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Juventus Season 2015-2016

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JUVENTUS - BAYERN


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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)



Vidal starts for Bayern against former club Juve


The midfielder makes his return to Turin after being preferred to Xabi Alonso
in the centre, while Mario Mandzukic will also confront old friends.


http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2914/champions-league/2016/02/23/20644302/-?


Feb 23, 2016

Arturo Vidal will be given the chance to take down Juventus in his former stamping ground, as the Chilean was included in Bayern Munich's starting XI.

The former Bianconeri favourite was preferred over Xabi Alonso in the middle of the park, where he will be joined by Thiago Alcantara for the first leg of Tuesday's Champions League tie.

Bayern coach Pep Guardiola has also raised eyebrows with his centre-back pairing.

David Alaba and Joshua Kimmich have been drafted into the middle of the defence in a bold move from the ex-Barcelona man due to the absences of Jerome Boateng and Holger Badstuber through injury.

Hosts Juventus, meanwhile, also field a player ready to meet with his former team-mates.

Mario Mandzukic lines up in attack alongside Paulo Dybala, with the Croatian preferred to Alvaro Morata who drops down to the bench.


Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Evra; Cuadrado, Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba; Mandzukic, Dybala

Substitutes: Neto, Rugani, Sturaro, Pereyra, Hernanes, Zaza, Morata



Bayern: Neuer; Lahm, Kimmich, Alaba, Bernat; Vidal, Thiago; Robben, Muller, Costa; Lewandowski

Substitutes: Ulreich, Benatia, Ribery, Rafinha, Alonso, Gotze, Coman

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)



Del Piero: 'Perfect timing for Juve'


http://www.football-italia.net/80301/del-piero-perfect-timing-juve?


Feb 23, 2016

Alessandro Del Piero believes Juventus host Bayern Munich “at the perfect time” in the Champions League.

The first leg in the Round of 16 kicks off at 19.45 GMT. Follow the build-up and action on our LIVEBLOG.

“Juve have every chance of winning tonight, as they have found their solidity and this game arrives at the perfect time,” the former captain told Sky Sport Italia.

“It could not be a better situation for the Bianconeri. Of course then they’ll have to play in Germany, but today it feels as if the issue of qualification is much more open than it was at the draw three months ago.”

Both sides have injury problems, as Giorgio Chiellini, Alex Sandro and Kwadwo Asamoah miss out for the hosts.

Pep Guardiola must do without Javier Martinez, Holger Badstuber and Jerome Boateng.


Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Evra; Cuadrado, Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba; Dybala, Mandzukic

Juventus bench: Neto, Rugani, Sturaro, Pereyra, Hernanes, Zaza, Morata


Bayern Munich: Neuer; Lahm, Kimmich, Alaba, Bernat; Vidal; Robben, Thiago Alcantara, Müller, Costa; Lewandowski

Bayern Munich bench: Ulreich, Benatia, Ribery, Rafinha, Alonso, Götze, Coman

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)



Iuliano: 'Juve can hurt Bayern'


http://www.football-italia.net/80303/iuliano-juve-can-hurt-bayern?


Feb 23, 2016

Mark Iuliano advises Juventus to focus on rapid counter-attacks against Bayern Munich.

The first leg in the Round of 16 kicks off at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

“Juve are ready and fired up, so we hope for an entertaining game and that Juve go through,” the former defender told Mediaset Premium.

“Pep Guardiola has an important set-up, so Juve need to be wary and hit them in the moment Bayern allow even the tiniest gap.”

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)



HT 0-1: Bayern break Juve down


http://www.football-italia.net/80305/ht-bayern-break-juve-down?


Feb 23, 2016

Juventus are trailing 1-0 at half-time as Thomas Müller broke through for dominant Bayern Munich.

These sides were both dealing with injury problems, as the hosts missed Giorgio Chiellini, Alex Sandro and Kwadwo Asamoah, but Mario Mandzukic and Sami Khedira made their comebacks after muscular problems. Bayern had to revamp their defence without Javier Martinez, Jerome Boateng and Holger Badstuber, while Xabi Alonso was surprisingly benched.

There was a scare within four minutes when Arturo Vidal, returning to face his former club, unleashed a volley from the edge of the box to sting Gigi Buffon’s gloves.

As expected, Juve allowed Bayern possession and waited to hit them on the counter, Mandzukic sliding in and just failing to get decent contact to a Paulo Dybala cross.

Bayern should’ve been 1-0 up after 13 minutes when Philipp Lahm pulled back for Thomas Müller, but he tried to take an extra touch and only meekly prodded it towards goal, allowing Leonardo Bonucci to clear.

Douglas Costa was booked for tripping Juan Cuadrado and Paul Pogba had penalty appeals when his cross was chipped on to Vidal’s hand, while Arjen Robben’s shot on the half-volley flew over the bar.

Buffon got down to beat away a Juan Bernat strike from just inside the box and Robert Lewandowski’s header from a free kick was comfortably plucked out of the air.

Robben’s header was over from a corner and David Alaba crucially intercepted Dybala’s assist for Mandzukic when clear on goal.

Bayern Munich dominated possession in the first half with over 70 per cent and eventually made it count. Robben’s cross was volleyed back in by Douglas Costa and the clearance only came as far as Müller to fire in from 12 yards.


Juventus 0-1 Bayern Munich (Half-Time)

Scorers: Müller 43 (B)

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Evra; Cuadrado, Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba; Dybala, Mandzukic

Bayern Munich: Neuer; Lahm, Kimmich, Alaba, Bernat; Vidal; Robben, Thiago Alcantara, Müller, Costa; Lewandowski

Ref: Atkinson (ENG)

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Thomas Müller (43')
Arjen Robben (55')

Paulo Dybala (63')
Stefano Sturaro (76')

 
 

Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)
Attendance: 41332



Juventus 2-2 Bayern Munich: Dybala & Sturaro
seal brilliant comeback for hosts


The visitors dominated early on but took their foot off the accelerator
once they went two goals ahead, allowing the Bianconeri to seal an unlikely tie.


169eups.jpg


http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-bayern-m%C3%BCnchen/2176174/report


Feb 23, 2016

Paulo Dybala and Stefano Sturaro both scored their maiden Champions League goals as Juventus recovered from a 2-0 deficit to secure a 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich in a see-saw first leg of their last-16 tie.

The visitors looked to be coasting to a fourth straight win over their Italian opponents when they went two goals up, Thomas Muller getting the first of them on 43 minutes when converting a cutback from Douglas Costa.

A curling strike from Arjen Robben 10 minutes after the break was no more than Bayern deserved for their dominance.

Yet Juventus produced a dramatic recovery in the final half-hour, starting with Dybala halving the deficit with a cool finish following a defensive mistake by the German side.

The comeback was complete when substitute Sturaro scored just seven minutes after coming on, the midfielder turning home fellow replacement Alvaro Morata’s header across the face of goal.

Bayern had to field David Alaba and Joshua Kimmich as an unlikely centre-back pairing due to injuries, but they worked out that the best way to keep the pressure off their makeshift defensive line was to dominate possession.

Muller should have given the visitors the lead in the 13th minute, as Robert Lewandowski teed up his colleague for a chance from six yards out that seemed easier to score than miss.

But, after taking an initial touch of the ball, the Germany international was unable to get enough force on his poked finish as he fell backwards when losing his balance.

Gianluigi Buffon needed to get down low to his right to keep out a drive from full-back Juan Bernat, while the veteran goalkeeper was fortunate that Lewandowski’s flicked header from a deep free-kick went straight at him.

However, Bayern's dominance eventually led to an opening goal before the break.

A deep cross from the right was volleyed back into the centre of the area by Douglas Costa, allowing Muller to make amends for his earlier miss with a side-footed finish when left all alone from 12 yards out.

Juventus were caught short of numbers in conceding a second. It seemed Lewandowski’s pass had pushed Robben too wide on the right, but he cut back onto his favoured left to bend a shot beyond Buffon.

Needing a lifeline to stay alive in the tie, Juventus were gifted a chance to halve the deficit when Kimmich failed to clear the ball just outside his own area. Mandzukic’s first-time pass slipped in Dybala, who coolly slotted home.

Juan Cuadrado had a shot beaten away by Manuel Neuer before Sturaro popped up in the box to slide in and convert Morata's nod into the danger area.

The second leg takes place in Munich on March 16.

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Thomas Müller (43')
Arjen Robben (55')

Paulo Dybala (63')
Stefano Sturaro (76')

 
 


Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)
Attendance: 41332



CL: Juve comeback holds Bayern


It was a game of two halves in Turin, as Bayern Munich dominated,
but Juventus came back from 2-0 down for 2-2.


