JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

Socrates · April 19, 2017

BARCELONA - JUVENTUS

-

QUARTER FINALS - SECOND LEG

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Robert: 'Complicated Barca-Juve'

http://www.football-italia.net/101357/robert-complicated-barca-juve

Apr 19, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Barcelona director of sport Robert Fernandez admits “it’s a complicated game for us and Juventus, but we’re capable of turning this around.”

The Bianconeri won the first leg 3-0 in Turin and the Champions League quarter-final decider is at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

“Champions League games are always special against any side, let alone Juventus. We realise the first leg result in Turin gives Juve the advantage and they have a strong defence, but we equally have a very effective attack,” Fernandez told Mediaset Premium.

“I believe it is a complicated game for us and for them. Barcelona are capable of turning this around.”

The Barcelona director was also asked about their option for winger Gerard Deulofeu, who is currently on loan at Milan via Everton.

“It is true that we have the option to bring him back. At the end of the season we’ll consider the situation very carefully, but the important thing right now is that he is playing regularly at a high level.”

Socrates · April 19, 2017

BARCELONA - JUVENTUS

-

QUARTER FINALS - SECOND LEG

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

HT 0-0: Juve comfortable in Barcelona

http://www.football-italia.net/101359/ht-juve-comfortable-barcelona

Apr 19, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Juventus have held out relatively comfortably at Camp Nou and had their own chances, as it’s 0-0 with Barcelona at half-time, 0-3 on aggregate.

The Bianconeri won the first leg 3-0 with a Paulo Dybala brace and Giorgio Chiellini header, fielding an unchanged XI at Camp Nou, but the Blaugrana had Sergio Busquets back from suspension and returned to a 4-3-3 formation. Rafinha and Aleix Vidal were long-term absentees, with Javier Mascherano benched after a calf problem.

Barcelona had won all 15 Champions League home games under Luis Enrique and were unbeaten here since September 2013, managing 19 victories and a draw. Juve, meanwhile, won all their continental away fixtures this season.

As Barça fought back from a 4-0 first leg defeat to eliminate Paris Saint-Germain in the last round, 6-1 on the night, Max Allegri was well aware that nothing could be taken for granted.

The visitors had an aggressive start, Gonzalo Higuain only able to scuff a chipped up free kick and then blasted over after a Busquets error from the edge of the box. Gerard Pique’s sliding block was decisive on a Juan Cuadrado counter and Jordi Alba couldn’t quite get control of a Lionel Messi ball over the top.

Messi toe-poked a loose ball inches wide from 14 yards in a great chance, though Gigi Buffon’s first save was on 31 minutes, beating away a deflected Messi snapshot at the near post.

Miralem Pjanic’s inspired pass over the top was not finalised, as Higuain scuffed the volley straight at Marc-Andre Ter Stegen. Andres Iniesta went into the book for stopping a Cuadrado counter-attack.

Neymar was yellow carded for lunging into a very late tackle and Juve were furious when they put the ball out so Mario Mandzukic could get treatment, but Barcelona didn’t return it.

Barcelona 0-0 Juventus (Half-Time, 0-3 agg)

Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Sergi Roberto, Piqué, Umtiti, Jordi Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar

Juventus: Buffon; Dani Alves, Bonucci, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Pjanic, Khedira; Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain

Ref: Kuipers (NED)

Socrates · April 19, 2017

BARCELONA - JUVENTUS

0-0

JUVENTUS WIN AGGREGATE 3-0

QUARTER FINALS - SECOND LEG

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Attendance: 96290

Barcelona 0 Juventus 0 (0-3 agg): Messi, Suarez

and Neymar neutralised as Barca crash out

Barcelona's star strikeforce could not find a way past Juventus at

Camp Nou, causing their Champions League elimination.

<a href="http://oi64.tinypic.com/14u8aqq.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.goal.com/en/match/barcelona-vs-juventus/2428334/report

Apr 19, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Barcelona crashed out of the Champions League after failing to break down Juventus at Camp Nou in a goalless draw which confirmed a 3-0 aggregate quarter-final defeat.

After recording the biggest comeback in the competition's history in the previous round against Paris Saint-Germain, Barca were unable to repeat the feat against Juve, who backed up their stunning first-leg win with an obdurate rear-guard display.

Lionel Messi missed the home side's best opportunities, firing off-target from close range in either half, the story of a match that saw his side rack up 19 shots but only test Gianluigi Buffon with one of them.

Juve – beaten by Barca in the 2015 final – have now reached the semi-finals in two of the last three years as they look to win a first European crown since 1996.

Massimiliano Allegri's impressive defence has only been breached twice in 10 continental matches this season as they join Atletico Madrid, Monaco and Real Madrid in the last four.

In stark contrast to the previous round, Neymar was reduced tears at full-time as Barca went out in the quarter-finals for the third time in four seasons to leave the outgoing Luis Enrique's hopes of winning a major trophy in his final season dependant on LaLiga and the Copa del Rey.

But a trip to Santiago Bernabeu for a pivotal match against El Clasico rivals and league leaders Real Madrid coming up on Sunday gives Barca little time to lick their wounds.

Juve - unchanged from the first leg - threatened twice early on as they searched for an away goal, Gonzalo Higuain firing over from a decent opening, while Juan Cuadrado hooked an acrobatic attempt off-target.

Luis Enrique reverted to Barca's tried-and-tested 4-3-3 system, with Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba coming into the side, and the left-back had the hosts' first opportunity of note when, on the stretch, he diverted Messi's precise pass wide.

A better chance went begging a few moments later when Messi lashed a left-footed strike wide from 15 yards after Luis Suarez's flick had set him up.

Barca continued to probe as Neymar's volleyed effort flew just past the post, before Buffon was the first goalkeeper to be tested, the veteran diving to keep out Messi's deflected strike from the edge of the area.

Juve created a good chance of their own before half time, but Higuain could only shoot straight at Marc-Andre ter Stegen, having been picked out by Miralem Pjanic as a fiery contest – which saw Andres Iniesta and Neymar booked – reached the interval without a breakthrough.

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The visitors came so close early in the second half, Cuadrado narrowly missing the target after an incisive breakaway, before Ter Stegen denied the winger with another effort moments later and had to keep out a Pjanic shot which took a wicked deflection.

Barca, meanwhile, saw Neymar and Messi come close without testing Buffon, prompting Luis Enrique to bring on Paco Alcacer for Ivan Rakitic in an attacking change.

It was Messi who missed Barca's best chance midway through the second half, volleying over with his right foot from eight yards after Buffon had flapped at a corner, allowing Suarez to find the Argentina international with the goal gaping.

Sergi Roberto, the hero of the last round, shot wide as time began to work against Barca, while Paulo Dybala did the same at the other end prior to being replaced by defender Andrea Barzagli in a sign Allegri was ready to fully shut up shop.

Luis Enrique even threw Gerard Pique into attack for the final stages but Barca were out of ideas and Juve joyously celebrated a famous victory when the full-time whistle arrived.

KEY OPTA STATS

- Barcelona failed to score in both legs of a Champions League knockout game for the first time since the 2012/13 semi-final against Bayern Munich.

- This match ended Luis Enrique's 100 per cent home Champions League record at the Nou Camp – he had won all 15 previous matches before tonight.

- Barcelona have now failed to reach a Champions League semi-final in back to back seasons for the first time since 2004/05, when they went three in a row without one.

- Lionel Messi had five shots off target in the match, his most in a Champions League game since September 2015 against Roma (also five). Only once before has he attempted more off target in a Champions League match (six vs BATE Borisov in 2011).

- Gianluigi Buffon has now kept 46 clean sheets in the Champions League - only Iker Casillas (54), Edwin van der Sar (50) and Petr Cech (47) have more than the Italian.

- Of teams to have attempted 15 or more shots in a Champions League match this season, Barcelona tonight had the lowest percentage of those shots on target (5% - 1 out of 19).

- Juventus haven't conceded a single goal from open play in this season's Champions League, going a full 900 minutes without conceding.

Socrates · April 20, 2017

BARCELONA - JUVENTUS

0-0

JUVENTUS WIN AGGREGATE 3-0

QUARTER FINALS - SECOND LEG

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Attendance: 96290

Juventus Get Revenge And Send Barcelona

Crashing Out The Champions League

https://forzaitalianfootball.com/2017/04/juventus-get-revenge-

and-send-barcelona-crashing-out-the-champions-league/

Apr 19, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

An impressive defensive performance and 0-0 draw at the Camp Nou ensured Juventus’ passage to the Champions League semi-finals by knocking Barcelona out.

