have an off day” and revenge on Luis Suarez.

“This Juventus team earned the Champions League Final and never gave up, keeping the bit between their teeth when needed,” Elkann told Sky Sport Italia.

“The great thing about this team is that, unlike others, it gives hope not just because it wins, but also with carefully balanced books building a squad of great value.

“Just think of Paul Pogba, Gigi Buffon and the many stars in this side.”

Elkann – an heir to the Agnelli family – admitted he’s more of a fan than a Board member tonight.

“Of course we are afraid of Suarez, Neymar and Messi, but everyone can have an off day…

“Hopefully what Suarez did to Chiellini, the Juventus squad can do to him.”

Chiellini is out injured, but was famously bitten on the shoulder by Suarez during an Italy v Uruguay World Cup game last year.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Marotta: 'Juve not here for a cameo'

Jun 6, 2015

Juventus director Beppe Marotta warned they are “not here for a cameo, but to win” against Barcelona.

The Champions League Final kicks off in Berlin at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT). Follow and join in with our LIVEBLOG.

“Andrea Barzagli is in excellent condition and can show all his quality,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

“Of course this is a very satisfying and emotional moment, especially for those like me who are experiencing it for the first time.

“However, we are here not for a cameo, but to play our game and win. We achieved an extraordinary and perhaps unexpected target from where we started five years ago, but it is the right reward for the hard work of the directors, players and staff.

“We are in the Final, it is a one-off game and anything could happen. If things go our way, we can get the advantage.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Del Piero: 'Berlin is magical'

Jun 6, 2015

Alessandro Del Piero said Berlin’s Olympiastadion “will always be magical and hopefully even more special after tonight.”

The Juventus legend won the World Cup here with Italy in 2006, but his ex-teammates are facing Barcelona for the Champions League Final.

“It is a very emotional moment and clearly this stadium for the Italians will always represent something magical. I hope for the Juventini it will become even more special after tonight,” Del Piero told Sky Sport Italia.

“That evening was unique and I am fortunate to have experienced it as a winner.”

The Azzurri were triumphant, but how will Juventus do against Barcelona?

“Juve are in good shape in every sense and not being favourites will also take some pressure off their shoulders.

“Mind you many will also realise this is if not the only, then a rare chance to play in a Champions League Final.

“You can be generally a calmer person or more tense, but you do feel it. You feel it the days leading up to the Final and then looking at the crowd.

“It’s a whirlwind of emotions that are difficult to keep a lid on. The warm-up is a big moment, as you start to put your emotions down and the psychological aspect is extremely important in a Final.”

Gigi Buffon was one of the three Juve players who was there for the World Cup Final, but the only person who went from Berlin to Serie B and back.

“He is the captain, he was here with me in 2006 and in Serie B. He is the symbol of the rebirth that started that year and brought us back to Berlin.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

HT 0-1: Buffon v Barcelona

Jun 6, 2015

Barcelona are leading 1-0 at the break, but Gigi Buffon has kept Juventus in the Champions League Final.

This was the first Juve Final in 12 years, but also a return to the Olympiastadion for 2006 World Cup winners Gigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo and Andrea Barzagli. Giorgio Chiellini was out with a calf injury, but Andres Iniesta recovered from a scare to start.

It took just four minutes for the Spaniards to break through with one of their trademark passing moves. Jordi Alba and Andres Iniesta combined, pulling back for Ivan Rakitic to side-foot past Gigi Buffon from eight yards.

Arturo Vidal and Neymar fired over the bar, but the Chilean was booked after 10 minutes after a couple of late tackles.

Buffon kept it at 1-0 with a spectacular reaction save on Dani Alves, as he was heading the wrong way, but stuck out a trailing wrist and kept it strong to parry the finish at the near post.

Jordi Alba blasted off target unmarked from a Rakitic corner, but Javier Mascherano was decisive to stop Carlos Tevez tapping in a Paul Pogba assist and Alvaro Morata curled wide.

Vidal continued to dive into tackles and was really risking a second yellow card. Claudio Marchisio’s screamer skimmed the woodwork, but play had already been stopped for a Morata foul. Pogba had appeals for a Jordi Alba shove on the edge of the area waved away.