1z5m8on.jpg


http://www.football-italia.net/80307/cl-juve-comeback-holds-bayern?


Feb 23, 2016

The second leg is in three weeks' time and remains open, albeit difficult.

These sides were both dealing with injury problems, as the hosts missed Giorgio Chiellini, Alex Sandro and Kwadwo Asamoah, but Mario Mandzukic and Sami Khedira made their comebacks after muscular problems. Bayern had to revamp their defence without Javier Martinez, Jerome Boateng and Holger Badstuber, while Xabi Alonso was surprisingly benched.

There was a scare within four minutes when Arturo Vidal, returning to face his former club, unleashed a volley from the edge of the box to sting Gigi Buffon’s gloves.

As expected, Juve allowed Bayern possession and waited to hit them on the counter, Mandzukic sliding in and just failing to get decent contact to a Paulo Dybala cross.

Bayern should’ve been 1-0 up after 13 minutes when Philipp Lahm pulled back for Thomas Müller, but he tried to take an extra touch and only meekly prodded it towards goal, allowing Leonardo Bonucci to clear.

Douglas Costa was booked for tripping Juan Cuadrado and Paul Pogba had penalty appeals when his cross was chipped on to Vidal’s hand, while Arjen Robben’s shot on the half-volley flew over the bar.

Buffon got down to beat away a Juan Bernat strike from just inside the box and Robert Lewandowski’s header from a free kick was comfortably plucked out of the air.

Robben’s header was over from a corner and David Alaba crucially intercepted Dybala’s assist for Mandzukic when clear on goal.

Bayern Munich dominated possession in the first half with over 70 per cent and eventually made it count. Robben’s cross was volleyed back in by Douglas Costa and the clearance only came as far as Müller to fire in from 12 yards. However, replays show the goal should’ve been disallowed, as there was a Bayern player offside standing in the path of the ball, blocking Buffon’s vision.

Max Allegri had to make changes after a dismal first half, but one was forced upon him, as Claudio Marchisio went off with a muscular problem. Rather than Stefano Sturaro or Roberto Pereyra, he surprisingly introduced Hernanes.

Bayern doubled their lead surprisingly with a counter-attack, as Cuadrado lost possession in midfield and Robben cut in to curl home with his splendid left foot. Juve complained Lewandowski shoved Bonucci during the build-up.

The Bianconeri finally had an attacking move and scored, as Joshua Kimmich’s poor clearance was prodded on by Mandzukic for Dybala to burst into the box and sweep the left-foot finish past Manuel Neuer.

Juventus finally seemed to wake up, as Cuadrado’s strike was fingertipped over the bar by Neuer and Pogba’s curler clipped the top of the far post.

Allegri threw on Alvaro Morata, who immediately scuffed his shot from the D, but then set up the equaliser as Juve fought back from 2-0 down to equalise. Mandzukic flicked on a Pogba pass for Morata to nod back across the face of goal and fellow substitute Sturaro came sliding in to score from six yards.

It was like a completely different game, as Pogba’s header was over, while Medhi Benatia nodded a corner on to the roof of the net.

Leo Bonucci’s volley from the edge of the box was straight at Neuer.


Juventus 2-2 Bayern Munich

Scorers: Müller 43 (B), Robben 55 (B), Dybala 63 (J), Sturaro 76 (J)

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Evra; Cuadrado, Khedira (Sturaro 68), Marchisio (Hernanes 46), Pogba; Dybala (Morata 74), Mandzukic

Bayern Munich: Neuer; Lahm, Kimmich, Alaba, Bernat (Benatia 74); Vidal; Robben, Thiago Alcantara, Müller, Costa (Ribery 84); Lewandowski

Ref: Atkinson (ENG)

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Thomas Müller (43')
Arjen Robben (55')

Paulo Dybala (63')
Stefano Sturaro (76')

 
 

Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)
Attendance: 41332



Juventus rally from two goals down to
manage draw with Bayern in first leg


6xrn00.jpg


http://www.espnfc.co.uk/uefa-champions-league/match/439173/juventus-bayern-munich/report


Feb 23, 2016

Juventus came from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Bayern Munich.

Goals from Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben either side of half-time looked to have put Bayern in control of the tie.

But Paulo Dybala pulled one back and substitute Stefano Sturaro equalised to ensure Juventus will go into March 16's second leg with optimism.

The pre-match team news focused on both team's defences, with Juve switching to a back four in the absence of Giorgio Chiellini while injury-hit Bayern paired the inexperienced Joshua Kimmich with the versatile David Alaba in the centre. Full-back Philipp Lahm made his 100th Champions League appearance.

Mario Mandzukic scuffed an early shot for Juve before, at the other end, a rather better-struck 25-yard volley from Arturo Vidal was beaten away by Gianluigi Buffon.

Mandzukic stretched to reach strike partner Dybala's cross but could only divert the ball over the bar.

Bayern missed an extraordinary opportunity in the 13th minute when Lahm cut the ball into the box and Robert Lewandowski drew the keeper but squared the ball behind Muller, who could not get the ball out of his feet and his weak shot was cleared off the line by Leonardo Bonucci.

Vidal got away with a possible handball when Paul Pogba stabbed the ball into the Bayern area.

Robben fired over from the right side of the penalty area before Muller was again unable to bring the ball under control in the box.

Buffon fumbled Juan Bernat's innocuous shot but Bonucci scrambled the ball away, and Robben then headed Douglas Costa's corner wide.

Bayern continued to dominate, though, and it told before half-time as Costa's volleyed cross deflected off Andrea Barzagli and Muller stroked home.

Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri sent on Hernanes for Claudio Marchisio at half-time but the desired impact was not forthcoming as Robben made it 2-0 10 minutes into the second period.

Thiago Alcantara's pass sparked a three-man breakaway and Lewandowski - who got away with a foul on Bonucci in the build-up - used Muller as a decoy and fed the Holland winger, who cut inside and curled a left-foot shot around Bonucci and Buffon.

Dybala saw a free-kick deflected over the bar but the Bayern pressure kept coming and Lewandowski sent a diving header wide.

Out of nowhere, though, Juve pulled a goal back when Kimmich's error presented the ball to Mandzukic and he slid it through for Dybala to take a touch and finish.

Mandzukic was fortunate to escape punishment after twice pushing his head towards Lewandowski as the two squared up but it did not disrupt Juve's new-found rhythm, Juan Cuadrado denied by Manuel Neuer's fingertips and Pogba curling just over.

Allegri sent on Sturaro in the 69th minute and Alvaro Morata in the 75th and these changes paid off immediately, as Morata headed Mandzukic's pass nicely across the six-yard box for a lunging Sturaro to finish via the crossbar.

Barzagli cleared Robben's cross away from Lewandowski and when Muller delivered from the other side, it was just too far in front of the Poland striker. Mehdi Benatia then headed over from Thiago's corner.

Bonucci's shot was straight at Neuer and Bayern substitute Franck Ribery, who on Sunday returned from 11 months out, was unable to pick out Lewandowski as the match finished with no further score.

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JUVENTUS - BAYERN


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Thomas Müller (43')
Arjen Robben (55')

Paulo Dybala (63')
Stefano Sturaro (76')

 
 

Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)
Attendance: 41332



Juventus come from behind to
rescue draw with Bayern Munich


23mjy4j.jpg


http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/bayern-munich/champions-league/result/result-juve-rescue-draw-against-bayern_267088.html


Feb 23, 2016

Juventus scored twice in the final 30 minutes to rescue a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 clash this evening.

The Italian champions looked down and out following a dominant opening hour for Bayern, but goals from Paulo Dybala and Stefano Sturaro ensured that they at least remain in the contest ahead of next month's second leg at the Allianz Arena.

The hosts threatened in the opening seconds when a ball over the top released Mario Mandzukic, although his tame effort was simple for Manuel Neuer to stop.

That was pretty much as good as it got for Juventus in the first half too, as Bayern quickly took control of the contest, testing Gianluigi Buffon for the first time after just four minutes when the Juve skipper parried Arturo Vidal's volley away.

Juventus did make rare forays into the Bayern half, including a chance on the stretch for Mandzukic that he was unable to take, but for the most part it was one-way traffic in Bayern's favour, and they should have broken the deadlock in the 13th minute.

Joshua Kimmich and Philipp Lahm combined to find Robert Lewandowski inside the box, but the in-form striker showed an unselfish streak by instead finding Thomas Muller. However, the ball was just behind the German, who fluffed his lines and couldn't snap up a golden opportunity.

Arjen Robben was the next to threaten for the visitors when he lashed a volley over the crossbar, before Juan Bernat drew an unconvincing stop from Buffon shortly after the half-hour mark.

The home shot-stopper was by far the busier of the two goalkeepers and kept out a Lewandowski header moments later, while Robben sent a headed effort of his own wide of the target towards the latter stages of the half.

