Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 8524]

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

F. Llorente (65')

Matchday 6
Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Attendance: 35583

Llorente: 'A Final for Sevilla'

http://www.football-italia.net/76852/llorente-final-sevilla?

Dec 8, 2015
 
Fernando Llorente explained “it was a final” for Sevilla, “but I do feel bad for Juventus and hope they win every game now.”

The Bianconeri needed only a point to secure top spot in their Champions League group, whereas the Spaniards had to win and hope Borussia Monchengladbach failed to beat Manchester City in order to snatch third and a Europa League place.

“We knew that for us it was a final and we came out onto the pitch in a fantastic way,” goalscorer Llorente told UEFA.com.

“We have showed the level of this side and we are happy to go into the Europa League. It's an important goal that helps us remain in Europe. We fought really hard.”

He also spoke to Mediaset Premium in Italy and admitted to mixed emotions when scoring against his former teammates.

“I am happy for the goal, but I do feel bad for Juventus. It was my most important night here. I had problems before and struggled to find form, while there’s a lot of competition for places. Now I feel better and hope to continue helping my team.

“I wish Juve all the best and hope from now on in they win every Champions League game.”

Llorente had lost his place in the Juventus line-up to Alvaro Morata last season, but the young Spaniard is struggling and missed a couple of sitters this evening.

“If Morata had scored then it certainly would’ve made everything more complicated for us. He needs to stay calm, because he knows he has great quality and there mustn’t be too much pressure on him.

“Morata just needs confidence and the chance to prove what he’s worth, I am sure of it.”

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8524]

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

F. Llorente (65')

Matchday 6
Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Attendance: 35583

Allegri: 'Qualification important'

http://www.football-italia.net/76853/allegri-qualification-important?

Dec 8, 2015
 
Max Allegri insists Juventus “shouldn’t be disappointed” after their defeat to Sevilla. “Qualifying is what’s important.”

The Bianconeri needed a point in Spain to be sure of top spot in the Champions League group, but were beaten 1-0 and Manchester City saw off Borussia Monchengladbach 4-2.

“We did very well throughout the group stage and I saw the improvements within the team,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.

“There are never easy games in the Champions League, but I consider the performance tonight to be good. If we had taken the lead, it would’ve been very different.

“We did well in the first half, but after the break we gave the ball away too often. It was not easy to come here and get a positive result, no matter what some people might think.

“Now we have to wait for the draw, but we mustn’t be disappointed. This was the most difficult group in the competition and it would’ve been great to win it, but the most important thing was qualifying.

“We’ve got a game coming up in Serie A against Fiorentina that is more important than tonight’s match.”

Alvaro Morata had a rare start and missed a couple of sitters, including one from point-blank range.

“Morata had a good game and has always scored in Europe,” insisted Allegri. “Last season he was in competition for a place with Fernando Llorente. This term he’s had some ups and downs, but he played well tonight and it’s disappointing for him that he didn’t score.

“We should’ve controlled the result and not push, as that was down to Sevilla. At the end we hit the bar with Paulo Dybala and had another great chance with Morata.”

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8524]

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

F. Llorente (65')

Matchday 6
Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Attendance: 35583

Dybala: 'Ball didn't want to go in'

http://www.football-italia.net/76854/dybala-ball-didnt-want-go?

Dec 8, 2015
 
Paulo Dybala was “disappointed” after Juventus lost to Sevilla. “The ball just didn’t want to go in.”

The Bianconeri would’ve topped the Champions League group with a point, but Manchester City beat Borussia Monchengladbach 4-2 to leapfrog them.

“We are disappointed with this defeat,” Dybala told Mediaset Premium.

“After they took the lead we had several chances to equalise. I hit the crossbar too, so we were unlucky.

“After that shot came off the bar I thought back 100 times to that moment. If I had scored, we’d be top of the group.”

Alvaro Morata had his first start in a while and was visibly rusty, missing a few sitters.

“Morata is a great player, he doesn’t need my advice. It’s just an unlucky moment for him too, the ball just didn’t want to go in, but I am sure he will break through soon.

“It makes no difference to me whether I am playing alongside Mario Mandzukic or Morata. They have different characteristics, but I get along well with both.”

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8524]

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

F. Llorente (65')

Matchday 6
Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Attendance: 35583

Pogba: 'Juve didn't take chances'

http://www.football-italia.net/76855/pogba-juve-didnt-take-chances?

Dec 8, 2015
 
Paul Pogba said “it wasn’t our best performance” after Juventus were defeated in Sevilla. “We didn’t take our chances.”

The Bianconeri would’ve been top of their Champions League group with a point in Spain, but were beaten 1-0 by former teammate Fernando Llorente’s header.

This allowed Manchester City to overtake them in Group D, beating Borussia Monchengladbach 4-2.

“We tried hard for the victory, but did not take the chances that we created. The important thing is that we qualified,” Pogba told Mediaset Premium.

“There are 11 of us on the field and we all give 100 per cent to help each other out. We didn’t get a result tonight, but we did try to play our football.

“It wasn’t our best performance, but it wasn’t that bad either.”

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8524]

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

F. Llorente (65')

Matchday 6
Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Attendance: 35583

Sevilla secure Europa League spot
after Fernando Llorente nets winner

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/uefa-champions-league/match/434188/sevilla-fc-juventus/report?

Dec 8, 2015
 
Sevilla will try to defend their Europa League crown after a 1-0 home win over Juventus secured them third place in Champions League Group D.

Fernando Llorente scored the only goal of the game against his former club, who finish second in the standings after Manchester City came from behind to beat Borussia Monchengladbach 4-2 in the other match.

Sevilla, Europa League winners for the past two seasons, had to win and hope the German club didn't take all three points at the Etihad Stadium. They did it but had goalkeeper Gonzalez Sergio Rico to thanks for a brilliant injury-time save.

Sevilla started well but the early chances went the way of Juventus with Alvaro Morata twice nearly scoring.

At the other end, Yevhen Konoplyanka worked Gianluigi Buffon with a long-range effort but the visitors should have gone ahead in the 25th minute but once more Morata missed the target.

There was an ebb and flow to the match and Buffon kept out a Llorente header before Rico reacted well to push away Paulo Dybala's free-kick just before half-time.

Buffon made a fine double save to thwart Ever Banega and then Konoplyanka on the hour mark but he was beaten five minutes later when Llorente struck against the club he left during the summer.

The Spaniard got the better of Andrea Barzagli to meet Konoplyanka's corner, before guiding his header into the net.

As news of Manchester City taking the lead filtered through, Sevilla's joy almost turned to despair as Dybala crashed a shot against the crossbar with less than 10 minutes of normal time remaining.