Luis Suarez’s angled drive skimmed the far post, then he stung Buffon’s gloves after a lucky ricochet. Buffon made a rare error, his pass intercepted by Neymar for a cross that was just beyond Suarez. On the stroke of half-time Marchisio’s scorcher tested Ter Stegen and Leo Bonucci cut off a Leo Messi slalom.


Juventus 0-1 Barcelona (Half-Time)

Scorers: Rakitic 4 (B)

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Evra; Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio; Vidal; Tevez, Morata

Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Dani Alves, Piqué, Mascherano, Jordi Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar

Ref: Cakir (TUR)

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

1 - 3

Ivan Rakitić (4')

Álvaro Morata (55')

Luis Suárez (68')
Neymar (95')

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Juventus 1-3 Barcelona: Suarez, Rakitic &
Neymar deliver Champions League glory

The Spanish side opened the scoring after just four minutes, with Alvaro Morata
equalising in the second half before the Uruguayan and the Brazilian secured the win.

Jun 6, 2015

Barcelona completed a trophy treble in Luis Enrique's debut season in charge as they beat Juventus 3-1 in the Champions League final in Berlin on Saturday.

Luis Suarez produced his most crucial contribution of his short career at Camp Nou when he restored Barca's lead 22 minutes from time to effectively settle the game, after Alvaro Morata had cancelled out Ivan Rakitic's early opener.

A fifth European title looked set to be a more routine ask when Rakitic - the man to perform so capably in replacing the soon-to-depart Xavi this term - opened the scoring in the fourth minute with a trademark Barca goal, which saw nine of their 10 outfield players touch the ball.

However, while Barca enjoyed the better of the first half from there - threatening a Juve back line shorn of Giorgio Chiellini through injury - former Real Madrid man Morata struck early in the second period.

Having scored twice in the two-legged semi-final against his former club, Morata was afforded a simple finish after Marc-Andre ter Stegen had saved an initial effort from Carlos Tevez.

Suarez was the only Barca man not involved in Rakitic's opener, but the Uruguayan provided the crucial touch in his side's second, as he replicated Morata's finish when Lionel Messi's effort was spilled by Gianluigi Buffon.

Neymar had a header disallowed, via a handball, as Barca sought to put the game out of sight late on.

But it proved inconsequential in the end, as the Brazilian added a third with the last touch of the match to ensure that Luis Enrique's side repeated the treble-winning achievement of Pep Guardiola's Barca in his debut season of 2008-09.

The victory also provided Xavi with a successful send-off to his career with the Catalan giants before he joins Qatari club Al Saad.

European success continues to elude Juve, meanwhile, with the Serie A side coming up short in their attempt to win the continent's most prized trophy for the first time since 1996 and their own treble bid.

Barca could barely have hoped for a better start, as Rakitic opened the scoring in style in the fourth minute when he was the beneficiary of a spell of neat passing play that bore all the Spanish giants' familiar hallmarks.

Following Messi's raking pass out to Jordi Alba, Neymar slipped the ball in to Andres Iniesta. He in turn found Rakitic who finished past Buffon from inside the six-yard box to spark wild celebrations on the Barca bench.

The goal came somewhat out of the blue, with Juve having begun on the front foot. And, having fallen behind, the Italians then saw Arturo Vidal display an uncharacteristic lack of composure, as the Chilean smashed a shot over after a great run from Morata.

The Liga champions began to apply further pressure, and Buffon kept out Dani Alves' effort with a superb strong, left-handed save. Vidal was then overzealous in his tackling and narrowly escaped a second early yellow card for crashing into Neymar.

Juve had half-hearted penalty appeals turned away following claims of a foul by Alba on Paul Pogba midway through the half but Barca were largely controlled in possession, apparently content to take the pace out of the game.

The threat of Messi, Neymar and Suarez continued to prove a real menace on the break and the latter twice went close to extending the lead with long-range strikes prior to half-time.

Buffon was handed a let-off when he inexplicably gave the ball away to Neymar deep in his own half but he displayed his vast experience to keep Suarez out again early in the second half after a rapid Barca breakaway.