Bayern's relentless pressure finally told with just two minutes remaining of the first half when Robben's cross was knocked back into the middle by Douglas Costa and only cleared as far as Muller, who calmly stroked the ball home with a simple finish.

The second half quickly fell into a similar rhythm, and after David Alaba had sent a swinging long-range strike over the top, the visitors soon had their second goal to take a big step towards the quarter-finals.

It came on the counter-attack as Lewandowski brought the ball forward before finding Robben, who cut inside from the right before curling a trademark finish into the far corner past a helpless Buffon.

Juve's chances in the tie looked bleak, but they gave themselves a lifeline with a goal against the run of play when Mandzukic capitalised on a Kimmich error to thread a pass through to Dybala, who duly tucked away his first ever Champions League goal.

That suddenly sparked the hosts into life and they began to apply sustained pressure on Bayern for the first time, with Juan Cuadrado seeing one shot tipped over by Neuer at the end of a quick break before Paul Pogba curled one narrowly off target from the resulting corner.

Juve did complete the unlikely turnaround with just under 15 minutes remaining, however, when two subs combined as Alvaro Morata steered a header into the path of Sturaro, who side-footed a finish into the roof of the net from close range.

Both sides had openings in the closing stages of the contest, with Pogba glancing a header off target and Mehdi Benatia doing the same at the other end of the pitch with just a minute of normal time remaining.

Leonardo Bonucci brought a late stop from Neuer when his volley from the edge of the box was straight at the keeper, but ultimately the two sides were forced to settle for the draw at the halfway stage of the tie.

The advantage, though, lies with Bayern, who take two away goals into the second leg at the Allianz Arena on March 16 looking to maintain their 100% home record in all competitions this season.

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JUVENTUS - BAYERN


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Thomas Müller (43')
Arjen Robben (55')

Paulo Dybala (63')
Stefano Sturaro (76')



Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)
Attendance: 41332



Juventus 2-2 Bayern Munich: Bianconeri
Battle Back To Earn Vital Draw


2h7288h.jpg


http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/02/juventus-2-2-bayern-munich-bianconeri-battle-back-to-earn-vital-draw/?


Feb 23, 2016

Juventus kept their Champions League hopes alive by drawing 2-2 with Bayern Munich on Tuesday evening in their first-leg clash.

Thomas Muller opened the scoring with a volley from the edge of the box before Arjen Robben curled home the second for the German club. Paulo Dybala soon popped up to give the home team a goal moments before Stefan Sturaro restored clarity.

In a frantic start it was the Bianconeri who would get the first chance, Mario Mandzukic unable to get full purchase on a shot from the left hand side after just 40 seconds.

The return of the king, in the shape of Arturo Vidal, was showcased early on too. The Chilean spanked a fine volley to stun the palms of former teammate Gianluigi Buffon. The Bavarians continued to dominate proceedings and should have been ahead when Muller had the goal at his mercy, but the tame shot from the German was mopped up by Leonardo Bonucci.

As the game ticked over to the half-hour mark, Juan Bernat nearly snuck the visitors in front but again Buffon was there to save the day.

The deadlock was finally broken just before half-time, Muller applying the finishing touch following a cut back cross from Douglas Costa.

Massimiliano Allegri would have hoped his side could have clawed a goal back to draw level, but under 10 minutes into the second-half Bayern doubled their lead. It was the Dutchman, Robben, who curled home past Buffon after being played in by Robert Lewandowski.

Despite having a two-goal advantage, Bayern gifted a goal to the home side on the hour. Mandzukic played in Dybala who made no mistake to pull the Italians back into the tie.

Incredibly, with just fifteen minutes to go, Juventus levelled proceedings. It was the substitute, Sturaro, who stabbed home following Alvaro Morata’s header across goal which saw the match end all square.

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JUVENTUS - BAYERN


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Thomas Müller (43')
Arjen Robben (55')

Paulo Dybala (63')
Stefano Sturaro (76')



Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)
Attendance: 41332



Dybala: 'Juve can do it!'


v7qck4.jpg


http://www.football-italia.net/80308/dybala-juve-can-do-it?


Feb 23, 2016

Paulo Dybala admits “it will be tough, but if Juventus play with this heart and determination, we can” eliminate Bayern Munich.

The Argentine scored his first Champions League goal as Juve fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 in Turin.

“We were aware it was going to be very difficult, but we made them respect us in the end. We put our heart into it and did well to get a draw. We can do it,” Dybala told Mediaset Premium.

“We gave everything we had and never gave up. In the first half we allowed Bayern too much room, but did better in the second half by pressing high.

“It will be tough in the second leg, few teams can beat Bayern on their own turf, but if we play with this heart and determination then we can do it.”

The second leg in the Champions League Round of 16 is on March 16.

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JUVENTUS - BAYERN


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Thomas Müller (43')
Arjen Robben (55')

Paulo Dybala (63')
Stefano Sturaro (76')



Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)
Attendance: 41332



Juventus 2-2 Bayern Munich:
Old Lady's comeback stuns Bavarians


Juventus fought back to draw 2-2 with Bayern Munich in their Champions League
last-16 first-leg clash at the Juventus Stadium on Tuesday night.


11vjxaw.jpg


http://www.skysports.com/football/juventus-vs-bay-munich/report/352775?


Feb 23, 2016

The visitors looked set to take a healthy lead with them back to the Allianz Arena after goals from Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben inside the first hour in Turin.

However, Max Allegri's side battled back thanks to strikes from Paulo Dybala and substitute Stefano Sturaro to leave the tie hanging in the balance ahead of the return tie in Bavaria on March 16.

Juventus headed into the match without Giorgio Chiellini (calf) and Alex Sandro (thigh), however, Mario Mandzukic was fit to start after recovering from a calf injury.

Bayern, meanwhile, were missing a number of first-choice defenders, including Javi Martinez (knee), Jerome Boateng (groin) and Holger Badstuber (ankle).

As a result, Pep Guardiola was forced to use midfielder Joshua Kimmich and left-back David Alaba in a makeshift central-defensive partnership, not that anyone would have known though after the opening half.

The Bundesliga champions dominated proceedings right from the kick-off, with veteran Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon - who had not conceded a goal in over 11 hours of football - a busy man before the break.

Buffon had to be alert to keep out an early volley from Arturo Vidal, who was playing against his former club for the first time, although the Italy international should have been left helpless moments later after another Bayern break down their right wing.

However, after nice build-up play involving Kimmich, Philipp Lahm and Robert Lewandowski, the Pole picked out the unmarked Muller just six yards from goal, only for the forward to stumble and miscontrol the ball and the chance was gone.

More opportunities came and went before Munich finally made a deserved 43rd-minute breakthrough, and there was no surprise either to see the influential Robben involved.

The Dutchman advanced down the right, before sending over a deep cross to Douglas Costa at the far post and the Brazilian's pull back was then tucked home by the unmarked Muller lurking eight yards from goal.

The Old Lady would have been grateful to hear the half-time whistle, however, it took Bayern just 10 second-half minutes to double their lead after yet another devastating counter-attack.

Lewandowski broke up field and fed Robben and when the winger cut back inside on to his more favoured left foot, there was only going to be one outcome as the man whose goal won Bayern the 2013 Champions League final beat Buffon with an unstoppable curling shot from just inside the area.

But with the match seemingly over as a contest, Juve were handed a lifeline after a slip by inexperienced centre-back Kimmich gave Mandzukic the chance to slip Dybala through on goal, with the Argentina international beating Manuel Neuer with a cool finish just past the hour-mark.

Allegri then introduced both Sturaro and Alvaro Morata, and the duo combined to draw the Serie A champions level with 14 minutes to go.

Paul Pogba found Morata and the Spaniard's clever header across the six-yard box was toe-poked home from close range by Sturaro to set up a grandstand finish, with both teams going all out for a winner in the closing minutes.

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JUVENTUS - BAYERN


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Thomas Müller (43')
Arjen Robben (55')

Paulo Dybala (63')
Stefano Sturaro (76')



Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)
Attendance: 41332



RATINGS: Robben rules for Bayern


Die Roten secure two vital away goals, but a spirited comeback from the Bianconeri
keeps the tie very much in the balance ahead of the return leg in Munich next month.


jzxzxl.jpg


http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-bayern-münchen/2176174/ratings


Feb 23, 2016
 

Juventus


1 G. Buffon - A few timely saves helped keep his side in it early on, while his experience proved to be a calming presence for the back line. Had little chance on either Bayern goal.

26 S. Lichtsteiner - Very limited on the overlap, unable to create much until the final 15 minutes. Had his hands full in defence with the pace and trickery of Costa.