Juventus have previous with the Blaugrana who defeated them in the 2015 final, but it is Massimiliano Allegri’s men who are into Friday’s semi-final draw.

A 3-0 first leg win in Turin meant Barcelona had a mountain to climb, and despite that, they never troubled Leonardo Bonucci or Giorgio Chellini, who dealt with everything Leo Messi and co. could throw at them.

The Blaugrana had 19 shots, with just one on target over the 90 minutes, as well as 65 percent possession, and a distinct lack of creativity in the final third extinguished any chance of a comeback.

MATCH FACTS

– Juve have reached the semi-finals for the seventh time in the modern Champions League: In five of the previous six occasions they then reached the final.

– The Bianconeri have become the only Italian team able to make it to seven semi-finals in the modern Champions League (AC Milan follow on six).

– In addition to Juve this year, only two teams have conceded two goals after 10 Champions League games: Ajax in 1995/96 and Arsenal in 2005/06 – both reached the final, and lost.

– This is only the third time that Barcelona have scored no goals in a two-legged elimination tie in the modern Champions League. The previous two were in 2012/13 with Bayern Munich and in 2007/08 with Man United, both semi-finals.

– For the first time in this season’s Champions League, Barcelona didn’t score any goals in the first half at the Camp Nou.

– It is only the second time that Barcelona haven’t scored at Camp Nou this season in all competitions (vs Malaga in November).

– Juve haven’t conceded for 531 minutes in the Champions League – the longest streak in the competition.

– Just ONE shot on goal for Barcelona tonight, their worst record at home in all competitions this season.

AVERAGE POSITIONS

Barcelona-Juventus-av-position-2-640x280

Socrates · April 20, 2017

BARCELONA - JUVENTUS

0-0

JUVENTUS WIN AGGREGATE 3-0

QUARTER FINALS - SECOND LEG

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Attendance: 96290

Juventus frustrate Barcelona hopes

of a comeback to reach semifinals

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/report?gameId=476517

Apr 19, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Juventus held Barcelona to a goalless draw at the Camp Nou on Tuesday night, ending their hosts' hopes of another sensational second-leg rally and advancing to the Champions League semifinals 3-0 on aggregate.

A combination of stout defending from Juventus and imprecise finishing from Barcelona meant they could not repeat their miraculous performance that saw the Blaugrana come back against PSG in the round of 16.

Barcelona pressed to trim the deficit in the first half, giving Juventus chances to counter, first as Gonzlo Higuain blasted over the bar, before Juan Cuadrado's overhead flick was also too high.

Jordi Alba came close to delivering the opener on 19 minutes, but he could not get a touch to Lionel Messi's lob into the box.

And a minute later Messi had the Camp Nou crowd ready to erupt when he took a touch in a box but dragged his shot wide of the post with half of the net to aim at.

Barcelona confronted Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers multiple times after some physical play from Juventus -- notably pulling at Messi's shirt and blocking off Neymar at the top of the box -- but the official was not impressed.

Messi tried his luck from distance -- drawing a save from Gianluigi Buffon at the near post -- before following up himself to put a second effort into the side netting.

Andres Iniesta received the first yellow card of the match for taking out Cuadrado. Neymar soon followed him in the book for a wild tackle on Miralem Pjanic moments after the Juventus man had undercut Messi as they jumped for a ball.

The card meant the Brazilian would miss Barcelona's next match if they progressed, but that was looking unlikely as they entered half-time still trailing by three goals.

Juventus had the first chance after the break as Cuadrado was given time to shoot from an angle, but his strike along the ground skimmed past the post, and at the other end Messi sent another hard, low effort wide.

Barcelona were undeterred, and Luis Suarez earned a free kick on the edge of the area from a Giorgio Chiellini foul that saw the defender booked, but Messi's free kick looped over the goal.

Messi had another opportunity after the hour mark to volley home as the ball came back to him following a corner, but again the Argentine could not keep his shot on target.

Higuain was booked for a sliding challenge on Suarez, meaning he will miss the first leg of the semifinals.

It was Sergi Roberto's turn to shoot as he made space for himself in the box and took aim at the far corner, but the accuracy was not there.

Barcelona earned corner after corner -- 13 in all -- but could produce no joy in the late stages and for all their attempts finished with only a single shot on target, their fewest in a home Champions League game in the past seven years.

Juventus' amazing defensive form in the Champions League stretched to 531 minutes without conceding, with the last goal against them coming on Nov. 22 in the group stage against Sevilla.

They reach their seventh Champions League semifinal, the most of any Italian club, and matched AC Milan's Italian record of 12 European Cup semis.

Socrates · April 20, 2017

BARCELONA - JUVENTUS

0-0

JUVENTUS WIN AGGREGATE 3-0

QUARTER FINALS - SECOND LEG

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Attendance: 96290

CL: Juve defence beats Barcelona

<a href="http://oi67.tinypic.com/ml4fon.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.football-italia.net/101360/cl-juve-defence-beats-barcelona

Apr 19, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Juventus are through to the Champions League semi-final after a relatively comfortable 0-0 draw at Camp Nou, ending Barcelona’s 15-game home winning streak.

They go into Friday's draw with Real Madrid, Monaco and Atletico Madrid.

The Bianconeri won the first leg 3-0 with a Paulo Dybala brace and Giorgio Chiellini header, fielding an unchanged XI at Camp Nou, but the Blaugrana had Sergio Busquets back from suspension and returned to a 4-3-3 formation. Rafinha and Aleix Vidal were long-term absentees, with Javier Mascherano benched after a calf problem.

Barcelona had won all 15 Champions League home games under Luis Enrique and were unbeaten here since September 2013, managing 19 victories and a draw. Juve, meanwhile, won all their continental away fixtures this season.

As Barça fought back from a 4-0 first leg defeat to eliminate Paris Saint-Germain in the last round, 6-1 on the night, Max Allegri was well aware that nothing could be taken for granted.

The visitors had an aggressive start, Gonzalo Higuain only able to scuff a chipped up free kick and then blasted over after a Busquets error from the edge of the box. Gerard Pique’s sliding block was decisive on a Juan Cuadrado counter and Jordi Alba couldn’t quite get control of a Lionel Messi ball over the top.

Messi toe-poked a loose ball inches wide from 14 yards in a great chance, though Gigi Buffon’s first save was on 31 minutes, beating away a deflected Messi snapshot at the near post.

Miralem Pjanic’s inspired pass over the top was not finalised, as Higuain scuffed the volley straight at Marc-Andre Ter Stegen. Andres Iniesta went into the book for stopping a Cuadrado counter-attack.

Neymar was yellow carded for lunging into a very late tackle and Juve were furious when they put the ball out so Mario Mandzukic could get treatment, but Barcelona didn’t return it.

After the restart, Cuadrado’s angled drive was just wide after an excellent Higuain through ball, while Messi blasted off target after combining with Neymar.

Cuadrado turned a defender inside out to force a Ter Stegen fingertip save at the near post, then Messi’s strike took a slight deflection off Chiellini to go inches wide. Messi also curled a free kick over the bar after Chiellini was booked for bringing down Luis Suarez.

Suarez caught Alex Sandro in possession and forced Sami Khedira into a bookable offence, meaning the German will be suspended.

Barcelona stepped up the pressure with a series of corners and Buffon fumbled one, but Messi ballooned over the open goal. Sergi Roberto’s left-foot curler shaved a coat of paint off the far post, but Dybala didn’t get enough bend on his shot after squirming between two defenders.

Barcelona were pinning Juve back, so Andrea Barzagli replaced Dybala and the Blaugrana moved to 3-4-3. Buffon was not fooled by Javier Mascherano’s presence on a Neymar cross-shot, but on the counter Khedira prodded straight at Ter Stegen and Mario Lemina’s effort was deflected just wide.

Barcelona had penalty appeals in the final minute, but Alex Sandro had his arm behind his back when the Busquets cross struck from close range.

The Catalans had won their last 15 Champions League home fixtures and last failed to score in a 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in May 2013.