Barca were hauled level when Morata pounced on Ter Stegen's save after 55 minutes to get Juve back into the game.

Claudio Marchisio's deft backheel helped Tevez into a shooting position and, when the Barca goalkeeper kept that effort at bay, Morata followed up to tap the ball into an empty net.

With Juve buoyed, Tevez and Pogba both went close, but their momentum was abruptly halted by Suarez's close-range finish, coming at a time when the Italian champions were enjoying their most threatening spell.

A trademark dribble from Messi was followed up by a strike that Buffon could not hold, allowing Suarez to tap home his most important Barca goal.

Neymar looked to have wrapped up victory with a header soon after, but the official on the byline spotted his header had deflected off a hand.

Barca legend Xavi was then introduced for his swansong at the expense of long-time midfield companion Iniesta.

It could also prove to be Andrea Pirlo's final Juve game, with the midfield maestro unable to conjure up any late moments of magic before Barca sealed victory when Neymar scored with the final touch of the match following a quick break.

It completed a season many in Catalunya would not have believed possible when Luis Enrique took over from Gerardo Martino in May 2014, and then saw his position questioned following rocky results and a public disagreement with Messi at the turn of the year.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

1 - 3

Ivan Rakitić (4')

Álvaro Morata (55')

Luis Suárez (68')
Neymar (95')

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

CL: Juve bow down to Barca

Alvaro Morata and Gigi Buffon were not enough, as Juventus lost the Champions League Final 3-1 to Barcelona.

Jun 6, 2015

This was the first Juve Final in 12 years, but also a return to the Olympiastadion for 2006 World Cup winners Gigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo and Andrea Barzagli. Giorgio Chiellini was out with a calf injury, but Andres Iniesta recovered from a scare to start.

It took just four minutes for the Spaniards to break through with one of their trademark passing moves. Jordi Alba and Andres Iniesta combined, pulling back for Ivan Rakitic to side-foot past Gigi Buffon from eight yards.

Arturo Vidal and Neymar fired over the bar, but the Chilean was booked after 10 minutes after a couple of late tackles.

Buffon kept it at 1-0 with a spectacular reaction save on Dani Alves, as he was heading the wrong way, but stuck out a trailing wrist and kept it strong to parry the finish at the near post.

Jordi Alba blasted off target unmarked from a Rakitic corner, but Javier Mascherano was decisive to stop Carlos Tevez tapping in a Paul Pogba assist and Alvaro Morata curled wide.

Vidal continued to dive into tackles and was really risking a second yellow card. Claudio Marchisio’s screamer skimmed the woodwork, but play had already been stopped for a Morata foul. Pogba had appeals for a Jordi Alba shove on the edge of the area waved away.

Luis Suarez’s angled drive skimmed the far post, then he stung Buffon’s gloves after a lucky ricochet. Buffon made a rare error, his pass intercepted by Neymar for a cross that was just beyond Suarez. On the stroke of half-time Marchisio’s scorcher tested Ter Stegen and Leo Bonucci cut off a Leo Messi slalom.

After the restart Barcelona went on a rapid counter five against two, but Suarez’s snapshot was brilliantly beaten away at the near bottom corner by Buffon’s outstretched hand.

The three Azulgrana strikers combined brilliantly only for Messi to turn wide under pressure from Lichtsteiner.

Juventus got back on level terms with a well-worked team move of their own. Marchisio’s back-heel flick sent Lichtsteiner down the right, Tevez turned on a sixpence to force a reaction save out of Ter Stegen, but Morata was ready to tap in the rebound. It was the Spaniard’s fifth Champions League goal in the last seven games.

Curiously, three of Juve’s previous four Euro goals came at the 57th minute and this was scored on 55. Suddenly the Bianconeri were fired up and pressuring Barcelona, as Tevez turned over from the edge of the area and Buffon was quick off his line, reading Iniesta’s through ball for Suarez.

However, just as Juve were dominating, Barcelona struck on the counter. Buffon parried the Messi strike, but only into the path of Suarez.