15 A. Barzagli - Unable to prevent Robben from cutting onto his left as the Dutchman stepped inside him to score the second Bayern goal.

19 L. Bonucci - Made some vital interventions under waves of Bayern pressure in the first half. Composed in defence and helped limit the damage following Die Roten's early dominance.

33 P. Evra - Had a difficult time trying to contain the electrifying Robben, while the arrival of Lahm on the overlap hardly helped his cause either. Managed to grow into the match, though.

16 J. Cuadrado - Provided consistent support for Lichtsteiner in defence, though it came at the expense of his contributions in attack - which were severly limited.

6 S. Khedira - Failed to stamp his authority on the match in midfield, struggling to disrupt Bayern's rhythm in possession before being replaced for the final 20 minutes.

8 C. Marchisio - Able to provide important cover for the back line and made some important interceptions, but was withdrawn at the break due to muscle fatigue.

10 P. Pogba - Tremendous work rate, tracking back to great effect while picking out some excellent passes in attack.

21 P. Dybala - The lone bright spot in attack for Juventus in the first half, and he was rewarded after the break with a goal, sending a composed finish past Neuer to spark Juventus' comeback.

17 M. Mandžukić - A tidy through-ball played Dybala through for the first Juve goal, while an outstanding pass out wide kick-started the build-up to Sturaro's equaliser.


Substitutes

11 Hernanes
- His presence was felt straight away in midfield, closing down his gaps and winning the ball back effectively.

27 S. Sturaro - Pulled Juventus level, getting behind his marker to power a finish into the ceiling of the goal.

9 Álvaro Morata - Made an immediate impact off the bench, setting up Sturaro's equaliser with a terrific headed pass.


 

Bayern München


1 M. Neuer - Didn't have many difficult saves to make, but was stranded on both Juventus goals at the same time. Great command of his area, as we've come to expect from him.

21 P. Lahm - Such a gifted player in his ability to read the game. Took up some excellent positions in attack, carving out a few excellent scoring opportunities.

32 J. Kimmich - A costly error in defence gifted Mandzukic possession and kick-started the build-up to Juventus' opener and couldn't pick up Sturaro who scored the equaliser.

27 D. Alaba - Didn't put a foot wrong at the back and made himself a threat on the offensive as well. Things fell apart when he made the switch over to left-back upon Benatia's arrival.

18 Juan Bernat - Conceded minimal space to Cuadrado on the flank in a stout defensive effort.

23 A. Vidal - Sprayed the ball out wide with great effect and was responsible in possession. Smothered many of Juventus' attempts to break on the counter.

10 A. Robben - Doubled Bayern's lead with a vintage left-footed finish shortly after the restart. The ball was glued to his feet throughout, completing the bulk of his passes and rarely conceding possession. His cross for Costa kick-started the build-up to the opener.

6 Thiago Alcântara - Pulled the strings for the visitors in midfield. His contributions, while often flying under the radar, are so vital to Guardiola's side, allowing them to enjoy as much possession as they did.

25 T. Müller - Johnny-on-the-spot for Bayern as he provided the breakthrough just before the interval with a composed finish. Excellent movement off the ball in attack.

11 Douglas Costa - Made constant strides down the left, taking on defenders at will, while regularily getting behind the defence. Delivered some terrific balls into the area, including a sensational set-up for Muller's opener.

9 R. Lewandowski - Got into some excellent areas, and worked the ball around well in close, but needed to be more clinical to convert one of his chances. Picked out Robben in the build-up to the second, and did some great things defensively to win the ball back.


Substitutes

5 M. Benatia
- A threat in the air, and made some important clearances upon replacing Bernat.

7 F. Ribéry - A late cameo, but it didn't come without some noise as he proved lively on the flank, sending some teasing deliveries into the area.

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JUVENTUS - BAYERN


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Thomas Müller (43')
Arjen Robben (55')

Paulo Dybala (63')
Stefano Sturaro (76')




Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)
Attendance: 41332



Player Ratings: Juventus 2-2 Bayern Munich


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http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/02/player-ratings-juventus-2-2-bayern-munich/?


Feb 23, 2016

Juventus staged a brilliant comeback to finish their clash with Bayern Munich 2-2 in their last-16 Champions League fixture at the Juventus Stadium.

A first-half goal from Thomas Muller was added to by Arjen Robben, but Paulo Dybala and Stefano Sturaro have provided hope of progression with the next leg still to be played.

 

Juventus


Gianluigi Buffon – 6 – Blameless - Early test of his nerves with shots from Arturo Vidal and Muller, before catching a tame effort from Robert Lewandowski. Tried as best he could do prevent Muller scoring, but even his dive across the goal line couldn’t bring salvation. Couldn’t do anything to prevent Robben getting his bullet of a shot past him.

Stephan Lichsteiner – 6.5 – Tireless - Got forward with regularity, trying to send in dangerous crosses and combined well with Juan Cuadrado. Tried desperately to motivate his teammates and covered a lot of ground.

Leonardo Bonucci – 6 – Average - Took an early risk when he grabbed the shirt of Lewandowski in the box, the referee holding the view that it was not enough to warrant a penalty. Came to the rescue when Muller failed to convert in front of an empty goal, but was caught ball-watching when the striker returned to put the visitors in front.

Andrea Barzagli – 6.5 – Resourceful - Held his own in the first half against a star-studded strike force, but he was forced to stretch himself to first cover Roberto Lewandowski and then Arjen Robben, with the Dutchman finishing off the attack with a fine goal.

Patrice Evra – 6 – Slow - Had his work cut out with Arjen Robben running at him for much of the game. Guilty of not tracking the Dutchman when he added a second to the visitor’s lead.

Juan Cuadrado – 6 – Frustrated - Often tried to draw the foul and make space for himself, forced to play a more defensive role and seemed something of a liability at the back. Infuriated the visitors with his tendency to go down after a challenge. Put through one-on-one with Manuel Neuer, but sent it straight at the German number one.

Sami Khedira – 6.5 – Engine - Contributed painfully little in terms of moving forward with the ball, but certainly played his part in winning the ball back. Altogether a decent showing for the German. Made way for Sturaro in the second half.

Claudio Marchisio – 6 – Unlucky - Gritty and determined, winning the ball back with a few excellently-timed tackles. Couldn’t afford to keep the ball for too long, inhibiting his distribution and creative outlet. Appeared to pick up a knock, prompting the substitution for Hernanes at half time.

Paul Pogba – 6 – Contained - Seemed out of place on the left wing, unable to involve himself fluidly in the attack. Curled a chance over the bar from a good position much to his frustration. Kept largely in check by the Bayern players.

Paulo Dybala – 7.5 – Talisman - Created a great opportunity for his strike partner, but Mandzukic was unable to connect with the cross. Gave the home side some hope of redemption, punching through a floundering Bayern Munich defence and finishing beneath Neuer. Had his game cut short with Morata brought on in search of another goal.

Mario Mandzukic – 6 – Tempestuous - Fluffed his lines early on, unable to convert a brilliant cross from Dybala. Seemed distracted and aggravated by the occasion, even going as far as butting heads with Lewandowski. Tried to channel his frustration and set up Cuadrado, but the Colombian sent his shot straight at Manuel Neuer.


Substitutes

Hernanes – 6.5 – Creative
- Brought on at half time, added a different dynamic and certainly added more to the attack.

Stefano Sturaro – 7 – Hero - Replaced Khedira in the second half, adding fresh legs in the final half an hour. Combined with fellow substitute Morata to score an unlikely equaliser having ghosted in behind Joshua Kimmich.

Alvaro Morata – 7 – Inspired - Late showing for the Spaniard, replacing Dybala with another goal needed. Involved immediately, heading the ball into the path of Sturaro to restore parity, then picking up a booking shortly after.


 

Bayern München


Manuel Neuer – 6 – Indifferent - Spent much of the game near the middle of the pitch. Caught out when Dybala put the ball beyond him, and needed Kimmich to have dealt with the run of Sturaro. Couldn’t draw many conclusions from his performance with a makeshift defence.

Phillip Lahm – 6.5 – Decent - Played with flexibility, moving into a more central position during attacking moves. Wavered toward the end of the clash with some mistimed tackles, could perhaps have closed down Alvaro Morata in the build up to the equaliser.

Joshua Kimmich – 5.5 – Naive - Entrusted with a great deal of responsibility considering his more accustomed position is in the midfield. Rarely seemed daunted by the occasion or his situation in the first half., However his poor touch ultimately lead to Dybala pulling one back, before Stefano Sturaro restored parity when he out-muscled the 21 year-old.

David Alaba – 6 – Overworked - More suited to the centre-back role then Kimmich, but nonetheless out of position. Needed to offer his defensive partner more support and seemed to become distracted at time.