Rico preserved Sevilla's lead in injury time with a brilliant block to deny substitute Juan Cuadrado after the on-loan Chelsea winger was set up by Morata.

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8524]

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

F. Llorente (65')

Matchday 6
Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Attendance: 35583

Juventus 0 - Sevilla 1: Initial
reaction and random observations

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/12/8/9872968/juventus-sevilla-2015-champions-league-group-stage-final-score-result-initial-reaction

Dec 8, 2015
 
One single point. That's all Juventus needed. Just one. Not two, not three, just one. Getting three points wasn't necessarily the be-all, end-all situation for Juventus on Tuesday night against Sevilla. Basically, there was a little room for error, but not too much when it came to the final result.

Juve definitely walked the tight rope — and then saw that wiggle room go up in smoke.

And, of course, it had to be Fernando Llorente who scored the game-winning goal because there wasn't any other way Sevilla was going to win. This is how things work. That's just how they work. The Ex Effect showed its ugly head again thanks to Llorente's goal. (Although, it can't be all too ugly because, well, it's Llorente and all.) And with that goal, Juve's inability to crack Sevilla goalkeeper Sergio Rico's god-like performance between the sticks and Manchester City's 4-2 comeback win over Borussia Monchengladbach, the club that was in first place to begin the final matchday of the group stage isn't there when Group D closes its doors.

Just a positive result. That's it.

Nope, not in the cards today.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "We needed a result tonight, but if you create chances and don’t put them away, you also run the risk of conceding."

It took all of one moment in front of goal, a classic kind of Llorente header where he rises above the defense and makes them pay for it, for Juventus to be reminded of how ineffective they were in front of goal on Tuesday night. Neither team truly dominated. It wasn't like their first match in Turin where Juve were clearly the better of the two teams.

The fact still remains, though: Juventus needed a result, they didn't get it. And now they've seen the consequences of it.

Who knows, maybe they will get another favorable matchup in the Round of 16 at next Monday's draw like they did last season with a struggling Borussia Dortmund side. But now the risk of playing one of the big boys is all too real. It's in play, it's a little scary and it's just a guy picking the wrong mini football away from happening.

That's what happens when you control your own destiny and don't take of business. Juve played with fire, and then ... burn.


Random thoughts and observations

The one game Juventus couldn't afford to lose, they did.

(Insert the usual "Juventus never does things easy and/or logically in Europe" statement here)

Álvaro Morata is going to get a lot of the criticism after this game because of this two costly misses right in front of the goal. He's clearly out of form, clearly lacking in confidence. We've seen that he can be a streaky player in the past, and this is no different. You have to take the good with the bad sometimes — especially with younger players. Do I think Morata will come good? Of course, he's shown it before and will show it again. We're just gonna have to be a little patient, I guess.

Lost in people simply reacting to the final score was the fact that you had two goalkeepers who pretty much stole the show for the vast majority of the game. Sergio Rico and Gigi Buffon both made a bevy of top-notch saves to keep the game scoreless before Llorente's match decider. Rico had eight saves, most of them were really good. Buffon had five saves, almost all of then were really good. Sure, Morata missed some chances, but the two keepers were really, really good, too.

Max Allegri made one sub. And outside of Juan Cuadrado serving up a cross to Morata that could have resulted in the game-tying goal, that sub did nothing at all. I don't know if Allegri stuck with Morata to see if he could get a goal when he was clearly getting chances.

Sometimes you look at single moments in a game that would have made you forget all about what happened in the other 89 minutes. If Paulo Dybala's left-footed bender snuck under the crossbar instead of clanging square off it, then we're probably talking about Juve finishing atop Group D rather than what we currently are. That's not a slight on Dybala at all because he was great once again. But, man, if he scored that goal, there would have been a whole lot more to celebrate instead of us simply reminding ourselves "Hey, at least we're in the knockout round and not Manchester United!"

It just had to be Llorente. It just had to be.

Okay, I'll ask the question: Who ya got?

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8524]

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

F. Llorente (65')

Matchday 6
Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Attendance: 35583

Marchisio: 'Juve deserved win'

http://www.football-italia.net/76856/marchisio-juve-deserved-win?

Dec 8, 2015
 
Claudio Marchisio insists Juventus “certainly deserved to win more than Sevilla” in their 1-0 defeat.

The result means Manchester City win the Champions League group and the Bianconeri will have a tougher draw in the Round of 16.

“It’s hugely disappointing for everyone that we didn’t get first place in the group,” wrote Marchisio on Instagram.

“Big regrets because in any case we put in a good performance without finding the goal, which we certainly deserved more than them.

“Qualification for the next round is achieved, now our heads and time are dedicated to Serie A.”

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8524]

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

F. Llorente (65')

Matchday 6
Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Attendance: 35583

Emery: 'Sevilla belong in Europa'

http://www.football-italia.net/76857/emery-sevilla-belong-europa?

Dec 8, 2015
 
Unai Emery is glad Sevilla are back in the Europa League, “where the team is comfortable,” after a 1-0 win over Juventus.

The Spaniards won the first and last games of their Champions League group, losing the other four in-between.

“We no longer have the disappointment of going out of the Champions League,” said the Coach.

“We have the excitement of the Europa League, where the team is comfortable.”

That’s an understatement, as Sevilla have won the last two editions of the tournament, which is how they qualified for the Champions League as Spain’s historic fifth team.

“The group has brought us to what could have been expected. We beat Juve in a game of suffering. It’s a day to be happy. The crowd knew it was a game to suffer.

“We all wanted to go to the second round but we had to be realistic. We could do better, for sure. If it’s because City and Juventus are strong and we’re not, everyone has an opinion.”

Sevilla were able to snatch third place thanks to their 1-0 win over Juventus, sealed by Fernando Llorente, and Borussia Monchengladbach’s 4-2 defeat at Manchester City.

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8524]

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

F. Llorente (65')

Matchday 6
Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Attendance: 35583

Juve spurn chances in Sevilla

Juventus face a potentially difficult Round of 16 tie after losing to Sevilla.
Luca Cetta wonders if they’ll regret finishing second.

http://www.football-italia.net/76858/juve-spurn-chances-sevilla?

Dec 8, 2015
 
Massimiliano Allegri took his Juventus team to Spain with one goal in mind: topping Champions League Group D. “We have to secure first place, because first place is very important, above all in the draw,” he highlighted. Sitting on 11 points, Juve only needed to avoid defeat against Sevilla to keep Manchester City – nine points – at bay.

“Avoid the Martians” stressed La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport on Tuesday. But the pitfall came in the form of somebody who called Turin home until this past August. Fernando Llorente’s lone goal, coupled with City’s comeback win over Borussia Monchengladbach, confined Juventus to second spot. The Bianconeri had won six of their seven matches prior to Seville. They now go into next Monday’s draw sweating over their potential Round of 16 opponent.