Barcelona 0-0 Juventus (0-3 agg)

Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Sergi Roberto (Mascherano 78), Piqué, Umtiti, Jordi Alba; Rakitic (Alcacer 58), Busquets, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar

Juventus: Buffon; Dani Alves, Bonucci, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Pjanic, Khedira; Cuadrado (Lemina 83), Dybala (Barzagli 74), Mandzukic; Higuain (Asamoah 88)

Ref: Kuipers (NED)

Socrates · April 20, 2017

BARCELONA - JUVENTUS

0-0

JUVENTUS WIN AGGREGATE 3-0

QUARTER FINALS - SECOND LEG

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Attendance: 96290

Juventus through to Champions League semi-finals

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http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/barcelona/champions-league/

result/result-juventus-through-to-cl-semi-finals_296386.html

Apr 19, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Juventus have booked their spot in the semi-finals of the Champions League after drawing 0-0 with Barcelona in the second leg of their quarter-final at Camp Nou on Wednesday night.

The Italian champions recorded a 3-0 victory in the first leg on home soil last week, and a goalless draw in the return fixture has seen them comfortably progress to the final four of the competition.

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique reverted back to a 4-3-3 formation at Camp Nou, with Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba selected in the full-back positions. Andres Iniesta and Ivan Rakitic, meanwhile, provided the midfield support for Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar in the final third of the field.

As for Juventus, head coach Massimiliano Allegri kept faith with the same XI that started the first leg in Turin, which meant that Mario Mandzukic and Juan Cuadrado again operated in the wide positions in support of Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain.

It was the visitors that had the first opportunity of the match in the fourth minute, but Higuain could only scuff his effort wide after a clever free kick from Miralem Pjanic had found the Argentine in a dangerous position.

Higuain had another chance in the 13th minute after the ball fell perfectly for the centre-forward inside the Barcelona box, but his strike was over the crossbar as the home side again looked nervy at the back.

Both teams had opportunities in the 15th minute during an end-to-end period of the match, but Rakitic struck one over the Juventus crossbar from a dangerous position, before Cuadrado missed the target down the other end of the field as the visitors continued to threaten an away goal.

Messi had a glorious chance - the best of the first period - to send Barcelona ahead in the 19th minute when he was allowed the freedom of the Juventus box, but the Argentine somehow sent his low effort wide of Gianluigi Buffon's post.

Neymar and Roberto then took it in turns to have attempts for the Spanish champions, although neither could hit the target as a brilliant opening 23 minutes somehow produced no goals.

Buffon was forced into a smart save to keep out a powerful Messi strike in the 31st minute as Barcelona pressed for the opening goal of the night, although Juventus were always dangerous when they had the chance to counter-attack.

Indeed, Higuain had another brilliant opportunity late in the first period when a wonderful pass from Pjanic had released the Argentine into a dangerous position, but the former Real Madrid striker could not beat Marc-Andre ter Stegen as the score remained goalless at the end of the first period.

Enrique resisted the temptation to make any changes at the interval, despite the fact that his team needed to score at least three times in the second period to stand a chance of staying in the competition.

Cuadrado had a chance to send Juventus ahead on the night in the 50th minute when a pass from Higuain released the Colombian international, but his effort was just wide of the far post, before Neymar missed the target with a powerful effort down the other end.

Dancing feet from Messi then created another opportunity for the home side, but the Argentine sent his effort into the stands, before Ter Stegen was forced to keep out a near-post strike from Cuadrado as the end-to-end nature of the match continued.

Messi again came close in the 56th minute after working more space in a forward position, but the Argentine's effort was deflected just wide of the far post, before the forward missed the crossbar with a free kick in a dangerous position.

Paco Alcacer replaced Rakitic just before the hour as Enrique looked for more in the final third of the field, and it was full steam ahead for the home side as they started to commit seven, eight players forward every time that they had the ball.

Juventus had a couple of half-chances in the 63rd minute, but Dybala just failed to meet a cross from Higuain, before Pjanic had a long-range effort deflected wide as Barcelona just about stayed in the quarter-final.

Messi had another opportunity in the 67th minute after Buffon had fumbled a high ball, but the 29-year-old turned his volley over the crossbar as Barcelona passed up another chance to breach the Juventus defence, before Roberto saw his curling effort just miss the far post.

Gerard Pique moved into a centre-forward position for Barcelona in the final 10 minutes, and the Spanish champions left themselves exposed in a defensive position as they desperately searched for some late goals.

Mario Lemina came close to registering for Juventus late on to secure what would have been a famous win at Camp Nou, but it mattered little in terms of the tie as the Italian giants booked their spot in the semi-finals of the competition alongside Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and AS Monaco.

Socrates · April 20, 2017

BARCELONA - JUVENTUS

0-0

JUVENTUS WIN AGGREGATE 3-0

QUARTER FINALS - SECOND LEG

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Attendance: 96290

Barcelona 0-0 Juventus (agg 0-3): Italians

hold firm to reach Champions League semi-final

<a href="http://oi64.tinypic.com/24329w7.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.skysports.com/football/barcelona-vs-juventus/370346

Apr 19, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Juventus held Barcelona to a 0-0 draw at the Nou Camp to reach the Champions League semi-final with a 3-0 aggregate win.

Gonzalo Higuain missed two first-half chances inside the box for the visitors, while Barcelona's Lionel Messi also fluffed two of his own either side of the break as the hosts chased the game.

Juventus' superb backline held on for a clean sheet, sailing through to the last four as a result, meaning Massimiliano Allegri's side reach the last four for only the second time since 2003.

With Barcelona facing an uphill task having lost the first leg 3-0 in Turin, Juventus reached half-time unscathed with a determined defensive performance.

Buffon consoles Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp

After Barcelona's victory over PSG in the last 16, where they overturned a 4-0 deficit from the first leg to go through 6-5 on aggregate, home fans were in a hopeful mood.

But it was Juventus who had the first opportunity through Higuain as the ball fell kindly to him in the box, but the Argentina international snatched at his shot, striking over the bar.

Messi then pulled an effort wide from inside the penalty area, and Higuain again spurned a chance at the other end on the stretch from close range after Miralem Pjanic's delightful chipped ball.

Juan Cuadrado struck wide after the break following another Juventus break, before Messi's low effort deflected off Giorgio Chiellini and flew inches wide of the left-hand post.

Messi's bad day continued as he spurned a chance inside the box again, volleying over from Luis Suarez's centre, before Sergi Roberto struck wide with a fierce left-footed shot.

Barcelona pushed men forward in search goal, as Gerard Pique played the last 10 minutes as a striker, but Juventus' stubborn defence were not to be breached.

Socrates · April 20, 2017

BARCELONA - JUVENTUS

0-0

JUVENTUS WIN AGGREGATE 3-0

QUARTER FINALS - SECOND LEG

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Attendance: 96290

Cuadrado: 'Juve deserved it'

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http://www.football-italia.net/101361/cuadrado-juve-deserved-it

Apr 19, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Juan Cuadrado felt Juventus “hunger and spirit of sacrifice” were decisive for qualification against Barcelona.

The 3-0 first leg victory was crucial, but the Bianconeri had relatively few scares at Camp Nou in a 0-0 draw.

“We came here aware that we are a great side and so are Barcelona, but you could tell our hunger, spirit of sacrifice and I think we deserved it,” the Colombian told Mediaset Premium.

“We did everything that we tested in training, it’s a shame the counter-attacks didn’t result in a goal, but the important thing was to qualify.”

Juve go into the Champions League semi-final with Real Madrid, Monaco and Atletico Madrid.

“Who next? I think whatever God decides is best.”

Socrates · April 20, 2017

BARCELONA - JUVENTUS

0-0

JUVENTUS WIN AGGREGATE 3-0

QUARTER FINALS - SECOND LEG

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Attendance: 96290

Messi made to look human by

Juventus' defensive giants

The Argentine did his best to inspire Barcelona but they never looked

capable of overturning a 3-0 deficit against a brilliant Bianconeri backline.

<a href="http://oi65.tinypic.com/2zxnofm.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.goal.com/en/news/8/main/2017/04/19/34753962/-

Apr 19, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

On what the Gazzetta dello Sport predicted would be a "Night of Giants", every single player clad in a black-and-white shirt stood tall as Juventus withstood everything Barcelona threw at them to progress to the last four of the Champions League with impressive ease.

The Catalans had reached the quarter-finals with a historic comeback at Camp Nou against PSG but their remarkable achievement had been undeniably aided by weak-willed opponents.

On that magical evening, Barca's "remuntada", the stuff of dreams, became reality but Juve were always going to prove a nightmare to play against - even for a side containing Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.