Juan Bernat – 6.5 – Dangerous - Looked very sharp: quick off the mark and his crosses caused the Juventus defenders all sorts of problems. Came off in the second half to be replaced by Benatia.

Arturo Vidal – 6.5 – Determined - Back against the his former side, he stung the gloves of Buffon in the opening minutes. Made a number of crucial interceptions and was able to remind Juventus exactly what they’d sold in the summer. Booked late in the game for bringing down Morata.

Arjen Robben – 7 – Enigmatic - Caused havoc against Patrice Evra, forcing the Frenchman to try and anticipate his next movement. Scored in the fashion that has come to be expected of the Dutchman, cutting in on his stronger left foot to guide his shot past Buffon.

Thiago Alcantara – 6.5 – Integral - Moved the ball around with great speed and momentum, guilty of few gutsy challenges but nothing this fixture wouldn’t necessitate. Didn’t have the same influence as Robben or Douglas Costa but performed his role.

Thomas Muller – 7.5 – Clinical - Seemed certain to score when Lewandowski fed him the ball, but his bad touch forced him to stretch to even make contact. Did much better with his next chance, rolling the ball past Buffon from 12 yards when Costa found him in the box.

Douglas Costa – 7 – Powerhouse - Blisteringly quick and incisive, very direct in his attacking movement. Booked in the first half for a trip on Cuadrado, but also created the opener when he turned the ball into the path of Muller.

Robert Lewandowski – 6 – Missing - Thought he had a case for an early penalty when Bonucci had a handful of his shirt, but the referee wasn’t interested. Had a few sights of goal early on, most notably a header that went straight into the gloves of Buffon. Booked for appearing to clip Cuadrado on the run.


Substitutes

Medhi Benatia – 6 – Bystander
- The former Udinese man came on for Bernat in the second half, reinforcing the back and tried to limit Juventus’ chances of scoring another. Could only watch as Stefano Sturaro leveled the scores.

Franck Ribery – N/A - Late cameo for the injury-ravaged winger.

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JUVENTUS - BAYERN


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Thomas Müller (43')
Arjen Robben (55')

Paulo Dybala (63')
Stefano Sturaro (76')




Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)
Attendance: 41332



Bayern Munich fail to finish off
Juventus in Champions League last 16


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http://www.espnfc.co.uk/blog/the-match/60/post/2813160/bayern-munich-fail-to-finish-juventus-in-champions-league


Feb 23, 2016

TURIN, Italy -- Here are three observations from the 2-2 draw between Juventus and Bayern in their Champions League last 16 first leg.


1. Bayern miss chance to seal tie

It promised to be a scintillating Champions League encounter between two of the best sides in the world, and it didn't disappoint, as Juventus came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich and leave the tie deliciously poised ahead of the second leg.

Generally, such a scoreline would greatly favour the away team in this situation, and though Bayern are well-placed to progress, they will feel they should already be out of sight. Pep Guardiola's side dominated the first hour of the game and took the lead through Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben, before Max Allegri's men rallied and leveled, thanks to Paulo Dybala and Stefano Sturaro.

Aside from a couple early efforts, the first-half was all Bayern. They should have taken the lead after around 15 minutes, as they smoothly sliced through the home defense and Robert Lewandowski unselfishly squared to Muller, but the German momentarily lost all semblance of poise and failed to convert a routine chance.

Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon had to be on his toes a few more times, as Bayern didn't so much set up camp in Juventus territory as build a detached, four-bedroom home complete with picket fence and a small oak tree in the yard. The only surprise about the possession statistics at the break -- 67-33 percent in Bayern's favour -- was that the Bavarians were not more dominant.

The goal, when it came shortly before halftime, felt inevitable, Muller converted home from one of the scrappier periods of play that Bayern produced and displayed the poise that had been missing from his earlier effort. It's a curious thing that Muller can make such a simple finish, an open-bodied side-foot into the net, look so much his own. If you saw only a silhouetted version of the German with no other indication of who he was, you'd be able to identify him simply from the way he strokes the ball.

On the few occasions when Juventus had the ball in their opponents' half, Bayern harassed and closed them down with such speed and efficiency that they had no time to create much, a couple early half-chances for Mario Mandzukic aside. When a side has to feast on scraps, it becomes much harder when those scraps are so efficiently brushed away.

Bayern's second goal, not long after halftime, was similarly inevitable but slightly unusual in that it came from a counterattack. The ball found its way to Arjen Robben, who scored the classic Arjen Robben goal, to the extent that it almost doesn't need to be described: He got the ball on the right, cut in, faked a couple times before curling into the far corner. But you probably knew that already.

At that point, the game looked won, done, dusted and over before an hour had passed, but back Juventus came. Taking advantage of a rare defensive error, Dybala, who to that point had been largely limp and ineffective, slotted home to put the hosts right back in the game. The atmosphere inside the Juventus Stadium quickly shifted from frustration to ear-splitting hope.

Shortly afterward, Juve were, utterly implausibly, level, with two substitutes combining as Alvaro Morata put the ball across for Sturaro to poke home off the bar. Guardiola, an animated touchline presence at the best of times, hopped around in fury.


2. Juve pay price for sitting back

Juventus spent much of the first-half sitting so deep that it would have been easy to mistake them for the away side. It's an understandable approach against Bayern -- to crowd the 20 yards or so in front of your penalty area in an attempt to frustrate your opponent -- but frequently, Bayern's farthest man forward would be midway inside their half.

When Juve did clear the ball, they barely had an outlet, especially because Dybala was having trouble with his control and holding the ball up, so the ball would just come straight back, and the process would largely be repeated. It wasn't quite parking the bus, but it wasn't far away -- like parking a medium-sized RV.

Juventus didn't do a huge amount with one of their key advantages, either. Surely, the point of selecting Mandzukic up front over Morata was to take advantage of Bayern's lack of height at the back, with neither "centre-back" measuring taller than 5-foot-9, but Juve didn't seem especially keen to do a great deal with that advantage. Indeed, the Croatian forward spent long spells playing as an auxiliary midfielder as Bayern attacked and attacked.

As it became clearer that Juve didn't seem bothered with attacking, Bayern's players crept farther up the pitch: Arturo Vidal was frequently the deepest player as the two nominal centre-backs, David Alaba and Joshua Kimmich, became holding midfielders while Thiago Alcantara became an attacker, and the attackers...well, attacked even more, which led to the opening goal.

It is of course not easy to attack this Bayern team, and it was a little difficult to work out whether it was a genuine plan from Allegri or they were forced to play that way by Guardiola's side. But the lack of adventure was all the more frustrating, given that Bayern weren't playing with a recognised centre-back, and it became more irksome still in the second-half, when they displayed what could happen if this piecemeal Bayern defence were put under any sort of pressure.


3. The beauty of Bayern

One of the more remarkable things about Bayern is not just that they were able to dominate a side that could reasonably be one of the top five in Europe, but also, the manner in which they did so impressive -- for a while, at least.

It wasn't that they played especially beautiful football or were even not averse to the odd hoof up field. It was the way the team moved as one that was so wonderful to watch. This didn't look like a collection of 11 footballers; it was almost a single consciousness shifting as one, like a school of fish darting this way and that. On one occasion, Robben had the ball on the right, tried to get past his man and then, when it became clear there was no way through, passed back to Phillip Lahm after not even looking to see if he were there. Robben knew someone would be on hand to help and exactly where he would be.

Yet at times, it looked like they were doing all this just because they knew they could. At points, they were toying with Juventus and perhaps not delivering the final punch that they could. It was like a boxer holding his fist back ready to deliver but not actually throwing it. By the time Juve got back into the game, Bayern could well have been three, four or five goals ahead, and there was always the risk that, with such a makeshift defence, the Italians would get back into the game as they did.

A 2-2 draw is by no means a bad result to take back to Munich, but this tie could -- and probably should -- be over by now, if only they had taken their chances.

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JUVENTUS - BAYERN


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Thomas Müller (43')
Arjen Robben (55')

Paulo Dybala (63')
Stefano Sturaro (76')




Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)
Attendance: 41332



Juventus vs. Bayern Munich: Score and
Reaction from 2016 Champions League


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http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2618982-juventus-vs-bayern-munich-score-and-reaction-from-2016-champions-league?


Feb 23, 2016

Juventus fought from two goals down to draw 2-2 against Bayern Munich in their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 first leg on Tuesday, as Paulo Dybala and Stefano Sturaro scored to cancel out goals from Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben.

Pep Guardiola's side controlled the tempo of the fixture early on, but a second-half fightback saw Juve produce a spirited response—something they'll hope to see more of in Bavaria.