Juventus must learn from this defeat, their first of the group stage and away from home in this competition since Matchday 3 last term at Olympiacos. After a first half which somehow ended goalless, it was Sevilla – who needed a win to maintain hopes of defending their Europa League crown – who looked the hungrier of the two sides.

In an interview with El Pais published on Tuesday, Allegri recounted a story from pre-season. “I said after a friendly in the summer: I don’t like the vibe you’re giving. Juventus must fight, suffer and run to win games.” It could well apply to the second half in Seville.

The spirit was missing after the interval and they had no answer to Llorente’s trademark header midway through. Paulo Dybala was the closest to finding the all-important equaliser as his shot rattled the crossbar inside the final 10 minutes. It was not to be.

Giorgio Chiellini felt the performance warranted more. “We did not deserve to lose. In fact, even a draw would’ve been limiting considering the performances,” the defender stated. “We had many chances to score and barely risked anything at the back, if not on a few counter-attacks.”

But Juventus paid dearly for spurned opportunities, most glaring being Alvaro Morata’s inexplicable miss from close range. The Spaniard, who netted in the first meeting between the sides, shot wide of the target when teed up by the impressive Dybala with the goal at his mercy. Going ahead early would have given Juve breathing space.

And as the game entered second half injury time Morata found space inside the penalty area, but could not get the better of Sergio Rico. Credit must go to the young goalkeeper and his veteran counterpart Gianluigi Buffon at the other end, the pair producing some excellent saves throughout. But Juve will wonder how they did not find the back of the net, a thought Dybala echoed at full time.

It means Allegri’s side are likely in for a tougher Round of 16 draw. They’ll wish to avoid the big three of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Atletico Madrid are also tough nuts to crack.

That makes the path to the quarter finals a difficult one and as Chiellini admitted, Juventus now hope “the draw will be kind.” Of course, the Bianconeri advanced to the Final last season after finishing behind Atletico. They grew game by game on the continent after being paired with Borussia Dortmund. So they know what it takes from this position.

But it will be a night tinged with regret. Top spot was handed to Juventus on a plate. So often a side able to get the result required, on this occasion the Bianconeri shunned the gift. Will it come back to haunt them?

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8524]

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

F. Llorente (65')

Matchday 6
Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Attendance: 35583

Max Allegri says Juventus should not be
disappointed with loss to Sevilla

Manager's quotes after Juventus lost 1-0 away at Sevilla.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/12/9/9873986/allegri-juventus-should-not-be-disappointed-with-loss-sevilla-champions-league

Dec 9, 2015
 
While Juventus had already ensured qualification into the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League, they were still jockeying for top position on Matchday 6 with Manchester City. Juve needed to avoid defeat at Sevilla to finish first and failed to do that, while City came from behind to win against Borussia Monchengladbach and stole pole position instead.

Before the match, manager Massimiliano Allegri had stated that he wouldn't rest any players (Juve play Fiorentina on Saturday in a game that could have far-reaching Calcio implications) for the Sevilla game -

"First things first we have to secure first place, because first place is very important, above all in the draw.

"Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich will definitely finish first, and at this moment they're the strongest teams in Europe, so it would mean we couldn't get them."

However today's reverse left Allegri trying to placate the fanbase -

"We did very well throughout the group stage and I saw the improvements within the team.

"There are never easy games in the Champions League, but I consider the performance tonight to be good. If we had taken the lead, it would've been very different.

"We did well in the first half, but after the break we gave the ball away too often. It was not easy to come here and get a positive result, no matter what some people might think.

"Now we have to wait for the draw, but we mustn't be disappointed. This was the most difficult group in the competition and it would've been great to win it, but the most important thing was qualifying.

"We've got a game coming up in Serie A against Fiorentina that is more important than tonight's match."

Alvaro Morata, who started today with Mario Mandzukic ill, looked lively throughout but was guilty of missing a sitter that could have ensured a draw at least for Juve.

"Morata had a good game and has always scored in Europe. Last season he was in competition for a place with Fernando Llorente. This term he's had some ups and downs, but he played well tonight and it's disappointing for him that he didn't score.

"We should've controlled the result and not push, as that was down to Sevilla. At the end we hit the bar with Paulo Dybala and had another great chance with Morata."

It's not all doom and gloom as at least Juventus have made the next round, but the list of teams they could face got exponentially harder. The draw will be held on 14th December, keep it here for full coverage.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
Here's who we could be paired with in next week's #UCLdraw: Real, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Bayern, Wolfsburg, Zenit, Chelsea/Porto.

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8524]

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

F. Llorente (65')

Matchday 6
Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Attendance: 35583

Fernando Llorente Earns Sevilla Europa League
Spot With 1-0 Win Over Juventus

Fernando Llorente came back to haunt his old side Juventus as Sevilla sealed their
shot at another Europa League title with a 1-0 win over the Italian champions on Tuesday.

http://www.thehardtackle.com/2015/champions-league-fernando-llorente-earns-sevilla-fc-europa-league-spot-with-1-0-win-over-juventus/?

Dec 9, 2015
 
Victory for Unai Emery’s men allied to Manchester City’s come-from-behind 4-2 win against Borussia Moenchengladbach propelled Sevilla into third place in Group D and a place in the competition they have won for the past two years.

Meanwhile, defeat for Juventus means they could face the likes of Bayern Munich, Barcelona or Real Madrid in the last 16 as they slipped to second in the group.

Last season’s beaten finalists were left to rue a series of missed chances as they suffered a first defeat in eight games.

Sevilla goalkeeper Sergio Rico was alive early on to claw away Stefano Sturaro’s header.

However, at the other end Gianluigi Buffon showed his reflexes haven’t waned with age as he made a fine double save from Llorente and Yevhen Konoplyanka.

Juventus’s Spanish international Alvaro Morata then missed the first of a number of chances on a night to forget on his return to Spain as he prodded wide from Paulo Dybala’s knockdown.

And Rico stood tall again to turn Dybala’s free-kick to safety just before half-time.

Sevilla started stronger after the break and were rewarded 25 minutes from time when Llorente flicked Konoplyanka’s cross into the far corner for just his fourth goal since leaving Juventus in August.

The hosts then had to withstand a Juventus onslaught in the final 10 minutes as Dybala hit the crossbar, whilst Rico produced another brilliant save from Paul Pogba.

The visitors had one final chance in stoppage time, but Morata again failed to hit the target as their chances of avoiding Europe’s elite in Monday’s draw for the knockout stages slipped away.

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8524]

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

F. Llorente (65')

Matchday 6
Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Attendance: 35583

Juventus need luck in Champions
League draw after finishing second

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2748004/juventus-need-luck-champions-league-draw-after-second-place?