Neymar had the ball in the back of the net soon after, but it was disallowed because he headed it on to his wrist and the ricochet then took it beyond Buffon.

There was a strange corner, as Ter Stegen punched it on to Mascherano and it rebounded on to the roof of the net. On another hugely dangerous Barcelona counter, Jordi Alba slipped at the crucial moment, then Pogba nodded a corner just over and Roberto Pereyra didn’t get enough power to a Fernando Llorente assist.

Marchisio’s strike from distance troubled Ter Stegen and Tevez aimed a weak effort straight at the goalkeeper, but Neymar struck with a classic counter on the last kick of the game, just as Juve were pouring forward for one final chance.

Juve lost their fourth consecutive Champions League Final.


Juventus 1-3 Barcelona

Scorers: Rakitic 4 (B), Morata 55 (J) Suarez 69 (B), Neymar 97 (B)

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Evra (Coman 89); Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio; Vidal (Pereyra 79); Tevez, Morata (Llorente 85)

Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Dani Alves, Piqué, Mascherano, Jordi Alba; Rakitic (Mathieu 92), Busquets, Iniesta (Xavi 78); Messi, Suarez (Pedro 95), Neymar

Ref: Cakir (TUR)

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

1 - 3

Ivan Rakitić (4')

Álvaro Morata (55')

Luis Suárez (68')
Neymar (95')

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Barcelona beat Juventus to
take Champions League glory

Jun 6, 2015

Barcelona completed the Treble with a 3-1 win over Juventus in the Champions League final.

Barca, who had already won the Spanish title and the Copa Del Rey, won their second Treble in six years, becoming the first team to ever do it twice.

Ivan Rakitic gave Barca the lead very early on only for Alvaro Morata to equalise against the run of play. But Barca were not to be denied as Luis Suarez put them back in front and Neymar made sure with the last kick of the game.

Barcelona went in front after only three minutes and 22 seconds, Juventus having no answer to the Spanish side's speed of thought on the ball.

Neymar's first touch was poor but he showed great awareness to find a late run into the box by Andres Iniesta, and he needed only a moment to flick a pass into the centre of the area for the unmarked Rakitic to dink the ball past Gianluigi Buffon.

It was nearly two just five minutes later when Neymar fired over from outside the area.

Juventus came into the game a little after this, though it would have been difficult not to from that starting position. It was Barca who dominated possession as they always do, although they were restricted to half-chances for a period.

Juve wanted a penalty for a trip on Paul Pogba in the 35th minute. Jordi Alba made the challenge, it was clumsy but Pogba was fouled outside the area and fell into it -- though the referee waved play on.

Moments later Barca were back on the attack, Suarez poking a shot just wide from the edge of the box. And Suarez then brought the best out of Buffon, his snap shot palmed over the bar by the goalkeeper.

Barca should have doubled their lead five minutes into the second half, streaming forward on a 5 vs. 3 break from a Juve corner. But the Spanish giants did not work the counter well, and eventually Suarez had to stab at his shot, which Buffon turned around the post.

Messi then fired over after some wonderful one-touch football. Juve were struggling to stay in the match, and the second goal seemed a matter of time.

The second goal did come, but against the run of play at the other end, in the 55th minute.

A wonderful back-heel from Claudio Marchisio played Stephan Lichtsteiner into the box, with his low cross into the centre finding Carlos Tevez to spin expertly to force a save out of Marc-Andre ter Stegen. But the keeper could only parry the ball out as far as former Real Madrid striker Morata, who coolly sidefooted home from six yards out.

Juve were growing in confidence now, and just after the hour Tevez fired over when in a promising position inside the D.

Just when the Serie A champions were getting on top, Barca retook the lead in the 68th minute. Messi burst towards goal though his shot was certainly not one of his best, but Buffon could only palm the ball into the path of the onrushing Suarez who rifled into the roof of the net.

Two minutes later Barca thought they had a third when Neymar headed home. Juve players were incensed about a handball as the Brazilian ran away to celebrate, and the fifth official behind the goal backed their appeals. Replays showed the striker was unlucky, as he headed the ball onto his own arm rather than controlling it deliberately.