Substitute Sturaro grabbed a second for Juve after Dybala capitalised on a defensive error to register the hosts' first, and Bayern will rue this as a result they let slip from their grasp after looking so confident.

Eurosport UK helped illustrate just how impressive Juve's resurrection was, shoving their way back into a match that at one point looked far out of their reach.

Eurosport UK ✔ ‎@Eurosport_UK
FT: Juventus 2-2 Bayern.
Strong comeback – Juventus are alive again!


Joshua Kimmich and David Alaba continued in central defence for Bayern in the absence of Jerome Boateng, Holger Badstuber and Javi Martinez, while Juve were forced to make do without star defender Giorgio Chiellini.

The Bianconeri aren't without their stars, of course, but Bleacher Report's Adam Digby noted how Paul Pogba was being prevented from gathering a head of steam and getting the home outfit into the fixture:

Adam Digby ‎@Adz77
Bayern well aware that Pogba likes to hold the ball, harrassing him out of possession every time. Needs to speed things up


It paid dividends, too, as the possession meter soared in favour of the German guests, and the shot count also began to run away with the visiting party.

After a series of denied chances, it was almost poetic that Robben, Douglas Costa and Robert Lewandowski were each involved in the buildup to Muller's opener just before half-time.

Robben's cross from the right byline found Costa, whose deflected pass back across Gianluigi Buffon's net eventually found its way to a lurking Muller, who passed the ball beyond two defenders to finally put Bayern ahead.

Muller still had a lot of work to do in finding the back of the net, and Bayern entered the half-time interval in much brighter spirits, which DW Sports' Ross Dunbar agreed was fully deserved:

Ross Dunbar ‎@rossdunbar93
Totally deserved. Bayern are bossing this game.


Juventus started the second half in similar fashion to how they ended the first, and a slip from Leonardo Bonucci allowed Lewandowski the space to tee up Robben on the right flank.

Juve felt their defender was fouled in the buildup, but Robben didn't take a second thought as he rasped home a trademark finish, cutting onto his left before hammering a second past Buffon, per BT Sport Football:

BT Sport Football ✔ ‎@btsportfootball
Arjen Robben cuts inside and superbly curls @FCBayernEN into a 2-0 lead after a fantastic counter.


A hasty response was needed if the Bianconeri were to have any chance of a quarter-final future, and it was an untimely mistake from youngster Kimmich that gave the hosts precisely the opening they needed.

Kimmich stumbled in an attempt to steady the ball, and Mario Mandzukic laid a simple pass for Dybala to half the deficit, netting his first goal in European competition. WhoScored.com detailed his healthy contributions for Juve of late:

WhoScored.com ✔ ‎@WhoScored
Paulo Dybala: Has directly contributed to 11 goals in his last 9 starts for Juventus (6 goals, 5 assists)


Massimiliano Allegri rang the changes and brought on Sturaro in place of Sami Khedira before Alvaro Morata replaced goalscorer Dybala. Of those two, the Spaniard might appear likelier to have an offensive impact, but it was Sturaro who landed Juve's next blow.

The two substitutes combined, and Sturaro lunged to get on the end of Morata's header across the face of goal, toeing the ball into the roof of Manuel Neuer's net from close range. Stefan Bienkowski of DW Sports expected Guardiola to be "furious" with the second-half display:

Stefan Bienkowski ‎@SBienkowski
Pep will be furious at the drop off in intensity in the second half. Bayern have let Juventus back in to this game.


It wasn't only true that Bayern no longer looked as threatening, but a more assured presence on the ball had given the Bianconeri a much more polished look.

Bayern's second half was summed up by the fact that their first corner of the period didn't come until the 89th minute, a testament to Juve's renewed resilience, as illustrated by GianlucaDiMarzio.com reporter David Amoyal:

David Amoyal ‎@DavidAmoyal
Juventus has clearly lived up to their motto "Fino Alla Fine" (Until the End) tonight


The two teams continued to exchange blows until the last, and despite Bayern's late attempts to make up for letting the lead slip, an absorbing first-leg encounter finished at two goals apiece.

Juventus are scheduled to make the return trip to the Allianz Arena on March 16, and Allegri's side has no time for respite as it prepares to play host to Inter Milan this coming Sunday.

Meanwhile, Bayern have a tricky task of their own and will travel to face Wolfsburg on Saturday in a bid to keep their place atop the Bundesliga.

Last season's Champions League finalists did terrifically to complete their revival and earn a draw on Tuesday, but conceding two away goals could come back to bite Juventus as they look for the win in Germany.


Post-Match Reaction

Bayern could afford to be disheartened with the manner in which they threw away a two-goal lead in Turin, making the return leg that much more difficult than it might have been.

Per German outlet DW Sports, Guardiola insisted his side "played very well for 90 minutes," as opposed to the 60 minutes many were suggesting, before hailing the quality of his opponents:

DW Sports ✔ ‎@dw_sports
Guardiola: "Of course, it's better to win the game. But we can't forget this is the Champions League runner-up, Italian champions."


Goalscorer Robben was also eager to look on the bright side in his post-match comments and described the 2-2 scoreline as a "good position" for his side, per Bayern Munich's official Twitter account:

FC Bayern English ✔ ‎@FCBayernEN
#Robben "It's a good position going back to the Allianz. We have to approach #FCBJuve with passion and heart."


Dybala also got on the scoresheet and praised his Juventus team-mates for their never-say-die attitude:

Champions League ✔ ‎@ChampionsLeague
Dybala: "We did well tonight. We gave everything and never gave up. We can make it through if we play like we did in the second half."


Fans can only hope to see the same amount of drama in next month's return leg, with Guardiola hoping to advance his European journey with Bayern before he leaves for Manchester City this summer.

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JUVENTUS - BAYERN


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Thomas Müller (43')
Arjen Robben (55')

Paulo Dybala (63')
Stefano Sturaro (76')



Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)
Attendance: 41332



Cuadrado: 'Replicate second half'


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http://www.football-italia.net/80310/cuadrado-replicate-second-half?


Feb 23, 2016

Juan Cuadrado believes Juventus can “replicate the second half performance in Germany” after holding Bayern Munich 2-2.

The Bianconeri were 2-0 down until the hour mark and totally over-run in the first half, but fought back for a draw that keeps their Champions League hopes alive.

“We knew it was not going to be easy, because Bayern are a great side, but we have to build on the positive elements from tonight and try to replicate the second half performance in Germany,” Cuadrado told Mediaset Premium.

“We are a strong team and we must be aware of our chances of reaching qualification.”

It was Cuadrado’s error in midfield that sparked the counter-attack for Bayern’s second goal, scored by Arjen Robben.

“My mistake? I won’t have nightmares, everyone can get things wrong.”

The good news from the stats archive is that Juventus have gone through in each of the last six European knockout rounds in which they started with a home draw.

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JUVENTUS - BAYERN


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Thomas Müller (43')
Arjen Robben (55')

Paulo Dybala (63')
Stefano Sturaro (76')



Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)
Attendance: 41332



Allegri: 'Juve lacked confidence'


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http://www.football-italia.net/80311/allegri-juve-lacked-confidence?


Feb 23, 2016

Max Allegri felt Juventus were lacking “confidence in our own abilities” before they fought back with Bayern Munich.

The Bianconeri were totally dominated in the first half, but fought back from 2-0 down for a 2-2 draw and threatened to win at the end.

“In order to qualify we have to win and now we have to do it there,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.

“The team played well and we have to build on the second half performance more than the errors of the first half. We should’ve done better playing our way out of defence, but still created some interesting opportunities.

“We improved in the second half and above all gained confidence, so we were rewarded for that. It proves that in the Champions League you need more belief and courage.

“Of course we believe in our chances, absolutely, and the fightback gives us more confidence. Right now have to focus on Serie A though.”

Allegri’s choices coming off the bench were surprising, but inspired, as Hernanes did well when replacing injured Claudio Marchisio, while Alvaro Morata provided an assist and Stefano Sturaro scored.

“The substitutions went well, I am happy for Hernanes, as he was often criticised by the fans. I introduced Sturaro because we needed someone to run in from midfield and Sami Khedira was flagging. Sturaro brought sharpness.”

Was allowing Bayern Munich 70 per cent possession in the first half part of the plan?

“Bayern’s last man was often Arturo Vidal and we should not have allowed them that much space. As long as Bayern maintained a certain tempo, it was not easy for us. Fortunately they lost intensity and we came out.

“We need to have more confidence in our own abilities and not sit so deep. We can do it and I’m happy to have certain players back from injury.”

Juventus have gone through in each of the last six European knockout rounds in which they started with a home draw.