Dec 9, 2015
 
On a night when the Italians needed only a draw to qualify as Group D winners in the Champions League, Fernando Llorente scored for Sevilla to condemn Juventus to a 1-0 defeat, leaving another giant in awe of Sevilla's tenacity. "Qualifying is what's important," said Massimiliano Allegri after the defeat and in a ground where Valencia, Barcelona and Real Madrid lost, Juventus were always going to suffer in the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium.

Except they shouldn't have. On the whole the Bianconeri played a much better game and created many more exciting chances, demonstrating their pace in getting behind the defenders as Claudio Marchisio perfectly directed the team from the midfield. Alvaro Morata should have scored three, Stefano Sturaro had a brilliant chance and Juventus even hit the woodwork, but sadly the Turin giants could not finish in the way they know how.

When Los Nervionenses play at home, they rediscover their enjoyment for the game and expend all the energy necessary to grab a win. Organised defensively, Unai Emery's men realised the only way to penetrate Juve's strong defence was by pressing in unison and provoking errors. Against an Italian side that love to play out from the back, Sevilla harried and pressured each ball carrier in hopes of winning back possession to launch a swift attack.

With Llorente doing his best to be a nuisance, the Bianconeri centre-backs were busy attempting to keep his big frame from knocking a goal in with his head while Sevilla always looked dangerous from set-pieces -- ones achieved thanks to the overwhelming pressure they placed on defenders. A hardworking forward, Llorente understands how to use his strength and worked tirelessly to hold the ball up for the sake of his teammates.

Always organised, when the Spaniards lost the ball and were forced to defend, they did so in numbers, taking care to close down all spaces to make it difficult for Juventus to penetrate. The only way to overcome their organisation was with speed of thought and the pace of players such as Morata who were capable of springing the offside traps.

Getting himself into excellent positions, the youngster failed to make the most of the opportunity he was handed on account of Mario Mandzukic's absence. Low on confidence and guilty of dropping focus, the player is missing the ruthless edge that bagged him so many goals in so many wonderful European nights. The lack of continuity has evidently blunted his ability in front of goal as well as robbing him of his self esteem. Rather than celebrate a potential hat trick, Morata squandered excellent opportunities.

Instead it was his former teammate that produced the display necessary to guarantee his side a place in the Europa League, but Sergio Rico played an equally important game to ensure Juventus didn't score, making the kind of saves that would frustrate even the best of finishers.

As it stands, Juventus have qualified for the next stage, but unfortunately they only managed second place meaning there is a very real chance they will be drawn against the likes of Bayern Munich or Barcelona in the next round. This was a match they really ought to have won and against Sevilla, a side well organised but inferior in terms of quality, a draw was the very least Juventus should have managed.

Once again the Bianconeri's passing game left a lot to be desired, dispossessed on far too many occasions while they being guilty of several individual mistakes. This is a team that must learn how to control games and maintain their concentration, playing with the kind of tenacity Sevilla showed to score the winning goal. It hardly helps that Allegri chose to say that the upcoming game against Fiorentina was "more important than tonight's match." He may come to regret that comment.

Remarks such as those have a habit of infiltrating the players' minds and could subconsciously provoke poorer performances. For a coach who openly admitted he was worried about the environment at the club over the summer, sensing less ambition and effort being made by the squad, then one would expect he would encourage greater consistency and tell the players to only focus on the present and not the next game. The only thing this side can do is take it one day at a time, concentrating on the job at hand. Saying that the next match is more important simply goes against the message he needs the youngsters in the squad to understand.

However, one cannot be too hard on a side that, on the whole, performed well in a tough group and didn't have the bench required to shake things up against Sevilla. So many absences hindered Allegri from doing what he does best -- introducing tactical variety with no alternative striker even available to him. Simone Zaza was also ruled out.

With "the more important match" coming up on Sunday against the Viola, all the Old Lady can do is accept the result and hope that lady luck smiles down on her when it's time for the Champions League draw.

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8524]

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

F. Llorente (65')

Matchday 6
Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Attendance: 35583

Sevilla vs. Juventus 2015: Final score 1-0, Bianconeri
fail to clinch first place in Group D with at Sevilla

Juventus suffer their first Champions League defeat of the season
thanks to Sergio Rico's heroics and a second-half score by Fernando Llorente.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/12/9/9877662/sevilla-juventus--2015-champions-league-group-stage-final-score-recap-result

Dec 9, 2015
 
Did you ever have a nightmare where a villain, no matter how hard you have tried, denies you everything you want? But wait...in the same dream an old friend appeared. However, he didn't help you. Instead, he helped the villain. Sorry for the Freudian slip guys, but this is the feeling I've gotten after this match. Sergio Rico was fantastic. he — almost — singlehandedly gave Sevilla their pass to the Europa League.

Juventus already had a place in the Champions League last 16 when they visited the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Tuesday night. Their goal was to clinch first place in Group D and avoid the European heavyweights come next week's Round of 16 draw. They needed to win or get a draw to achieve their objective. Likewise, Manchester City required a triumph against Borussia Monchengladbach and a Juventus defeat to claim the top spot in the group.

Massimiliano Allegri repeated the 3-5-2 formation that he utilized in the last Serie A game against Lazio. Mad Max implemented practically the same starting lineup, however, Álvaro Morata played alongside Paulo Dybala because Mario Mandzukic was ruled out by flu symptoms. Sevilla coach Unai Emery deployed a 4-5-1 pattern using the dangerous trident of Vitolo, Ever Banega and Yevhen Konoplyanka behind the ex-Juventino Fernando Llorente.

This game was a complete shootout from the beginning. Los Rojiblancos started the match applying great pressure all over the field, but it felt that they were playing with fire as Morata and Dybala found plenty of space behind Sevilla's defense.

The match was wide open after 17 minutes, and it was then when both teams began to exchange potential knockout punches. It initiated when Alex Sandro performed one of his trademark crosses and found Stefano Sturaro, and the youngster's header forced Sergio Rico into a superb flying save. One minute later, Sevilla had a clear opportunity when Fernando Llorente made a quick turn in the penalty box and executed a low shot that was brilliantly stopped by Gianluigi Buffon.

At the 25th minute, Leonardo Bonucci cleverly lobbed a pass behind Sevilla's defense; the ball located Dybala who unselfishly served Morata, nonetheless the Spaniard failed to score from point-blank range sending his effort wide of Rico's left post. Sevilla responded six minutes later with a set piece, as Konoplyanka crossed the ball onto Llorente's head, but Buffon completed a wonderful stop. Four minutes before halftime, Paul Pogba won a free kick, La Joya took advantage of it and curled a potent shot over the wall that was saved by Rico.