Pogba had a fine chance to equalise in the 79th minute, but could only head onto the roof of the net.

Marchisio forced a good save out of Ter Stegen in the closing minute of the 90, but as Juve pushed for the extra time it was Barca who scored again with the last kick as Neymar netted.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

1 - 3

Ivan Rakitić (4')

Álvaro Morata (55')

Luis Suárez (68')
Neymar (95')

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Juventus 1-3 Barcelona: Suarez And Neymar
Strike As Blaugrana Lift Champions League

Jun 6, 2015

Juventus were beaten 3-1 by Barcelona at the Olympiastadion in the Champions League Final

Ivan Rakitic finished off a fine team move to put the Catalans ahead after just four minutes, but former Real Madrid man Alvaro Morata levelled on 55. Luis Suarez put Barca back in the lead 13 minutes later, while Neymar also had a goal ruled out for handball, but made up for it in the final minute to seal the game.

Jordi Alba and Andres Iniesta combined on the left side, after some good work from Neymar, to lay the ball to Rakitic who side-footed past a helpless Gianluigi Buffon.

A couple of efforts were blazed over the bar at either end by Neymar and Arturo Vidal, who seemed to be on a mission to get set off after an early booking.

Buffon was then called into action once more as he spectacularly saved from Dani Alves, sticking a hand out as he dove in the opposite direction.

Jordi Alba hit another shot wide, before Javier Mascherano intervened as Paul Pogba crossed for Carlos Tevez. Alvaro Morata then curled an shot from the edge of the area wide.

There were then calls from the Juventus players for a free kick just outside the penalty area as Alba looked to have tripped Pogba, but the referee waved play on.

Just before the break Barca a good chance as Suarez skimmed the post with a low-angled drive.

In the second period Barcelona had a fantastic opportunity to double their lead as Rakitic brought the ball forward in a five on two counter-attack, but the Croatian passed to Suarez, who, from a tight angle, had his shot palmed away by Buffon.

Messi saw a shot from just inside the area go over the bar, before Juventus levelled the score.

A brilliant back-heel from Claudio Marchisio set Stephan Lichtstiener free down the right, his cross was picked up by Tevez who had his shot saved by Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, but Morata was quick onto the rebound and slotted home for the Bianconeri.

Juventus then began to peg Barcelona back and could have took the lead as Tevez found himself unmarked on the edge of the penalty area, but his shot was fired over.

Iniesta then played a beautiful ball into Suarez, but it was gathered by an alert Buffon.

Pogba was in the thick of the action as first his thunderous shot was hit straight at Ter Stegen, then he saw claims for a penalty waved away.

But Suarez put the Catalans back in the lead after great work by Messi, whose shot was parried by Buffon, and it was the Uruguayan who was alert enough to smash the ball into the roof of the net.

Neymar then looked to have put the game beyond Juventus, but he headed the ball onto his hand and the referee ruled his goal out.

Again, Messi went close, this time his free kick was put over the bar, then at the other end Pogba climbed above Pique to head onto the roof of the net, while also going close with a volley but it went over Buffon’s crossbar.

Shots from Marchisio and Tevez didn’t trouble Ter Stegen as Barcelona added a third late on to seal the Champions League.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

1 - 3

Ivan Rakitić (4')

Álvaro Morata (55')

Luis Suárez (68')
Neymar (95')

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Buffon: 'I really believed'

Jun 6, 2015

Gigi Buffon admits he “really did believe” in Juventus victory in the Champions League Final with Barcelona.

The Bianconeri had equalised through Alvaro Morata, but Luis Suarez and a last-gasp Neymar counter-attack sealed the 3-1 result.

“I am a guy who always knows how to handle moments of great joy and disappointment with balance,” the captain told Sky Sport Italia.

“This is one of the disappointments sport gives you, but before that we shared many great moments of joy with our fans.

“It was a shame not to have the Final to really finish off this journey, but at one point I really did believe.”

Buffon won the 2006 World Cup in the Olympiastadion in Berlin with Andrea Pirlo, but the midfielder was in tears after the final whistle.

“We are all disappointed and it is in a way very pleasing to see Andrea express his sentiments in such a strong way.”