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JUVENTUS - BAYERN


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Thomas Müller (43')
Arjen Robben (55')

Paulo Dybala (63')
Stefano Sturaro (76')



Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)
Attendance: 41332



Guardiola: Juventus Are A Strong Team


bhak2v.jpg


http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/02/guardiola-juventus-are-a-strong-team/?


Feb 23, 2016

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola believes Juventus are a great side following a 2-2 draw with the Italian side in the Champions League.

The German side had led 2-0 thanks to goals from Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben but a fight back from the Italians meant the Bavarians headed home with just a draw.

“It is no sin to lose a lead to Juventus,” Guardiola told Premium Sport. “They are a strong team.

“I still need to analyse the game but I am happy with out performance.

“Juve can go through, but so can we.”

With Guardiola heading to Manchester City following this season, there could possibly be a final flourish for Pep and his Bayern side.

“Well, I never thought to come here and win 7-0 in Turin,” Guardiola joked.

“I am satisfied with our game, and qualification remains a possibility.

“I guess it was a great game to watch for the neutral, it was an interesting match.”

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JUVENTUS - BAYERN


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Thomas Müller (43')
Arjen Robben (55')

Paulo Dybala (63')
Stefano Sturaro (76')




Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)
Attendance: 41332



Juventus 2 - Bayern Munich 2: Initial
reaction and random observations


fjq0cm.jpg


http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/2/23/11100886/juventus-bayern-munich-2016-champions-league-final-score-result-initial-reaction


Feb 23, 2016

This is part of the good and the bad of writing something that is going to be published shortly after the final whistle blows. I'm sitting here as Juventus fell behind 2-0 on a classic kind of Arjen Robben goal and was thinking to myself, "How the hell am I going to explain this?" Juve were all out of sorts — and that might be putting it nicely. They looked far from the team we've seen during their rise up the Serie A table. Didn't really know where to go.

In short, Bayern were whoopin' on 'em.

And then I had to blow up every other thought I had in my head.

I've never been more happy to do just that.

Max Allegri's squad went from down 2-0 and looking a bad, bad loss at Juventus Stadium right in the face to scoring two goals in 13 minutes to pull even with Bayern Munich and head into the second leg with a whole lot of hope. We went from throwing around cuss words out of pure frustration to using those same words in pure bliss as Stefano Sturaro went sliding across the turf while watching his shot beat Manuel Neuer and rock the roof of the goal.

Some thought Juventus were dead and done for. Others were probably just at a loss for words and were simply hoping things didn't go from bad to worse before the second half came to a close. It was a wide range of feelings — and none of them were really good at all.

But once Paulo Dybala cut Bayern's lead in half, it gave us something we didn't have much of for the first 60 or so minutes. It gave us hope. And what do good teams do when they get start to get that sense of belief? They do something about it. And Juventus did. Oh, boy, did they ever.

This pretty unpredictable comeback means Juve have more than just a shot to advance to the Champions League quarterfinals. We said it wouldn't be easy in the first leg, and that will certainly hold true now that Bayern Munich are heading back to Germany for the return leg.

Allegri learned from the mistakes he made in the first half both in terms of tactics and personnel. Juventus had the wherewithal to actually show up in the second half after falling behind 2-0. And, as the scoreboard shows, they got a draw in a game where they were thoroughly outplayed for the majority of the 90 or so minutes.

Now, if I can ask one thing of Juventus for the second leg: Please, just bring that second-half performance to Munich in a couple weeks and we'll be in business.

.@PauDybala_JR: "We now go very tough venue, where very few teams win. But we know that we can do it with a repeat of our 2nd half display"

— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) February 23, 2016


Random thoughts and observations

You want the definition of 'Fino Alla Fine,' well you have it right there in front of you after that game, folks. That's what Juventus, to its black and white core, is all about. That's why we love this team so damn much. Just when you think they're out, they pull you back in.

Where would Juventus have been if Gigi Buffon didn't make one or two of those saves in the first half?

I know what you all were thinking when Hernanes came on for Claudio Marchisio to open the second half. I know it because I was thinking the same exact thing. But, let's be completely honest here: Hernanes was pretty good in the second half. And, since I'm such a Juventus insider, I can say that the second half went a whole lot better than the first 45 minutes.

Is trying to figure out a way to stop Thomas Muller the No. 1 thing for Allegri entering the second leg? He's such a rare and unique player where it's hard to even define what his position truly is.

You have to think that if Giorgio Chiellini is back for the second leg, Allegri's going 3-5-2. Seems pretty simple for me. I know the injuries have forced Allegri's hand quite a bit as of late, but the 4-4-2-ish formation just isn't working all too well.

In case you were wondering how Mario Mandzukic would play in his first game in nearly a month, well, you got your answer. No, he didn't put away one of those two really good scoring chances in the first half, but name somebody who worked harder than Mandzukic and you won't come up with very many alternatives. I'm so happy he's back. Juve needed a player like Mandzukic in a game like this.

Sturaro's two biggest moments as a Juventus player have come against two of the best clubs in the world on the European stage. His deflection on James Rodriguez against Real Madrid last season to prevent a goal, and now his game-tying goal Tuesday night. He's never going to be Juve's most-skilled midfielder, but he's certainly showing that playing the big boys of football doesn't shake him much.

By the way, how nice was Álvaro Morata's header across the face of goal to Sturaro for the assist? Morata was all over the place after coming on for Dybala in the second half.

Arturo Vidal probably could have been shown a yellow two or three times before he actually received one late in the game. As much as I love the guy as a player, it was kinda nice to watch an important Juventus game — or any one, for that matter — and not have that lingering thought in my head about the most recent tackle being the one that finally got Vidal sent off.

That ref ... yeah. Let's just leave it there.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go see how screwed up my blood pressure is after that game.


POLL

Who was your Juventus Man of the Match against Bayern Munich?

75% Mario Mandzukic (335 votes)


13% Stefano Sturaro (58 votes)
10% Paulo Dybala (44 votes)
2% Stephan Lichtsteiner (9 votes)

446 votes total

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JUVENTUS - BAYERN


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Thomas Müller (43')
Arjen Robben (55')

Paulo Dybala (63')
Stefano Sturaro (76')



Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)
Attendance: 41332



Khedira: 'Nothing is impossible'


2u5e5gk.jpg


http://www.football-italia.net/80312/khedira-nothing-impossible?


Feb 23, 2016

Sami Khedira saw Juventus fight back “like a big team” to hold Bayern Munich and assures “nothing is impossible.”

The Bianconeri were over-run in the first half, but secured a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16.

“Considering we were 2-0 down after 60 minutes, I think this is a good result for us,” the midfielder told BT Sport.

“Definitely the first half was not good enough for us, but in the second half we came back like a big team, which is why we are happy for the draw.

“I think we saw two big teams, Bayern Munich have a fantastic team, but in the second half we had a big game. It was a good game for us players and also the supporters watching.

“If you play even one time at the Juventus Stadium you know they are just 40,000, but it seems like 150,000. They are one of the best fans in the world, we know that, and especially today they helped us a lot.”

Bayern have two away goals, so how will Juventus approach the second leg on March 16?

“In my opinion we have to win there to go into the next round. It will be very difficult, but nothing is impossible, as today we came back from 2-0 against this big team like Bayern Munich.

“It is possible to go into the next round, but it will be very difficult.”

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JUVENTUS - BAYERN


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Thomas Müller (43')
Arjen Robben (55')

Paulo Dybala (63')
Stefano Sturaro (76')



Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)
Attendance: 41332



Robben: 'Bayern lost our cool'


s6rec9.jpg


http://www.football-italia.net/80313/robben-bayern-lost-our-cool?


Feb 23, 2016

Arjen Robben concedes Bayern Munich “should’ve stayed cool” after fumbling a 2-0 lead away to Juventus.

The Germans dominated the first hour and were 2-0 up with Robben on target, but Juve fought back for a 2-2 draw that leaves Champions League qualification in the balance.

“It depends on the game. If you are winning 2-0 away from home, and I noticed this in the locker room too, it was disappointing,” he told BT Sport.

“If you control the match that well against such a great team, then you have to finish it well.

“We were lacking something in the final half-hour, they kept pressing us more and we should’ve stayed cool.”

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JUVENTUS - BAYERN


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Thomas Müller (43')
Arjen Robben (55')

Paulo Dybala (63')
Stefano Sturaro (76')



Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)
Attendance: 41332



Paul Pogba: 'We now know
how to hurt Bayern Munich'


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http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/bayern-munich/champions-league/news/pogba-we-know-how-to-hurt-bayern_267101.html


Feb 23, 2016

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has claimed that his side now know how to hurt Bayern Munich having come from behind to rescue a draw against the German champions this evening.

The Bianconeri welcomed Bayern to Turin for the first leg of their Champions League last 16 clash and looked to be on course for a damaging home defeat when they fell 2-0 behind to the visitors.