Juventus commenced the second half with a lot of intensity, three minutes after halftime Pogba sent a missile that burnt Sergio Rico's gloves, it was another acrobatic save by the inspired goalkeeper. However, Buffon responded at the 62nd minute with another brilliant stop, this time he denied a long-range effort by Eder Banega.

At the 65th minute Juventus was haunted by the Ex Effect. Konoplyanka curled a corner to the first post, and Llorente rose over Andrea Barzagli and scored with a nice header that left Buffon without a chance. It was time to check the match in Manchester-at that time Borussia was winning 2-1 over City-.

Juventus was shaken after Llorente's goal. Allegri decided to bring in Juan Cuadrado and switched to a more aggressive approach. Ten minutes before the final whistle, Dybala hit the crossbar with a thundering left footed shot; Sergio Rico was beaten in this one. At the injury time, Cuadrado assisted Morata leaving him one-on-one with Rico; the goalkeeper — who showed unbelievable reflexes — deflected the striker's shot miraculously.

Manchester City's comeback victory sent Juventus to the second position in Group D. The Bianconeri are in the knockout stage but — maybe — a tough task lies ahead.


LE PAGELLE

Buffon 8 Superman once again showed why he's a legend. He kept Sevilla in check until Llorente's score.

Barzagli 6 Barza had a solid game but was beaten by Llorente in the scoring play.

Bonucci 6 Leo was good on defense but had some problems with Sevilla's high pressure.

Chellini 6.5 King Kong had an entertaining duel with El Rey Leon. He had a nice game.
 
Lichtsteiner 6.5 The Swiss Express managed Konoplyanka appropriately.

Sturaro. 6.5 He was tireless as always. He could score early in the game with a header.

Marchisio 7 Il Principino had a monster battle with Banega. He had his usual metronome-like presentation.

Pogba 6.5 Paul tried early and often to break Sevilla's defense. He manufactured a couple of interesting plays.

Sandro 6.5 He combined well with Pogba but had his hands full with Vitolo.

Dybala 7.5 Another remarkable cameo by La Joya. He easily could have had a goal and an assist in this match.

Morata 5.5 Álvaro was very dynamic in the game; yet he failed two clear scoring chances.

 

Llorente 8 El Rey Leon...pfft


Subs

Cuadrado 6 The Colombian assisted Morata cleverly but failed to produce an impact on the pitch.


Coach

Allegri 6 It's really hard to judge Max in this one. His side produced a lot of scoring chances and he didn't have Mandzukic or Zaza in the bench.


Things I think I think

Del Bosque forget Casillas and De Gea. Sergio Rico must be your new No. 1 goalkeeper.

Spain, Sergio Rico must be your new king.

Fernando, it is really hard to hate you!

Juventus' bench for this match: Cuadrado, Neto, Rugani, Vitale, Pellini and Morselli. Yeah.

Okay, guys, it's time to dance with the big boys.

Fino alla fine!

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8524]

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

F. Llorente (65')

Matchday 6
Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Attendance: 35583

SEVILLA 1-0 JUVENTUS
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH REPORT

Juventus only needed a point for their game in Sevilla but it was
ex-Biaconeri striker Fernando Llorente who made the difference on the night.

http://www.juvefc.com/sevilla-1-0-juventus-champions-league-match-report/?

Dec 9, 2015

 

 
Statistics

Man of the Match: Paulo Dybala

Flop of the Match: Alvaro Morata

Corners: 3

Pass Accuracy: 86%

Shots on Target: 7

Total Shots: 19

Ball Possession: 53%

Formation: 3-5-2


Lineups

Sevilla: Sergio Rico; Coke, Rami, Kolo (Mariano Ferreira 57), Tremoulinas; Krychowiak, N’Zonzi; Vitolo, Banega, Konoplyanka (Krohn-Dehli 68); Llorente (Gameiro 78)

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner (Cuadrado 77), Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba, Alex Sandro; Morata, Dybala

Ref: Marciniak (POL)


Poll

Who was your man of the match against Sevilla ?

Dybala 50%

Buffon 30%
Marchisio 5%
Morata 5%
Sandro 5%

Barzagli 0%
Bonucci 0%
Chiellini 0%
Lichtsteiner 0%
Sturaro 0%
Pogba 0%

Votes 20

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8524]

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

F. Llorente (65')

Matchday 6
Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Attendance: 35583

WHO WOULD YOU PREFER TO
FACE IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ?

http://www.juvefc.com/who-would-you-prefer-to-face-in-the-champions-league/?

Dec 9, 2015
 
Juventus are through to the draw for the last 16 of the Champions League where Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid await.

The Bianconeri needed a point from their final group game against Sevilla to guarantee top spot but a disappointing performance was capped off by 1-0 loss, including a goal from ex-Juve forward Fernando Llorente.

With Juventus qualifying in second place, they could face any one of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Wolfsburg, Zenit and Chelsea.


Poll

Who would you want to face in the last 16 of the Champions League ?

Chelsea 27%

Zenit 26%
Wolfsburg 23%
Barcelona 8%
Real Madrid 8%
Bayern 4%
Atletico Madrid 3%

Votes 248

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8524]

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

F. Llorente (65')

Matchday 6
Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Attendance: 35583

Alvaro Morata's Poor Form on Full
Display as Juventus Lose to Sevilla

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2597229-alvaro-moratas-poor-form-on-full-display-as-juventus-lose-to-sevilla?

Dec 9, 2015

Knowing they needed just a single point to secure top spot in Group D, Juventus travelled to Sevilla hoping to gain the positive result that would allow them to do just that. Ultimately they fell short, losing 0-1 at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium to a goal from their former striker Fernando Llorente.

Once again, injuries made the task more difficult for Massimiliano Allegri, with the squad list for the encounter, per the club’s official website, showing the coach was forced to do without Patrice Evra, Hernanes, Sami Khedira, Mario Mandzukic, Roberto Pereyra, Martin Caceres and Mario Lemina.

Yet despite those absences, the Bianconeri were arguably the better side, enjoying the better chances of the game but failing to convert them.

Indeed, according to statistics courtesy of WhoScored.com, possession in the game was split 50-50, but Juve made more passes (473-407) while taking more shots and getting more on target.

Ultimately, though, that inability to put the ball in the net came back to haunt them when Llorente headed home Yevhen Konoplyanka’s 65th-minute corner. The Spanish striker was able to escape the attention of his marker Andrea Barzagli, but Alvaro Morata—positioned in the near post area—failed to intervene.

Llorente’s desire to win that header separated the two sides, but the performance of the man charged with preventing that was arguably the real difference. Morata—given his first start in a month—endured a poor evening, looking devoid of confidence and nothing like his clinical best.

