Juventus lead Real Madrid - can they 'deliver a masterpiece'?
Champions League semi-final is finely balanced as Juventus shade the first leg in Italy
Juventus 2 Real Madrid 1
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has warned Real Madrid that his side "can do even better" when they travel to the Spanish capital next Wednesday to defend a one-goal lead in the return leg of their Champions League semi-final. "We've laid the foundations, my lads showed great personality, effort and determination," said Allegri. "If we want to make the final, we've got to deliver a masterpiece in Madrid."
It's been a good few days to be a Juventus fan. At the weekend they sealed their fourth successive Serie A title, and victory over an off-colour Real Madrid continues their impressive home run at the redeveloped Juventus Stadium. They have lost just once at the ground in 18 European encounters, and a second defeat always looked unlikely once Alvaro Morata had given the Italians the lead after just eight minutes. Carlos Tevez's initial low angled shot was parried by Real keeper Iker Casillas and the ball fell into the path of Morata who poked it into the net of his former club.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Real levelled on 27 minutes when a James Rodriguez cross found the head of Cristiano Ronaldo, a strike that took the Portuguese star to 76 Champions League goals, one more than arch rival Lionel Messi.
Rodriguez had a chance to give the visitors an undeserved lead but his header lacked the accuracy of his teammate's and it rattled the crossbar.
Carlos Tevez restored Juventus's advantage from the penalty spot on 57 minutes after being fouled by Dani Carvajal, and that was the cue for Allegri to start shutting up shop. On came central defender Andrea Bazagli to bolster the back four and Real rarely threatened to equalise in the final half hour. Indeed the best chance of the closing minutes fell to Juventus substitute Fernando Llorente but his finish lacked accuracy and Real will still be quietly confident that they can overturn the deficit next week.
"It's a negative result, but it's not so bad. It's all going to be decided at the Bernabeu," said Real coach Carlo Ancelotti. "The crowd can help us at home. It will be a situation like we had last year in the semi-finals [against Bayern Munich] and like this season in the quarter-finals [against Atletico Madrid]. We're confident because we're at home. The fans will help us."
Despite his bullish predictions in the immediate aftermath of the win, Juventus coach Allegri still recognised the size of their task in the second leg. "We will be up against a wounded Real team next Wednesday," he said. "We've got to score in Madrid or it's going to be hard for us to come home with a place in the final."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - October 8, 2024
Cartoons Tuesday's cartoons - double whammy weather, high stakes voters, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Humans are near peak life expectancy, study finds
Speed Read Unless there is a transformative breakthrough in medical science, people on average will reach the age of 87
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Georgia top court reinstates abortion ban
Speed Read The Georgia Supreme Court moved to restore the state's six-week abortion ban. Many women do not yet know they are pregnant at six weeks.
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
The 'Swiss model' shaking up the Champions League
In The Spotlight Uefa says the new format offers 'greater excitement' but critics say boredom is guaranteed
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
The European Super League: a 90th-minute reprieve?
Why everyone's talking about A European court ruling has potentially breathed new life into the breakaway football league
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
‘Genuine visionary’: is Pep Guardiola the greatest of all time?
feature Spaniard has now won two trebles following Man City’s Champions League triumph
By The Week Staff Published
-
Champions League final: Man City vs. Inter predictions and preview
feature Can Guardiola’s team finally win the Champions League and complete a historic treble?
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Uefa Champions League 2022-2023 guide: group stage draw and key dates
feature Liverpool face Rangers while Man City’s Erling Haaland has a reunion with Dortmund
By Mike Starling Published
-
Uefa Champions League final: blame game begins for chaos in Paris
feature Liverpool call for an investigation as Uefa are accused of a ‘narrative of lies’
By Mike Starling Published
-
2022 Uefa Champions League final: Liverpool vs. Real Madrid preview, predictions and TV
feature Everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s showpiece in Paris
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Karim Benzema: Panenkas, hat-tricks and a Ballon d’Or?
Why Everyone’s Talking About Real Madrid’s French striker was sensational yet again in the Champions League
By Mike Starling Published