However, two goals in the final half an hour handed Massimiliano Allegri's side a lifeline, and although Pogba was "disappointed" not to have won the game in the end, he believes that they have gained some valuable experience to take into the second leg.

"We're a bit disappointed because obviously we wanted to win the first game, but we will take that draw and think about the next game," he told BT Sport.

"I think we did very well in the second half and we know now how to make things difficult for Bayern, so we're going to play on this and think about the next game so we can do well."

The second leg will take place at the Allianz Arena on March 16, with Bayern boasting a 100% record on home turf from 15 games in all competitions this season.

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JUVENTUS - BAYERN


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Thomas Müller (43')
Arjen Robben (55')

Paulo Dybala (63')
Stefano Sturaro (76')



Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)
Attendance: 41332



Pogba: 'You can win at Juve'


34glsg9.jpg


http://www.football-italia.net/80314/pogba-you-can-win-juve?


Feb 23, 2016

Paul Pogba wanted a penalty against Bayern Munich and discussed his future. “I don’t forget what Juventus have done for me.”

The midfielder had spot-kick appeals in tonight’s 2-2 Champions League draw after his cross struck Arturo Vidal’s hand.

“I thought it was a penalty, but the referee said his hand was too close to his body,” Pogba told Mediaset Premium.

“It was not easy tonight, but we never gave in. We believed in the comeback and 2-2 is not a result to be thrown away.”

This week Pogba praised Pep Guardiola, so does that mean he’s interested in joining the manager at Manchester City next season?

“I don’t forget what Juventus have done for me. As long as I am here, I will give everything to help this wonderful family to win.

“You can win at Juventus, even when certain players leave.”

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JUVENTUS - BAYERN


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Thomas Müller (43')
Arjen Robben (55')

Paulo Dybala (63')
Stefano Sturaro (76')




Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)
Attendance: 41332



Case for the defence: Juve exploit
the flaw in Guardiola's masterplan


Bayern Munich delivered a dominant first-half performance in Turin, bossing possession
against the Italian champions, but buckled when their defence was finally tested.


ojnqmb.jpg


http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2914/champions-league/2016/02/23/20643742/-?


Feb 23, 2016

With an hour gone on the clock, Juventus looked battered, bruised and destined to exit the Champions League. Rarely has the Juventus Stadium been such an anxious cauldron of jeers, whistles and despondency as Bayern Munich put on an almost perfect away performance. Almost. By full-time the hosts were cheering an unlikely comeback, though neither side will have sent shivers down the spine of a Barcelona team with one foot already in the quarter-finals.

Tuesday’s match was billed as a clash of behemoths, the dominant champions of Italy against the equally ruthless champions of Germany; the two teams most capable of stopping Barca from retaining their European crown. But what began as a contest between a contender and a pretender shifted in the blink of an eye as both side’s flaws were brutally exposed.

Bayern arrived with the joint-best defence in Europe and having lost just once in the Bundesliga. Similarly, Juventus, fresh from a 15-match winning run in Serie A, had not conceded in 836 minutes of football in all competitions. Last season they made the final, but this season – with a new Argentine talisman producing magic and a horde of world-class talent backing him up – they were bidding to go one further.

Yet the opening exchanges felt like a lower league minnow trying to snatch an unexpected win as the red shirts of Bayern strangled their opponents. After 10 minutes, the visitors had racked up 81 per cent possession and 89 opposition-half touches (compared to five for the hosts) in a dominant, chest-beating start to the match. As the whistles in the crowd dimmed it was not because Juve were getting on the front foot, but because the fans had already run out of voice.
 

2741432.jpg
*Juventus and Bayern's average positions at the 30-minute mark (via Opta)


After half an hour, Juve’s wide-men – the wasteful Juan Cuadrado and the out-of-position Paul Pogba – were practically playing as auxiliary full-backs, while a strike duo that hinted at a sign of attacking intent pre-match had retreated to within a stone’s throw of their own penalty box.

Bayern’s dominance was such that their injury-hit, makeshift defence almost became an irrelevance. Centre-back for the night Joshua Kimmich, who had the confidence and audacity to chip the ball over Pogba on the edge of his own box at one point, was playing so high up the pitch he may as well have been in his usual midfield berth. The Bavarians were playing like the home side, camped in the Juve half to such an extent that they could have whipped out a guitar and sung Kumbaya.

When Thomas Muller finally struck, it had an air of inevitability. Twice he had been a better first touch away from opening the scoring, but when the ball dropped to him 12 yards out he made no mistakes as he caressed the ball into the bottom corner.

Only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been more prolific in the Champions League since the German striker opened his account in Europe’s premier club competition. It was just reward for a scarily good first half from Pep Guardiola’s side, who had made the J-Stadium their home for the night.

But Juventus improved in the second period – they could hardly have been much worse – and began to enjoy more possession in Bayern’s third of the pitch. As the high press Bayern had employed began to lose its intensity, a back-line that had been largely untested previously started to groan under the weight of rare pressure. Space and gaps appeared, but it was Bayern who exploited them first.

On an uncharacteristic counter-attack of their own, the Bavarians were suddenly three-on-two. Arjen Robben was played a little too wide, but it mattered little. The Dutchman brought the ball onto his left foot, cut infield and then struck a devilishly whipped shot into the far corner. It is a move that is as much of a trademark as the Coca-Cola logo.

But just when Bayern seemed in total control, they were struck by a sucker-punch. Juve had been timid and cautious in the first half, but, led by the firebrand Mario Mandzukic – who seemed determined to start a scuffle with each of his former team-mates – the Italians finally found a way to compete. They pressed higher, using Guardiola’s own tactics against him, and began to get in the faces of a back-line that had been afforded too much time and comfort previously.

Mandzukic, visibly desperate to prove a point to a manager who had cast him aside rather unceremoniously, was involved in both of Juve’s goals. First he pounced on an error from Kimmich and slid in Paulo Dybala, then he played in substitute Alvaro Morata who set up Stefano Sturaro for the equaliser. The momentum was entirely with the hosts, who might even have snatched a winner in the dying stages.

Juve would scarcely have deserved to take a lead to the Allianz Arena, but that they came so close once again underlines the shortcomings of Guardiola’s side. The concern for Bayern is the same as it ever was: they are too vulnerable to quick breaks, too open when they lose the ball, and too disorganised when things are not going their way.

It is no great surprise, of course, that a defence featuring so few natural defenders, and so little midfield cover, should look so open and exposed when out of possession. And for much of the match in Turin, it mattered little. But the goals they did concede will not have impressed Guardiola as they were created not from the fast breaks that are a natural side-effect of his style, but rather an inability to halt Juve’s battling second-half display. Mandzukic was peripheral in the extreme for 45 minutes, but his scrapping and closing down provided a catalyst that was born more out of nuisance-making than genius.

So Bayern take an advantage back to Germany, and can expect to dominate possession to an even greater extent on their own turf. But if either side have any hope of winning the Champions League, they will almost certainly need to thwart Barcelona’s explosive MSN attack. On this showing, and even with injured defensive stalwarts set to return, they stand little chance of doing so, especially not while Guardiola continues to believe his side can circumvent their problems without the ball by simply having more of it.

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JUVENTUS - BAYERN


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Thomas Müller (43')
Arjen Robben (55')

Paulo Dybala (63')
Stefano Sturaro (76')



Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)
Attendance: 41332



Dybala confident Juventus can
see off Bayern despite home draw


The Argentine scored his first-ever goal in the competition to help the
Old Lady fight back into contention, and he believes an upset is still possible.


14o7q1c.jpg


http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2914/champions-league/2016/02/23/20650422/-?


Feb 23, 2016

Paulo Dybala insists Juventus can still knock Bayern Munich out of the Champions League, even if a 2-2 result in Turin has left the Italian side facing a tough task in the return leg on German soil.

After Thomas Muller broke the deadlock just before the interval, Arjen Robben’s left-footed curler on 55 minutes put Bayern in complete control in the first leg of the last-16 tie.

However, Juventus rallied to get back on level terms and extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to 15 games.

Dybala and substitute Stefano Sturaro both scored their first goals in the Uefa competition during a rousing finish from the hosts, although Bayern will still be favourites to progress in Munich when the teams meet again on March 16.

"We were aware it was going to be very difficult, but we made them respect us in the end. We put our heart into it and did well to get a draw. We can do it," Dybala told Mediaset Premium.

"We gave everything we had and never gave up. In the first half we allowed Bayern too much room, but did better in the second half by pressing high.

"It will be tough in the second leg, few teams can beat Bayern on their own turf, but if we play with this heart and determination then we can do it."

Juventus will now have to score in Germany to have a chance of progressing to the quarter-finals of the tournament.

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