He missed the target with three of his six shots, failed in two of his four take-on attempts and committed three fouls. While it is easy to note he completed 19 of his 22 passes and worked hard defensively, there is little doubt that he failed when it mattered.
 
Adam Digby @Adz77
Alvaro Morata #SevillaJuve (Dec 8) 6 shots, 2/4 take-ons, 3 fouls made, 2 suffered, 19/22 passes (via @StatsZone)

In the fourth minute, Morata flashed a header wide from Claudio Marchisio’s cross, but if that was a difficult chance, he would miss a number of far easier ones. Just 20 minutes later, a ball into the box was headed back to him by Paulo Dybala, but somehow Morata managed to scuff it when it seemed far easier to hit the target.

The 23-year-old would burst into the box on a strong run, beating one defender before attempting to take on another; both occasions seemingly allowed him the chance to shoot only for him to decide not to.

Late in the game, Juan Cuadrado would give Morata one final chance, but his shot only struck Sevilla goalkeeper Sergio Rico. It was a performance which vindicated Allegri’s decision to prefer Dybala and Mandzukic in recent weeks, with that duo hitting good form while the former Real Madrid man sat on the bench.

Given his last goal came on October 4, Morata clear needs to break out of this slump, but Tuesday night’s match-winner has no doubt about the ability of his former team-mate.

Llorente told Mediaset Premium (h/t Football Italia):

If Morata had scored then it certainly would’ve made everything more complicated for us.

He needs to stay calm, because he knows he has great quality and there mustn’t be too much pressure on him.

Morata just needs confidence and the chance to prove what he’s worth, I am sure of it.

The player needs to quickly rediscover his best if he is to become a protagonist for the Bianconeri in the coming months, and perhaps director general Beppe Marotta summed it up best as he spoke to Mediaset Premium before the meeting with Sevilla.

“It’s up to him to prove his quality,” the club official said (h/t Football Italia) and that is almost certainly true.

Juventus certainly need the real Morata.

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8524]

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

F. Llorente (65')

Matchday 6
Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Attendance: 35583

SEVILLA 1-0 JUVENTUS – ALL IS NOT LOST!

http://www.juvefc.com/sevilla-1-0-juventus-all-is-not-lost/?

Dec 9, 2015

If there was one player who could put us to the sword and still leave me smiling, or rather, avoiding the eagerness to roar and smash the screen, it was Llorente. I have always liked the Spaniard, not just for his selfless build-up play, ability to bring others into an attacking move and his outstanding aerial ability but mainly for his temperament and professionalism. He truly is a gentleman of the game, a rare thing in the current climate of overpaid superstars with the demeanour of spoilt, capricious teenage girls.

We played well. Surely well enough to earn a point and had we taken any of our numerous chances created we would now be facing the draw for the knock-out stage with less trepidation. As it stands, we may well find ourselves facing Barca or Bayern, assuredly the only two teams I cannot see us or anyone else beating, on present form. The chances are 3 in 4 that we will avoid them. Its that 1 in 4 which causes concern. Yet the fact of the matter is that it makes no sense to be facing a tournament hoping always to avoid the best sides, for we will face them at one stage or another if we are to progress. It is of course more exciting for the elite clubs to lock horns in the latter stages, yet we should not be afraid of any team. Especially over two legs. And its worth bearing in mind that the last 16 matches begin in mid February. Which gives us plenty of time to recover players from injury, continue developing as a team and add momentum to the fine form of late which has seen us move back into contention for domestic honours.

Despite the result our performance was sound. We created plenty of decent chances. Sturaro and Morata were both guilty of wretched misses. Pogba was solid and also managed to test the ultra impressive Rico from range.

Two major positives from the game were the upturn in form of Marchisio, who guided the team well in both the defensive and attacking phases. And then there is Dybala…who hit the bar, forced the keeper into numerous saves and looked by far the most naturally gifted attacking force on the field from the start to the finish. The Argentine is growing in confidence and comfort on the ball and I have no doubt his debut season at the club will be a memorable one, for player and fans alike.

I felt sympathy for Morata, who really should have won us the game. Yet what can we expect of a player who has been in and out of the side all season and has recently been not exactly criticised but certainly spoken about in at very best, an encouraging manner, by the coach. Of course Allegri was led into such comments by the media, but still, words have been spoken, plenty written and this clearly wasn’t the best time to ease the striker back into a starting role. Yet the manager had little choice. Other than Cuadrado and Neto, we had no experience to call upon on the bench due to injuries. Three primavera players are far from ideal for an away fixture at one of the most fiercely partisan crowds out of Turkey! And if there is one strength of our Mister I trust, it is his ability to change a game during a game with tactical tweaks. This was simply not possible on this occasion.

Allegri chose the best players available. Which precluded the possibility of much of a game plan other than Plan A. There could be no Plan B, other than bring on Cuadrado. I suspect the outcome would have been very different had we been able to rely upon Mandzukic, Asamoah, Khedira, Evra and Zaza.

There is no need for alarm. Our decent form has continued. We were very unfortunate not to take all 3 points, let alone the solitary point required to retain top spot in the group. And better teams than us have fared worse in the same fixture this season…

I suspect that more teams will be worried about facing us in the next round than praying to meet us.

We have acquitted ourselves well whilst journeying through a tough group, the team development is continuing on an upwards trajectory and with the host of players still to return to the ranks, our fortunes will improve yet further.

So let us sweep aside the concerns and regrets and focus on the huge game against Fiorentina, the perfect opportunity to put right what went wrong last night.

(NB The draw for the knock-out phase is set for Midday CET, Monday 14th December)

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8524]

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

F. Llorente (65')

Matchday 6
Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Attendance: 35583

Pogba: 'Juventus fear nobody'

http://www.football-italia.net/76888/pogba-juventus-fear-nobody?

Dec 9, 2015

Paul Pogba is not bothered who Juventus face in the Champions League - “if we play Bayern, Barça or Zenit, it’s all the same.”

The Bianconeri lost 1-0 at Sevilla last night, allowing Manchester City to sneak past them and win the group, but the midfielder is not overly concerned.

“The goal was to get through,” Pogba told Sky.

“We could have got first place, but we didn’t and now we have to think of other things. We’ll think about the next League game [against Fiorentina], which could be very important for our season, and then we’ll see.

“A team to avoid? As always, we’re Juventus and we always want to win and do well.

“Like last year, whether we play Bayern [Munich] Barça [barcelona] or Zenit, it’s all the same. It’s a Champions League match, you never know who’ll win.”

The Old Lady had a difficult start to the season, as did Pogba, but the 22-year-old is targeting a return to the top of Serie A.

“It’s not like last year. Last year I started the season with six goals, and at the beginning of this season we didn’t do great, but we’re recovering.

“Personally, I’m always doing my best for the team. If I can score 10 goals for the team and myself it would be something extraordinary.