Bianconeri boss Massimiliano Allegri had spoken beforehand of his side's intention to "go out to win the game again" but, in truth, after brutally exposing their opponents' defensive deficiencies in Turin eight days ago, the visitors' game plan was always going to be about containment. They pulled it off perfectly.

Lionel Messi Barcelona Juventus UCL 19042017

Barca may boast the best attacking triumvirate the game has ever seen but Juve have been almost singlehandedly keeping the dying art of defending alive over the past five years - and this was arguably their finest masterpiece to date, the scale of their achievement underlined by the fact that this was the first time the Catalans had been held scoreless at home in the Champions League for 20 games (May 2013, against Bayern Munich).

So good were Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini at the heart of the Bianconeri backline that the home side only managed one shot on target. Juve treated what should have been an unrelenting storm as a soft Blaugrana breeze.

Chiellini, just as he had been in the first leg, was a colossus, completely nullifying the threat posed by Suarez. On the one occasion that the Uruguayan did get away from him, the Italy centre-half responded in predictable fashion: by taking him down outside the area.

Bonucci, meanwhile, produced a masterclass in understated excellence, never putting a foot wrong as he went about cutting out cross after cross and marshalling what was at times a six-man defence, with Mario Mandzukic and Juan Cuadrado dropping deep to support Alex Sandro and Dani Alves, respectively.

Barca simply had no response to Juve's determined, disciplined defending and, in preventing the hosts from scoring in the first half of a Champions League game for the first time this season, the Italian champions effectively killed off all hope the hosts had of overturning their 3-0 first-leg deficit.

Admittedly, there was a narrow escape when Lionel Messi flashed a low drive wide 19 minutes in but, in truth, the enduring brilliance of Gianluigi Buffon was not required on the night.

The 39-year-old goalkeeper had made a crucial stop from Andres Iniesta when Juve were still only a goal to the good in the first leg but he was never truly tested at Camp Nou - further testament to the defensive excellence of Juve, who have conceded just twice in 10 games in this season's Champions League - and not for a staggering 531 minutes.

Indeed, the only real sight of goal Barca had in the second half was when Buffon dropped a cross in the area. Even then, Messi could only volley high over the bar.

It was the Juve and Italy captain who once said, "Messi is an alien that dedicates himself to playing with humans." However, even the Argentine, for all his other-worldly skills, never looked like beating Buffon.

Messi had never previously netted against the Juve shot-stopper and he was never going to on this particular night. Not when Buffon was surrounded and so ably supported by defensive giants.

Socrates · April 20, 2017

BARCELONA - JUVENTUS

0-0

JUVENTUS WIN AGGREGATE 3-0

QUARTER FINALS - SECOND LEG

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Attendance: 96290

Juventus masterclass eliminates

Barcelona from Champions League

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Apr 19, 2017

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BARCELONA, Spain -- Here are three thoughts from the Camp Nou as Juventus held firm against Barcelona's pressure to advance 3-0 on aggregate (0-0 on Wednesday night) to the Champions League semifinals.

1. Barca can't mount another magic comeback

Since their comeback against Paris Saint-Germain last month, there has been a huge poster outside Barcelona's stadium that reads, "Welcome to Camp Nou, history happens here." There was no history made Wednesday, though -- at least not as far as Barca were concerned, as they were held to a goal-less draw by Juventus and eliminated from the Champions League.

Barca coach Luis Enrique had called for "another magical night," but the damage was done last week in Turin. Even one goal proved too hard to come by against a Juve side that have now gone 531 minutes without conceding in the Champions League.

The five goals Luis Enrique had predicted would be needed to progress to the semifinal never looked like a possibility. That was not for a lack of chances but for a lack of finishing against a streetwise opponent. Lionel Messi was the most guilty, and Gianluigi Buffon might have been surprised by how little he was called into action, but in hindsight, Juve were never likely to crumble. The defensive spine of Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini had far too much quality to let the occasion get to them like PSG did. They knew what they had to do, and they did it, becoming the first team to not lose to Luis Enrique's Barca at the Camp Nou in the Champions League in 16 games.

Now the Italian champions move into the last four and not Barca, who exit at this stage for the second time in two years. Luis Enrique has been unable to hit the standards he set in his first season, and next year it will be someone else's chance. This year, though, could still belong to Massimiliano Allegri and Juve.

As if there were any doubts, it took less than five minutes for the Serie A side to show that they would not collapse like PSG did. Pressing high, there was an early chance for Gonzalo Higuain, as they looked to get the goal that would leave Barca needing five to advance. Luis Enrique's side did then grow into the game, regaining possession and creating half-chances. With Jordi Alba behind him, Neymar looked much livelier in 20 minutes here than he did in 90 in Turin.

There were small signs that the comeback could be on again. Juve weren't panicking, but there was a goal-kick punted into touch by Buffon, and the Camp Nou crowd began to sense blood. Even when they won the ball back, the Italian champions contrived to give it straight back to Barca, often to the credit of the home team's pressure.

However, there were even more signs that the comeback was not on. Andres Iniesta said Tuesday that Barca would have to produce the perfect game, perhaps their best performance of the season. That presumably would have meant Messi scoring the best chance of the first half when an Alba cross found him in the box. Instead he drove wide.

Juve did counter and elicited some brilliant defending from Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti, acting as last men, but there were also two more wasted chances for Higuain. You felt that Barca needed a goal before the break, but it didn't arrive. Neymar volleyed wide, again set up by Alba, and Sergi Roberto and Ivan Rakitic were both off-target with midrange efforts. Buffon then made the first save of the game, diving low to his right to keep out an aggressive Messi strike; the Argentine international lashed the rebound into the side netting from a tight angle.

Barca flew forward in the second half, which left them open at the back, but neither team had brought their shooting boots. Juan Cuadrado dragged an effort wide for the visitors, and then Neymar blazed wildly over after beating Alves.

Luis Enrique tried to force things by swapping striker Paco Alcacer in for Rakitic in a daring move. Messi fired one of the better second-half chances over the bar, and Sergi Roberto's left-footed rasper curled just wide. At one stage in the second half, Barca had 12 shots; 11 of them were off-target.

"Don't leave after 80 minutes," Luis Enrique had warned before the match. People didn't, but by the 88th minute (the time of Neymar's first goal against PSG), they were creeping out. This was a step too far. The comeback was not going to happen again. In honesty, it was probably never even on.

2. Juve's defence makes them the biggest UCL threat

Dani Alves said Tuesday that knocking out his former side would mean eliminating the best team in the world. That might be up for debate, but if it isn't Barca, then surely it's another Spanish team, Real Madrid.

Between them, Barca and Madrid have won the past three Champions Leagues. Throw in Atletico Madrid, and Spanish teams account for five of the past six finalists in this competition. Juve, in 2014, are the only team from another country to reach the final since Bayern Munich played Borussia Dortmund in 2013, and with Madrid and Atletico into the last four, we might yet have another all-La Liga final. The most likely threat to that hegemony comes from Juve, though, as they proved against Barca.

In the first leg, they showed off their attacking qualities as Paulo Dybala starred with two goals. At the Camp Nou, they showed off their more traditional attributes. They're ridiculously strong in defence and have conceded just twice in 10 European games this season. They haven't let in a goal since the group stages.

Juventus have the experience and mentality needed to be crowned Europe's best, but they also have that hunger. This is a side that hasn't won the Champions League since 1996, and they're spurred on equally by that painful defeat in the 2014 final. They have done all they can do domestically, and this year might see them take the next step forward on the continent.

3. Barca's season rests on Sunday's clasico

This was the first of two games in five days that will define Barcelona's season. They left themselves too much to do against Juve, and now they have to pick themselves up for a trip to Real Madrid on Sunday. Defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu will leave with too much to do in La Liga as well.

Yet the hosts can take confidence from this performance, despite their elimination. There might not have been any goals (not even from 45-goal top scorer Messi, who had a string of chances), but there were positive signs. Pique, Umtiti and Sergio Busquets all looked good, while Neymar was a constant threat, though he is suspended for the Madrid game.

Defeat in the Spanish capital ultimately doesn't bear thinking about. It would leave them six points behind Madrid having played a game more, but it would also mean the season would be classified as a write-off. They would still have the Copa del Rey final to come, but Barca's success is largely conditioned by how well Madrid do. Watching Zinedine Zidane's side lead the table and still in the hunt for the Champions League would hurt.

Three trophies arrived in Luis Enrique's first season, followed by two more last year. The bar has been set so high that if that trend continues and the pot count drops to one this season, the campaign will not be one to be remembered. It's not the goodbye Luis Enrique will be hoping for.

