Category: <b>Match Reports</b><br><br>A wet night in London was warmed –up by the atmosphere at Highbury, where both sets of fans made their voices heard as Juventus and Arsenal took to the field for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie. Despite the importance of the occasion the Juve players did not seem overawed and quickly relaxed into a familiar rhythm, breaking-up the opposition attacks and causing problems with their possession of the ball and slick passing. Both Zebina and Emerson caused problems for the Arsenal backline with a series of tempting crosses, and Ibra went close with a free-kick that was deflected just wide.
However, it was an ex-bianconero that made the difference in the first half. Finding Fabregas in space, Thierry Henry fed the young Spaniard who slotted the ball to the right of Buffon from just inside the area.
After the interval, the bianconeri seemed to add a new determination to their play as they went in search of an equaliser. Within the first five minutes Ibrahimovic had used his power and strength to cause confusion in the Arsenal box but was unable to convert the chances created. Ten minutes later it was the turn of the opposition to attack. Buffon however reacted brilliantly to deny both Henry and Fabregas with a pair of phenomenal saves that employed all the reflexes and intelligence that have made him the best in the world. Indeed, several minutes later he was on hand again, denying both Hleb and Pires in quick succession.
Twenty-five minutes into the second half Fabregas was again involved, providing an incisive pass to Henry from the right-hand side who converted for Arsenal’s second goal. Juventus then pushed forward searching for a goal and went very close when Camoranesi’s chipped shot skimmed the outside of the post.
As the game drew to a close the determination of Camoranesi and Zebina led to both being cautioned for the second time, and as such both were sent off. Despite being two goals down, Juve will still feel that they have a good chance to progress; after all, the second leg is at the Delle Alpi…
ARSENAL-JUVENTUS 2-0 GOALS: 40’ Fabregas, 64’ Henry ARSENAL: Lehmann, Eboué, Touré, Senderos, Flamini, Pires, Fabregas, Gilberto, Reyes (38’ Van Persie), Hleb, Henry. Coach. Wenger.
Substitutes: Almunia, Diaby, Bergkamp, Song, Walcott, Djourou.
JUVENTUS: Buffon, Zebina, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Camoranesi, Emerson, Vieira, Mutu (72’ Chiellini), Ibrahimovic, Trezeguet (81’ Zalayeta).
Coach: Capello.
Substitutes: Abbiati, Kovac, Balzaretti, Blasi, Giannichedda.
REFEREE: Frojdfeldt (Swe)
CAUTIONED: 23’, 87’ Camoranesi, 52’ Trezeguet, 72’ Vieira, 82’,89’ Zebina SENT-OFF: 87’ Camoranesi and 89’ Zebina (for two yellow cards) <br><br>Source: Juventus.com
However, it was an ex-bianconero that made the difference in the first half. Finding Fabregas in space, Thierry Henry fed the young Spaniard who slotted the ball to the right of Buffon from just inside the area.
After the interval, the bianconeri seemed to add a new determination to their play as they went in search of an equaliser. Within the first five minutes Ibrahimovic had used his power and strength to cause confusion in the Arsenal box but was unable to convert the chances created. Ten minutes later it was the turn of the opposition to attack. Buffon however reacted brilliantly to deny both Henry and Fabregas with a pair of phenomenal saves that employed all the reflexes and intelligence that have made him the best in the world. Indeed, several minutes later he was on hand again, denying both Hleb and Pires in quick succession.
Twenty-five minutes into the second half Fabregas was again involved, providing an incisive pass to Henry from the right-hand side who converted for Arsenal’s second goal. Juventus then pushed forward searching for a goal and went very close when Camoranesi’s chipped shot skimmed the outside of the post.
As the game drew to a close the determination of Camoranesi and Zebina led to both being cautioned for the second time, and as such both were sent off. Despite being two goals down, Juve will still feel that they have a good chance to progress; after all, the second leg is at the Delle Alpi…
ARSENAL-JUVENTUS 2-0 GOALS: 40’ Fabregas, 64’ Henry ARSENAL: Lehmann, Eboué, Touré, Senderos, Flamini, Pires, Fabregas, Gilberto, Reyes (38’ Van Persie), Hleb, Henry. Coach. Wenger.
Substitutes: Almunia, Diaby, Bergkamp, Song, Walcott, Djourou.
JUVENTUS: Buffon, Zebina, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Camoranesi, Emerson, Vieira, Mutu (72’ Chiellini), Ibrahimovic, Trezeguet (81’ Zalayeta).
Coach: Capello.
Substitutes: Abbiati, Kovac, Balzaretti, Blasi, Giannichedda.
REFEREE: Frojdfeldt (Swe)
CAUTIONED: 23’, 87’ Camoranesi, 52’ Trezeguet, 72’ Vieira, 82’,89’ Zebina SENT-OFF: 87’ Camoranesi and 89’ Zebina (for two yellow cards) <br><br>Source: Juventus.com
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