“It’s true I haven’t scored a lot of goals this season, but it’s not over yet.

“I want the team to win, and returning to top spot to win the Scudetto is the most important thing.

“Can we recover? We have a saying in French: ‘it’s at the end of the dance that you pay the musicians’. It means that we’ll see at the end.”

It has been suggested that a win in Sunday’s Fiorentina game would be like starting the League from scratch, but Pogba isn’t getting carried away.

“You could say that, because we know if we win this game it would be very good for us,” the French international admitted.

“But we’re taking it one game at a time, we’ve achieved nothing yet and there’s still a long way to go.

“I’d like to win against Fiorentina. We know that Fiorentina are very good this year, as are other teams.

“So the most important thing for us is to get a result against them, and against a team that is close to the top.”

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 16
Sunday, December 13th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Badelj: ‘Not thinking about Juve’

http://www.football-italia.net/76882/badelj-%E2%80%98not-thinking-about-juve%E2%80%99?

 
Dec 9, 2015
 
Milan Badelj assures Fiorentina are fully focused on Belenenses, despite the trip to Juventus on Sunday.

The Viola can secure their place in the Last 32 of the Europa League with a win at Artemio Franchi tomorrow, but are also riding high in Serie A ahead of the clash with the Turin giants.

“We can’t be swayed by voices from outside,” Badelj explained in the pre-match Press conference.

“A lot of people are already looking at Sunday, but we want to progress in Europe so we’re only focused on the game with Belenenses.

“We’re preparing as we always do. Tomorrow will be a decisive game, and we want to win in front of our fans.

“We still haven’t achieved anything in Europe this year, and we want to do it tomorrow.”

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 16
Sunday, December 13th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Pogba eager to beat Fiorentina
after Sevilla defeat

The France international has put Juventus' Champions League defeat to the back
of his mind as the champions prepare to take on Fiorentina in Serie A.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2015/12/09/18176912/-?

 
Dec 9, 2015
 
Paul Pogba has called for Juventus to forget about their Champions League defeat to Sevilla and instead focus on Sunday's crucial Serie A clash with Fiorentina.

Massimiliano Allegri's side were beaten 1-0 in Spain on Tuesday, with former Juve striker Fernando Llorente scoring the only goal of the game in the 65th minute.

That result, coupled with Manchester City's 4-2 triumph over Borussia Monchengladbach, means the Italian champions finished second in Group D.

They must now wait to find out who they will face in the knockout stages, but Pogba's immediate concern is this weekend's clash with Fiorentina, who sit second in Serie A - five points above Juve.

The France star told Sky Sport Italia : "Our aim in the Champions League was to get through to the knockout stages.

"We could have done so as group winners but weren't able to. Now we'll await the draw. We're Juventus and always want to win, regardless of who we're up against.

"Now we'll focus on the game against Fiorentina. They're playing very well this year and beating them would be a very important result for us.

"We'll just keep taking one game at a time though, we still haven't achieved anything."

After a shocking start to their title defence, Juventus have now won five on the spin in Serie A, six points adrift of leaders Inter and Pogba says they can retain their crown.

"We didn't begin the season well but we're making up ground," Pogba added.

"Do I think we can win the Scudetto? Of course I do. There's a French expression that says 'musicians are only paid at the end of the dance', so we'll wait until the end of the season and see where we end up."

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

Juventus' best and worst case scenarios
for the upcoming Champions League draw

The draw for the Round of 16 is on Monday in Nyon.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/12/10/9882330/juventus-2015-champions-league-round-of-16-draw-scenarios

Dec 9, 2015

EDIT:

The draw will be held on Monday at 12pm CET, which is 3am PST / 6am EST / 11am GMT.

Seeded group winners will be away in the first leg, and home for the second leg.

------------------------

The UEFA Champions League group stage is complete, and the bittersweet news is that Juventus have made it through to the knockout rounds. However, they lost their last game to finish Group D in second place and this poses a tricky problem for the Bianconeri when the draw will be done next Monday.

First legs of the round will be played on Feb. 16/17 and 23/24. Second legs will be on March 8/9 and 15/16.

Since no Italian team won their group, the remaining seven group winners are all fair game to play Juve in the first knockout round. Let's take a look at who's who, and how they got there.


Group A - Real Madrid were run close by Paris Saint-Germain, but beat on the minnows scoring 19 goals in six games.

Group B - Wolfsburg pipped PSV Eindhoven to the top, knocking out Manchester United in the process.

Group C - Atlético Madrid stayed ahead of Benfica to qualify comfortably.

Group E - Barcelona humiliated Roma and the rest of the group on their way to winning the group.

Group F - Bayern Munich also pumped in 19 goals to win, while Arsenal barely qualified on goal difference.

Group G - Chelsea put aside their miserable Premier League form and topped the group, while FC Porto were unfortunate to get knocked out by Dynamo Kiev.

Group H - Zenit St. Petersburg won a soft group, with KAA Gent coming in second.

Had Juventus won the group, their task in the next round would have been immeasurably easier. However, to win the Champions League, you have to play the best and beat the best, and that is what the Old Lady might have to do.


Worst case: Real Madrid, Barcelona or Bayern Munich

Real would be the least worst of the lot - Juve have actually had the better of the Merengues in a two-legged knockout round multiple times, as recently as the semi-finals last year. Real are embroiled in controversy with manager Rafa Benitez in charge, so this might be as good a time as any to play them.

Barca are in irresistible form as always, and Juventus have something to say to them after the loss in last year's Champions League final. But do the Italians have what it takes to beat them over two legs? It could come down to whether the first leg is at home or away for Juve. Group winners play away in the first leg.

And then there is Bayern. The Germans have looked almost mortal at times this year, and are plagued by injuries. But even in a transition year for the squad, there is plenty of quality there to give Massimiliano Allegri sleepless nights ahead of the fixtures in February and March.


Okay case: Wolfsburg & Atletico Madrid

The German side Wolfsburg have qualified for the Round of 16 for the first time in the club's history, but don't mistake them for a soft touch. They possess plenty of pace and skill despite having lost Kevin De Bruyne, and would pose a challenge for Juve.

Atleti are not as fearsome as in the last couple of years, but going up against any side of Diego Simeone's would pose a true test of grinta over 180 minutes. They are currently second in La Liga, and are only two points behind Barcelona.


Best case: Chelsea & Zenit

Jose Mourinho simply cannot find a solution to the physical challenges posed by smaller English clubs. Expect Allegri to outwit the 'special one' in a similar manner should Chelsea be Juve's opponents. Willian is their best player right now and must be kept quiet to beat the London side.