Socrates · April 20, 2017

BARCELONA - JUVENTUS

0-0

JUVENTUS WIN AGGREGATE 3-0

QUARTER FINALS - SECOND LEG

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Attendance: 96290

Dybala: 'Not easy with Barcelona'

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Apr 19, 2017

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Paulo Dybala confessed “keeping a clean sheet over two legs against Barcelona isn’t easy,” but Juventus have no preference for the semi-final.

The 3-0 first leg victory was decisive, in which the Argentine bagged a brace, as tonight’s 0-0 draw at Camp Nou ended Barcelona’s 15-match Champions League home winning streak.

“We are so happy with this achievement against a great Barcelona side,” La Joya told Mediaset Premium.

“Considering all the games leading up to this, including PSG, we knew that we had to be solid. Keeping a clean sheet over two legs against Barcelona is not easy.

“My ‘new’ boots brought me luck with the two goals in the first leg and the qualification, so I’ll continue at least in the Champions League.”

Did Dybala’s Argentina teammate Lionel Messi say anything to him afterwards?

“Messi? We didn’t really talk, we just said hi, along with all the other players.”

Now Juventus go into the semi-finals with Real Madrid, Monaco and Atletico Madrid.

“When we watched the Champions League draw, we wanted anyone except Barcelona and picked them out the hat. So now we’ll just see what happens – there are no favourites.”

Socrates · April 20, 2017

BARCELONA - JUVENTUS

0-0

JUVENTUS WIN AGGREGATE 3-0

QUARTER FINALS - SECOND LEG

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Attendance: 96290

Bonucci: 'Now fear Juventus!'

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Apr 19, 2017

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Leonardo Bonucci insists they proved themselves after eliminating Barcelona and “every opponent must worry about Juventus now.”

It ended 3-0 on aggregate thanks to the first leg result and a goalless draw at Camp Nou, the first time Barcelona failed to score here in the Champions League since May 2013.

“We knew they were coming to push us high, running a few risks at the back, but we did well to be united and compact when defending, above all thanks to Dani Alves and Mandzukic for pressuring their full-backs,” Bonucci told Mediaset Premium.

“It was a performance of great unity and solidity. We have belief in ourselves, because scoring three goals past Barcelona and then keeping a clean sheet at Camp Nou proves we are a great team. Now there are another two steps to go.

“We should’ve done better when playing out of defence and going on the counter. Nonetheless, we still created several chances and it was hard to approach it any other way in the circumstances. We just failed to convert our opportunities.

“This Juventus deserves applause for how it approaches every game, whether it’s Barcelona or Pescara. It’s another step in our growth process, now every opponent must worry about Juventus.”

Bonucci swapped shirts with Lionel Messi after the final whistle.

“I was pleased to have the jersey of the best player in the world, so it was just a great memento for my personal collection. My son will be very happy, though he might be happier with that of Andrea Belotti!”

Juventus are in the Champions League semi-finals with Real Madrid, Monaco and Atletico Madrid.

“I think it’s not who we don’t want to face, but the fact all three of the other teams don’t want to face us. Juventus invoke fear now in others and we’ve proved ourselves, so our objective is to play the Final in Cardiff.”

Socrates · April 20, 2017

BARCELONA - JUVENTUS

0-0

JUVENTUS WIN AGGREGATE 3-0

QUARTER FINALS - SECOND LEG

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Attendance: 96290

Juventus Progress to UCL Semi-Final

After 2nd-Leg Stalemate with Barcelona

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Apr 19, 2017

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Barcelona were unable to mount another second-leg comeback at the Camp Nou in the UEFA Champions League, as a 0-0 draw against an imperious Juventus side saw them eliminated 3-0 on aggregate at the quarter-final stage on Wednesday.

The visitors held firm in a frantic first period, preventing Barcelona from building impetus as they sought to overturn a three-goal deficit from the first leg.

The Blaugrana continued to press forward after the break, although they were unable to breach the watertight Juventus defence, with Lionel Messi missing a couple of clear opportunities.

The Italian champions will face either Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid or AS Monaco in the semi-finals.

After their remarkable comeback against Paris Saint-Germain in the previous round—Barcelona won the second leg 6-1 after losing the first 4-0—the Camp Nou was abuzz with expectation at kick-off, via the club's Twitter feed:

However, Juventus seemed a little more at ease on the big stage than the French champions, and as Miguel Delaney of The Independent noted, they began with authority:

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Miguel Delaney

✔@MiguelDelaney

Juve already showing the assurance to have a proper go at Barca from the off... in the way that PSG just couldn't.

8:53 PM - 19 Apr 2017

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23 likes

Barcelona did take control of the match midway through the first period, with Messi pulling the strings in typical fashion. The Blaugrana No. 10 also missed a fine chance to give his side the lead, dragging wide from inside the area.

Messi missed Barcelona's best chance of the first half.VI-Images/Getty Images

But, while the home side were looking menacing in possession, Juventus were structured in defence and on the counter-attack, offering a persistent threat through the pace of Paulo Dybala and Juan Cuadrado.

Gonzalo Higuain had a great opportunity to snaffle a crucial away goal too, although he didn't get enough on Miralem Pjanic's excellent pass.

Meanwhile, the Bianconeri passed another defensive milestone before the interval, per WhoScored.com:

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Juventus: Have not conceded a goal in their last 8 hours of Champions League football #FCBJuve

9:27 PM - 19 Apr 2017

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Before the half-time whistle, tempers frayed, with a yellow card for Neymar meaning he'll miss Barcelona's next Champions League game. Juventus would have been delighted with a job well done at the break.

In the second half, Cuadrado had a brilliant chance to end Barcelona's hopes but fired wide from the corner of the penalty area. The Colombian then had another shot turned behind by Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Barcelona continued to create half-chances at the other end, although as the clock ticked past the hour mark, time was running out. As Bleacher Report's Gianni Verschueren noted, Juventus were looking indomitable at the back:

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Gianni Verschueren @ReverschPass

Neymar just dribbled past about 48 Juventus players and still ran into Giorgio Chiellini. Italians, man #BarcaJuventus

9:49 PM - 19 Apr 2017

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4 likes

Juve 'keeper Gianluigi Buffon had an uncharacteristic lapse, though, as he dropped a cross with the penalty box packed. But, almost as uncharacteristically, Messi hooked over from close range. Sergi Roberto then fired narrowly wide from the edge of the box, and hopes for those in red and blue were fading.

Juventus sensed that was the case, with centre-back Andrea Barzagli introduced in place of Dybala, as the visitors sat in and started to waste time with 15 minutes remaining.

It was a frustrating night for Messi and his team-mates.MARCO BERTORELLO/Getty Images

Per beIN Sports' Matteo Bonetti, the hosts were starting to get careless with their work in the final third at this juncture:

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✔@TheCalcioGuy

Don't remember a game where Barcelona were so wasteful with their final touch, whether a shot or a pass

10:23 PM - 19 Apr 2017

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38 likes

As the game ambled into the final stages, Juve took over and should have scored on the counter-attack, when Sami Khedira wasted a brilliant opportunity. But they had more than enough in the tank to see this one through.

Although there was hope among Barcelona players, staff and supporters ahead of this contest, hauling themselves back into the tie against Juventus was always going to be a huge challenge. The momentum they built against PSG didn't surface here, with the visitors adept at taking the sting out of the game.

That savviness makes Juventus one of the favourites for glory in this competition. Not only can they contain and frustrate as they did on Wednesday, but they can cause opponents so many issues in the final third with the axis of Dybala and Higuain.

The club fell in the final in 2015, but this team have great potential to go one better.

Socrates · April 20, 2017

BARCELONA - JUVENTUS

0-0

JUVENTUS WIN AGGREGATE 3-0

QUARTER FINALS - SECOND LEG

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Attendance: 96290

Juventus 'invoke fear in others' after

Barcelona win - Leonardo Bonucci

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Apr 19, 2017

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Defender Leonardo Bonucci insists that every club must fear Juventus now after they knocked Barcelona out of the Champions League.

After winning 3-0 in the first leg in Turin, Juventus ensured that Barcelona failed to score at the Camp Nou in the Champions League for the first time since May 2013. And extended their clean sheet run to almost nine hours -- or 531 minutes -- in the competition.