Zenit are a bit of an unknown quantity - they have some quality players in the squad, and manager Andre Villas-Boas has international pedigree having managed Chelsea and Tottenham. Playing in Russia in the dead of winter is not something Juve would relish nor have they done well in the past though.

Tell us in the comments below who you would like Juve to play, and who you would rather they avoided in the next round.

[Socrates 8524]

No Easy Ties For The Bianconeri In The Champions League

After their failure to top Group D in the Champions League, Oscar La-Gambina
analyses the Bianconeri’s potential opponents in the next round of the competition.

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/12/juventus-club-focus-no-easy-ties-for-the-bianconeri-in-the-champions-league/?

Dec 10, 2015

Over the past few weeks, we have discussed the improving form of Juventus in Serie A after their stuttering start to the season.

The poor beginning to the domestic campaign didn’t transfer across to the European stage however, with the conclusion of the Group Stages of the Champions League finalising the positions in Group D on Tuesday night, we can analyse where the Old Lady is now positioned.

After falling victim to former employee Fernando Llorente in Sevilla, Juventus lost 1-0 to the Spaniards but, thankfully, qualification was already secured, declaring this match void in terms of progression to the next round.

It was, however, a vital game in the chase for an easier tie in the first knockout round, with Manchester City being awarded the easier fixture out of the top two in the group as the Italians finished second.

The Citizens came from behind to win 4-2 against Borussia Monchengladbach, thus cementing their place at the top of the group and adding a few more nerves to the Bianconeri faithful.

We are, of course, only predicting a nightmare situation in the next round, although no outcome will be particularly favourable towards last season’s runners-up.

Following the conclusion of the first round, the other six teams who topped their respective groups pose far from comfortable ties to look ahead to.

The Italians cannot be drawn with Manchester City in the Round of 32 as they were from the same group, meaning that in the pot to face Massimiliano Allegri’s men are: Real Madrid, Wolfsburg, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Zenit St Petersburg.

A rematch of last year’s final against Barcelona would arguably be the worst case scenario as their front three of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez appear unstoppable this season.

The best case scenario for La Vecchia Signora, going by performances in the compeititon this season, would be a tie with Wolfsburg.

The German Wolves got the lowest number of points (12) out of the group stage stage winners and lost the joint most in the same category, albeit only twice.

With the draw to be made on December 14, it will be a nervous wait to see whether Juventus’ hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals can becoming a reality.

Before that, though, there is the rather large obstacle of Fiorentina to overcome on Sunday night.

La Viola travel to the Juventus Stadium knowing that a win could take them up to first place in the league table should Inter slip up, while the hosts can only climb up to fourth, provided that Roma’s result goes their way.

Although not completely convincing against Sevilla on Tuesday, the Juventus squad are capable of beating the high-flying Fiorentina side.

An impressive 2-0 victory away to Lazio on Friday night further suggests that three points are a likely possibility.

With Paul Pogba back in the team, along with the potential return of Mario Mandzukic to the field and the impressive form of Paulo Dybala being at Allegri’s disposal, Paulo Sousa’s defence could crumble should the reigning champions apply enough pressure.

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 16
Sunday, December 13th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Borja Valero: 'Now for Juventus'

http://www.football-italia.net/76950/borja-valero-now-juventus?

 
Dec 10, 2015
 
Borja Valero celebrates Fiorentina’s Europa League qualification and looks ahead to Juventus, “the most important game of the year.”

The Viola secured their place in the Round of 32 with a 1-0 victory over Belenenses, going through second behind Basel.

“Today we had to get the result and now we wait to see what the draw has in store for us,” Borja Valero told Sky Sport Italia.

“All that mattered tonight was winning, even if the style of football wasn’t up to our usual standards.

“Now we have to prepare for Juventus and we hope to do well. The fans consider this the most important game of the year and consequently so do we players.

“We want to win both for the fans and for us, so we can stay near the top of the table. We are not afraid of anyone, we’ll go to Turin to play our game, even if it won’t be easy against a very strong Juventus side.”

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 16
Sunday, December 13th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Sousa: 'I'd like an English opponent'

http://www.football-italia.net/76953/sousa-id-english-opponent?

 
Dec 10, 2015
 
Paulo Sousa would “like to face an English team” in the Europa League and prepares Fiorentina for the Juventus clash on Sunday.

The Viola secured their spot in the Round of 32 with a 1-0 victory over Belenenses this evening, but Khouma Babacar did not celebrate the goal.

“He just has to think about scoring. I am happy for him and the team,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“I’d like to face an English team in the next round and there are several that we could be paired with in the draw. I really like the atmosphere of playing in England and we will be competitive.

“Manchester United? It’s great to play against these clubs and we want to honour the competition while giving the opportunity to those who don’t play as much to get some minutes in their legs.

“I am satisfied because we got through the group and my squad proved itself to be competitive. In February the situation will be different and we’ll see what happens.

“We have to make better decisions and move the ball quicker. When the intensity level drops, our style of football gets worse too. The team has understood the concepts and puts them into practice, but we have to keep them up throughout the entire season.”

Fiorentina face arch rivals Juventus in Serie A on Sunday and it’s a game against his former club.

“My job is all about emotions and excitement, so the game with Juve is just like any other, the important thing is to be there.”

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 16
Sunday, December 13th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Borja Valero: Juventus clash the 'biggest game of the year'

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/story/2751025/borja-valero-juventus-clash-biggest-game-of-the-year?

 
Dec 11, 2015
 
Juventus and Fiorentina are preparing themselves for their "biggest game of the year" when they meet in Serie A this weekend.

Fiorentina's Borja Valero and Juve's Claudio Marchisio have raised the stakes in one of the bitterest of rivalries in Italian football by declaring Sunday's fixture the match of the season.

Five points separate second-placed Fiorentina from their rivals in fifth, giving a great significance to the three points on offer at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday.

"We know it's the biggest game of the year for the fans, and it's the same for us," Valero told Sky Sport Italia after the Viola booked their place in the last 32 of the Europa League on Thursday with a 1-0 win over Belenenses.

"We're not afraid of anybody. We're going to Turin looking for a win, even though we know Juventus are very strong."

The game is no less vital for Juve, with Marchisio stating that the Bianconeri are "ready" for Sunday's test.

"It's an important game against Fiorentina, also because Napoli play Roma on Sunday, so the top teams in the table are meeting," he said at a charity event on Thursday, according to La Stampa. "We're ready for it, and a lot can still happen."

Juve go into the game on a five-game winning streak, which has catapulted them from the bottom half of the table into their highest position of the season so far -- six points from the summit, rather than the 11 they needed to make up just over a month ago.

Fiorentina have not lost any of their last six league games, though, and will be keen to leave their rivals eight points in their wake after the weekend.

"Hopefully we can win it to stay up there," Valero added.

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127