"We knew they were coming to push us high, running a few risks at the back, but we did well to be united and compact when defending, above all thanks to Dani Alves and [Mario] Mandzukic for pressuring their full-backs," Bonucci told Mediaset Premium.

"It was a performance of great unity and solidity. We have belief in ourselves, because scoring three goals past Barcelona and then keeping a clean sheet at Camp Nou proves we are a great team. Now there are another two steps to go.

"We should've done better when playing out of defence and going on the counter. Nonetheless, we still created several chances and it was hard to approach it any other way in the circumstances. We just failed to convert our opportunities.

"This Juventus deserves applause for how it approaches every game, whether it's Barcelona or Pescara. It's another step in our growth process, now every opponent must worry about Juventus."

Juventus are through to the Champions League semifinals alongside Real Madrid, Monaco and Atletico Madrid, but Bonucci insists that all their opponents will fear the Italian side.

"I think it's not who we don't want to face, but the fact all three of the other teams don't want to face us," he added. "Juventus invoke fear now in others and we've proved ourselves, so our objective is to play the final in Cardiff."

Looking ahead to the semis, Juventus star forward Paulo Dybala admitted there were no favourites now that Barcelona are out of the picture.

"When we watched the draw for the quarterfinals together, we all agreed that we wanted every team but not Barcelona," Dybala said. "Now I don't see any big favourite, I think all the four teams have the same chance of going all the way. Let's see who we get."

The Old Lady have only conceded just twice in 10 Champions League matches this campaign. And for Dybala, keeping Barca out for over 180 minutes proved a difficult feat to accomplish.

"Not conceding against a team like Barcelona is not easy," he said. "We are very happy with this achievement against such a great side. Considering all the games leading up to this, including PSG, we knew that we had to be solid."

Socrates · April 20, 2017

BARCELONA - JUVENTUS

0-0

JUVENTUS WIN AGGREGATE 3-0

QUARTER FINALS - SECOND LEG

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Attendance: 96290

Allegri: 'Juve can still improve'

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Apr 19, 2017

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Max Allegri warned “only a great Juventus could’ve qualified” against Barcelona, but “we have to improve and not just maintain current form.”

The Bianconeri had a 3-0 first leg victory to defend and did it admirably, allowing barely any shots on target and ending a 15-game Champions League home winning streak.

“We have to compliment the lads for all they are doing this season. It’s a step forward, a deserved qualification against a top level opponent,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.

“We did very well defensively, less so in attack where we failed to make the most of very promising counter-attacks. We were under the normal amount of pressure here, but it was a decisive step on the road to Cardiff.

“Barcelona failing to score goals over two legs is almost unheard of. The lads need to realise that they can do even better and we are slowly improving.

“We mustn’t get ahead of ourselves, but it’s right to feel enthusiasm and tomorrow we need to focus on Serie A. Celebration? Well… it’s the decisive moment of the campaign, these lads have a great sense of duty and professionalism. What I like best is that I don’t need to tell them off about that.

“We should’ve been calmer and sharper when spreading their play, but it’s not easy to do that here, as Barcelona are a completely different team on home turf. They move the ball around so quickly and only a great Juventus could’ve qualified.

“I am happy with what the lads are doing, but the key is not to maintain current form, instead aiming to improve it. Everyone was extraordinary tonight and when Andrea Barzagli came on it felt like we could’ve played for a whole day and not conceded.”

Juventus have been nigh-on unstoppable since Allegri switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation that uses Paulo Dybala, Miralem Pjanic, Juan Cuadrado, Mario Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain together.

“The club has worked very well to bring in players of quality who had different characteristics and it was my job to put them in a position to give their best.”

Socrates · April 20, 2017

BARCELONA - JUVENTUS

0-0

JUVENTUS WIN AGGREGATE 3-0

QUARTER FINALS - SECOND LEG

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Attendance: 96290

Juventus 0 - Barcelona 0: Initial reaction

and random observations

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Apr 19, 2017

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Tick tock went to the clock. Five minutes gone. Ten minutes gone. Fifteen and 20 minutes gone. On and on and on from first half to second half. I have never watched the clock so much during a game in which Juventus entered with a 3-0 aggregate scoreline. The feeling in my stomach — and probably a lot of other people, too — was that it felt more like a 1-0 game rather than one where Juventus had a 3-0 lead to work with.

But we can breathe a lot easier now.

We can stop watching the clock now.

Juventus is still alive in the Champions League. They’re one of the final four left standing. We have one more Champions League draw to sit through at random hours around the world. It can be one of three teams. It doesn’t matter who at this point. Juventus just took down what many people were saying, at the very least, was one of the best teams in the world. There was no need for magic off the left foot of Paulo Dybala once again. There proved to be no need for Juventus to add onto its 3-0 aggregate scoreline. None of that.

Juventus beat Barcelona straight up, defending as well as they have all season.

Juventus shut Barcelona out over 180-plus minutes. How you like them apples?

I said it in the match preview and I will say it again here: I didn’t think Barcelona could be as wasteful with their chances in the second leg as they were last Tuesday night in Turin. Outside of a few saves from Gianluigi Buffon — one of them absolutely magnificent — every scoring chance Barcelona had went high, wide and every direction other than being put on goal. You couldn’t think that history could repeat itself because they’re too good not to have that happen to them again.

Yet the final tally on Wednesday night was this:

Nineteen shots. Two on target.

Some of it was Barcelona being terrible in front of goal again. And with that comes mounting frustration that was oh-so-obvious as the game went on. But you look at how Juventus were defending, how many shots and crosses they blocked either out for corners or just simply cleared seconds later, and you have to love the way Juventus defended. Even as Barcelona clearly tried to attack the right side of Juventus’ midfield and defense (Dani Alves and Juan Cuadrado) — mainly through Neymar — nothing ended up coming of it. Just a handful of shots. Not one single goal.

To shutout a team like Barcelona, with their star attacking trio, over two legs are they just had absolutely bamboozled Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg a few weeks back could very well be the most impressive thing we’ve seen from Juventus not just this season but in the last couple of years.

Even as the minutes went tick-tock off the clock, Juventus defended. And defended. And defended. It was advantage Juventus entering the night. It turned out to be the same damn advantage as the final minutes went by one by one in the second half.

And then they panned to the Juventus bench where Dybala was celebrating with his teammates as Allegri continued to scream out instructions. It was time to exhale. Well, for all of us except Max. He’s just gonna keep screaming until he leaves the stadium.

RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS

How many of Dani Alves’ Juventus teammates were screaming at him right as the ball was being kicked off and he was off being, well, Dani Alves?
Don’t know if you guys and gals noticed, but Barcelona certainly does like to complain to the referee a lot. But props to the referee and his assistants for not putting up with any kind of B.S. from either team. It doesn’t matter how much complaining there was from Barcelona players or the Camp Nou crowd, it was a well officiated game.
Leonardo Bonucci was fantastic.
Giorgio Chiellini was fantastic.
Miralem Pjanic was fantastic.
Juan Cuadrado was fantastic.
A lot like in the first leg, there probably isn’t going to be a player in a Juventus jersey where you think to yourself “Man, they had a bad game.” It was good all the way around, folks. That’s how you get the job done.
There was one bad thing to happen against Barcelona: The pass from Buffon to Alex Sandro, which caused a turnover and then Sami Khedira to pick up a yellow card. Because of said yellow card, there will be no Khedira in the first leg of the semifinals. No, he’s not going to Mallorca, so just stop there. And yes, there’s Claudio Marchisio, so it’s not as bad as one might think on the surface of things. But still, it’s probably something that should have never happened in the first place.
Lionel Messi still hasn’t scored on Gigi Buffon.

Socrates · April 20, 2017

BARCELONA - JUVENTUS

0-0

JUVENTUS WIN AGGREGATE 3-0

QUARTER FINALS - SECOND LEG

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Attendance: 96290

Luis Enrique won't tip Juve triumph

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http://www.football-italia.net/101365/luis-enrique-wont-tip-juve-triumph

Apr 19, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Luis Enrique said Barcelona “lacked sharpness,” but doesn’t see Juventus as Champions League favourites now.

The Bianconeri won 3-0 in Turin and held out for a relatively comfortable goalless draw at Camp Nou, making this the first European home fixture that Barca failed to win or score in under Lucho’s tenure.

“This is football. We wanted to play at a fast pace with many shots on target, but tonight we lacked sharpness in the final third,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.

“It was a good game between two great teams. I tip my hat to Juventus.”

Juve go into the semi-finals with Real Madrid, Monaco and Atletico Madrid.

“Can they reach the Final? They have a great Coach, great players and have everything it takes to win the Champions League…

“Having said that, there are other sides who are in a similar position.”

Socrates · April 20, 2017

BARCELONA - JUVENTUS

0-0

JUVENTUS WIN AGGREGATE 3-0

QUARTER FINALS - SECOND LEG

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Attendance: 96290

Pique: 'Juventus deserved it'

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http://www.football-italia.net/101366/pique-juventus-deserved-it

Apr 19, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique confessed Juventus “played better over the two legs and can win the Champions League this season.”

The 3-0 first leg result proved decisive, as the Bianconeri held out for a goalless draw, the first European side to avoid defeat or a goal here since Bayern Munich in May 2013.

“To see Camp Nou like that after a defeat fills me with pride as a Culé,” said Pique.

“It was difficult to overturn the first leg result and we did have several chances that we were unable to convert into goals. As time wore on, it became increasingly unlikely we’d achieve our objective.

“Juve know how to defend very well and today they proved that. The Bianconeri played a style of football that is suited to them and did it very well.

“Over the two legs, Juventus played better than we did and deserved to go through to the semi-finals. I wish them all the best going forward and I think they can win the Champions League this season.”

The Italians are in the semi-finals along with Real Madrid, Monaco and Atletico Madrid, with the draw made on Friday.

Socrates · April 20, 2017

BARCELONA - JUVENTUS

0-0

JUVENTUS WIN AGGREGATE 3-0

QUARTER FINALS - SECOND LEG

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Attendance: 96290

Barcelona-Juventus: Player Ratings

Giorgio Chiellini ran the defensive masterclass at Camp Nou, as Tom Scholes rates the Juventus squad.

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http://www.football-italia.net/101367/barcelona-juventus-player-ratings

Apr 19, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Gigi Buffon: 7

The veteran was rarely tested by the famous Barcelona front three, but Buffon was always there to save the day when needed. Given how this Juventus side have set up defensively during their run in the Champions League this season, you genuinely wouldn’t be surprised if Buffon didn’t concede another goal.

Alex Sandro: 6

Another solid performance from the Brazilian in Spain tonight, who managed to nullify the threat of Neymar practically all night. Much like the first leg, Sandro mixed his attacking duties and defensive responsibilities well, and has proven to be a huge player over the course of the two legs.

Leonardo Bonucci: 7

Another big game and another fantastic defensive performance from arguably the best defender in Europe. His positional play is unreal, and he is always there to cut out any danger and clear any second balls. I lost count of how many crosses Bonucci cut out, and he was a titan from the first whistle right up until the last.

Giorgio Chiellini: 9

What a performance from Giorgio Chiellini! Easily the Man of the Match, the 33-year-old was able to clear literally anything that came his way and showed how well he works alongside Bonucci in their telepathic partnership. Chiellini was the man to stop any Barcelona attacks this evening and showed everyone how good he really is. Clearance after clearance, tackle after tackle and header after header, Barcelona failed to work out how to beat the big Italian and to be honest, there was no getting past him tonight.

Dani Alves: 7

Alves was signed in the summer for nights like this, big European nights away to some of the biggest teams in the world where he can use his experience to guide his side through. Alves’ experience and knowhow in this kind of game was there for all to see tonight, as his performance was typical of that of a seasoned veteran who knew exactly what was needed against his former club.

Miralem Pjanic: 6

Not exactly the most vintage of Pjanic performances this season, but the role the Bosnian played this evening was still incredibly important. His technique and skill on the ball meant that the Juve defenders had an outlet right in front of them who could turn defence into attack almost in the blink of an eye. Sometimes Pjanic’s role in the side can be understated, but tonight he was a vital part to this Bianconeri machine.

Sami Khedira: 6

Similar to Pjanic, Khedira was hugely important to tonight’s performance, without being at his finest. The World Cup winner was really solid alongside Pjanic and remained quite robust against a Barcelona side who tried to bypass the midfield, but faltered early on. Again, it may not have been a vintage Khedira showing this evening, but nevertheless he did the job he needed to do.

Juan Cuadrado: 6

The Colombian proved to be a very useful attacking outlet at times tonight and was arguably Juve’s biggest threat going forward in the second half. His lack of end product at vital times could have proved costly for Juventus, but thankfully for Cuadrado, it didn’t. He was going straight for the throats of the Barcelona full-backs and at times had half of the pitch at his mercy, but whether it was due to a lack of support or poor decisions, Cuadrado never made his mark on the game.

Paulo Dybala: 6

A solid game for the little Argentine, whose performance in the first leg set this tie up perfectly for the Bianconeri. After being a doubt for the game with a slight ankle injury, Dybala and Higuain at times linked up quite well and could easily have had a goal too, but maybe on a different night Dybala would have been a Man of the Match candidate.

Mario Mandzukic: 6
The impact and role of Mario Mandzukic can sometime be forgotten. The Croatian is of course usually a striker, but he has become a huge part of Allegri’s plan out on the left wing, a role he has claimed for himself. Mandzukic’s tracking back and defensive performance meant that Barcelona could attack down that left-hand side at will and achieve very little, something that was key to Juve’s success.

Gonzalo Higuain: 5

Higuain gets a lot of criticism for his performances in big games, and tonight will only feed that reputation even more. The striker made some good runs at times during the first half, but snatched at some of his chances and failed to really get into the game at times in the second 45 minutes. He looked extremely tired in the last quarter of the game, and maybe that contributed to his lack of involvement.

Subs:

Andrea Barzagli N/A

Mario Lemina N/A

Kwadwo Asamoah N/A

Socrates · April 20, 2017

BARCELONA - JUVENTUS

0-0

JUVENTUS WIN AGGREGATE 3-0

QUARTER FINALS - SECOND LEG

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Attendance: 96290

The Comeback Killers

Juventus proved against Barcelona that they are the real deal in the Champions League, writes Giancarlo Rinaldi.

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http://www.football-italia.net/101368/comeback-killers

Apr 19, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

They were never going to become the second victims of a Catalan lightning strike. Juventus have been snuffing out the foolish dreams of their rivals for a century and more. Hopes of another “remuntada” were returned to sender on Wednesday night.

From the outset, Max Allegri’s side delivered a statement of intent with an early pressing game that said they had not made the trip to Spain to be one more sacrificial lamb. They would fall back in due course, but everything they did smacked of a professional confidence that they would see their mission accomplished. This was the A-Team carrying out a clinical hit job on foreign soil.

It was a night when, bit by bit, the Bianconeri smothered the life out of Luis Enrique’s side, who had run out of ideas long before the final whistle blew. He had said pre-match that his team needed five goals if they hoped to make it through. But La Vecchia Signora only concedes that number of strikes once in a lifetime - or maybe less often than that.

Some may struggle to appreciate the art of defence but, if they opened their eyes, they would have seen the revelation. Every single player for the Turin giants put in the kind of effort that made it almost impossible to break them down. When Neymar or Leo Messi beat one player, another and another and another popped up to block his path. They formed a black-and-white assault course none of the Blaugrana’s stellar cast came close to completing.

The Serie A champions were resolute and professional at the back, but also cool when they did get possession. The final ball failed them on occasions, but time after time it looked like they would soon send Juan Cuadrado speeding away for a goal. That would have been the icing on a cake which surely tasted pretty sweet to Beppe Marotta and company already.

There was a message here from the Italian outfit for anyone who cared to read it. There might well be other sides left in the Champions League who can attack better, look more exciting or play more expansive football. However, when it comes to being an all-round team and working as a well-drilled unit, this Juventus is the real deal.

This was a triumph to savour for a while, but then move on quickly to the job in hand, trying to take the trophy. Juventus have shown the steel, skill and determination to confirm themselves as genuine contenders. In Paris, one imagines, there will have been many Gallic sighs of regret at the thought of what might have been if their team could have shown such qualities.

Socrates · April 20, 2017

BARCELONA - JUVENTUS

0-0

JUVENTUS WIN AGGREGATE 3-0

QUARTER FINALS - SECOND LEG

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Attendance: 96290

Juventus Dump Barcelona Out… Are

They Now Champions League Favourites?

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https://forzaitalianfootball.com/2017/04/juventus-dump-barcelona

-out-are-they-now-champions-league-favourites/

Apr 20, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Juventus are through to the semifinal of the Champions League after knocking out Barcelona thanks to a 3-0 victory in the first leg and a 0-0 in the second game.

The Bianconeri were solid as ever, not conceding at all to what is considered to be one of the best attacking trios ever, for 180 minutes, with Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci showing once again their strengths and Gianluigi Buffon being perfect when needed.

Barcelona’s comeback simply was never on the cards, with Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi having a bad night and missing every potential chance to open up the game and start an incredible comeback. Juventus simply conceded the bare minimum and went through deservedly.

After knocking out the harshest opponent to pick in the quarter final draw, and going up against one between Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Monaco, the question now is: are Juventus favourites? Can anyone stop the Bianconeri?

Socrates · April 20, 2017

BARCELONA - JUVENTUS

0-0

JUVENTUS WIN AGGREGATE 3-0

QUARTER FINALS - SECOND LEG

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Attendance: 96290

Buffon 'didn't expect clean sheet'

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http://www.football-italia.net/101369/buffon-didnt-expect-clean-sheet

Apr 20, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Gigi Buffon “honestly didn’t believe” he’d keep a clean sheet away to Barcelona, but Juventus have “evolved to become more European.”

The goalkeeper kept two clean sheets over the 3-0 aggregate victory in the Champions League quarter-final.

“Aside from the result, the belief and character of our approach was excellent and it’s a good confidence booster to qualify comfortably against what remains probably the best team in the world,” the captain told Mediaset Premium and RSI.

“I did think we had a good chance of qualification after the 3-0 first leg result, but I honestly didn’t believe we would come to Camp Nou and keep a clean sheet. When you face a side like this, with their attacking options, you think that one or two goals are always going to be scored.

“The fact we stopped Barcelona scoring over 180 minutes of football means we really are solid.

“Our growth process started a few years ago and needs to continue. It certainly can’t just stop or plateau after this victory. It’s down to us now, our destiny is in our own hands for whether we can improve. When it comes to the trophy, fate has a hand in that, too.

“Aside from our determination, which is traditionally part of the Juventus identity, we are becoming more ‘European’ by pressing, proving dangerous in attack and controlling the game more than we did in previous years.

“If we build on that even more, and continue to evolve, then we can become a truly great team.”

Juve are in the Champions League semi-finals with Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Monaco ahead of Friday’s draw.

“I meant it when I said I didn’t want to face Leicester in the quarter-finals, partly because it would’ve been really sad for us to end that fairy-tale.

“It’s good that we got to face Barcelona, as getting through such a very tough and top level test gave us the kind of self-confidence that means we have no preference in the semi-final draw going forward."

Socrates · April 20, 2017

BARCELONA - JUVENTUS

0-0

JUVENTUS WIN AGGREGATE 3-0

QUARTER FINALS - SECOND LEG

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Attendance: 96290

'We wanted every team but Barca' - Dybala

claims race is wide open for Champions League

Juventus' star forward cannot see a frontrunner in the race for the Champions

League now that the Spanish club - the team he most feared - are out.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/8/main/2017/04/19/34757702/-

Apr 20, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Paulo Dybala says there are no favourites to win the Champions League after Juventus took care of previous frontrunners Barcelona in the quarter-finals.

Juve joined Atletico Madrid, Monaco and holders Real Madrid in the semi-final line-up after sealing a 3-0 aggregate victory over Barca with a goalless second-leg draw at Camp Nou on Wednesday.

Dybala, whose two goals in the first leg proved decisive, thinks Luis Enrique's side were the team to beat in the competition but now cannot separate the remaining teams ahead of Friday's draw in Nyon.

"When we watched the draw for the quarter-finals together, we all agreed that we wanted every team but not Barcelona," Dybala said to Mediaset Premium.

"Now I don't see any big favourite, I think all the four teams have the same chance of going all the way. Let's see who we get."

Massimiliano Allegri's men have only conceded two goals in 10 Champions League matches this season and Dybala stressed that Juve's defensive exploits against Barca were no mean feat.

"Not conceding against a team like Barcelona is not easy," said the forward.

"We are very happy with this achievement against such a great side.

"Considering all the games leading up to this, including PSG, we knew that we had to be solid."

Socrates · April 20, 2017

BARCELONA - JUVENTUS

0-0

JUVENTUS WIN AGGREGATE 3-0

QUARTER FINALS - SECOND LEG

Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Attendance: 96290

Chiellini, Bonucci superb as Juve knock

Barca out of the Champions League

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/3107396/juventus-get-

brilliance-from-chiellini-and-bonucci-in-knocking-barcelona-out-of-champions-league

Apr 20, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Keeping a clean sheet, Juventus played with character and composure to earn a 0-0 draw at the Camp Nou and progress to the semifinal of the Champions League, 3-0 on aggregate.

Demonstrating offensive strength in the first leg and offensive might in the second, Juve played as a unit with intensity and organisation. Aggressive from the get-go, they showed no fear and were quick to press, eager for a battle. Spotting the weaknesses, Barcelona attacked on the left through Neymar but often found themselves halted by a unit that worked impeccably well together. Throwing on more and more attackers as time wore on, Barca searched for ways to pierce through an impenetrable defence but proved incapable.

Composed and organised, Juventus held firm and looked comfortable defending, playing with maturity to hinder Barcelona's ability to attack with force. It was a perfect performance that earned a great result.

Positives

You can search the world over, but you won't find a defensive partnership as effective as Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini. Boasting experience, physicality and intelligence, they played with fluency and character and effectively muted the opponent. Leaders at the back, they secured Juve's progression.

Negatives

Another huge Champions League night goes by, and Gonzalo Higuain isn't any closer to scoring a goal. When offered the chance for goal, the Argentine was simply too eager to strike, playing in panicked fashion as opposed to demonstrating composure and confidence to finish well. Should the opportunities for goal arise again, Higuain must forget about the occasion and the pressure, focusing instead on a calm strike.

Manager rating 9 (out of 10) -- The coach, the intellectual, the legend. Eradicating the fear that once hindered Juve's capability to produce in Europe, Allegri is a genius for finally allowing the Old Lady to play to her potential and to her strengths, as opposed to relying on intensity and relentless running to mask her weaknesses.

Player ratings (1-10, with 10 the best; players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating):

GK Gianluigi Buffon, 7 -- A leader at the back who transmits great serenity, Buffon made one misjudgement but was overall superb at the back, reading every situation well.

DF Dani Alves, 7 -- Alves pressed aggressively and played like a champion. He was not always defensively perfect, but he ran everywhere and threw himself into every situation to ensure safety.

DF Leonardo Bonucci, 9 -- He makes clearances to perfection, executed perfect tackles and closed every gap to produce a heroic performance at the back. He's the perfect version of himself when alongside Chiellini.

DF Giorgio Chiellini, 9 -- Master of the interception, Chiellini took Luis Suarez out of the game, read every move perfectly and defended like the warrior he is to ensure a perfect defensive performance.

DF Alex Sandro, 6 -- Sandro was not the pillar of strength on this occasion in the same way he was in the reverse fixture, but he provided security at the back.

r201297_1296x729_16-9.jpg&w=738&site=esp — Chiellini was exceptional at the back, ensuring Juve's passage to the CL semifinals.

MF Sami Khedira, 7 -- Impeccable. He did exceptionally well at stopping Busquets playing out from the back and provided excellent defensive cover while his tactical intelligence was in full view of the world.

MF Miralem Pjanic, 7 -- Composed, intelligent and excellent at recovering possession, the Bosnian looked to create chances when on the ball and defended with might off it, tackling with excellence.

MF Juan Cuadrado, 6 -- He always provided his teammates with an option in attack, using his pace to push forward and create problems, but he didn't always make the right choice. He produced a great challenge to halt a swift Barcelona attack in the second half.

MF Paulo Dybala, 6 -- Dybala always looked dangerous with the ball at his feet in the first half, wriggling his way past defenders. But he was keen to get back and help the unit to defend. He looked exhausted at the end.

MF Mario Mandzukic, 7 -- He is practically an entire team by himself. He pressed the opponent, attacked with strength, defended like his life depended on it and showed great composure and desire. Perfect.

FW Gonzalo Higuain, 6 -- Higuain wasted a few good chances but sacrificed for the team and was always on hand to help defensively.

Substitutes

DF Andrea Bazagli, NR -- He offered an already strong back-line even greater security at the back to ensure a clean sheet.

MF Mario Lemina, NR -- He was given very little time to make a difference.

DF Kwadwo Asamoah, NR -- He had no time to make an impact.

Accedi

JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

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