Juve get the job done – just
Juventus are in the Champions League semi finals for the first time since 2003 thanks to a resolute performance in Monaco. Luca Cetta writes.
There could not have been as stark a contrast. In the Round of 16 against Borussia Dortmund, Juventus gave one of their best European displays in years, routing the Germans with lethal counter-attacking force.
Defending a one-goal advantage this time against Monaco it was not a swashbuckling Bianconeri. This one scraped and clawed. Time and again the hosts, despite holding the possession and territorial ascendency, found the black and white wall impenetrable. And they got the scoreless draw required.
Last week this blog highlighted that when Juventus needed their big players to shine at critical moments they contributed. In the second leg it was about discipline, and a slice of fortune. With Gianluigi Buffon committed to cutting out a low cross Andrea Barzagli was able to put it wide of the post. And when the custodian failed to reach a Joao Moutinho centre Patrice Evra hooked it away from danger. In Europe it’s about the fine margins. Juve got theirs right, just.
“There was a lot more tension here than in Dortmund, as we knew Monaco were much more complicated to face and we had a slender lead, so every tiny error could cost double, the captain stated afterwards. “I think the tension therefore gripped us more than usual.”
Buffon was 25 when the Old Lady last reached the semi-finals. He could count Pavel Nedved, Antonio Conte and Alessandro Del Piero as his teammates. Luis Enrique was part of the Barcelona side which was conquered. Fast forward 12 years and the former duo watched from the Stade Louis II stands, one his boss over the past four years. Del Piero is enjoying an unofficial retirement in Los Angeles. Luis Enrique is on the Barça bench. In Monaco, Buffon again led from the front. “I thought I’d have to wait less when I was at this stage 12 years ago, but seeing the journey was very difficult, we can enjoy this result even more.”
The goalkeeper is one of the few to have gone through that difficult journey. From relegation and initial struggles upon their top flight return, Juventus are revitalised domestically and now making their mark on the continent.
When he replaced Conte in the summer, Massimiliano Allegri targeted a long Champions League run. His one prior quarter-final appearance was ended by Barcelona. While Conte felt advancing far was unattainable in calcio’s current climate, Allegri wanted Juventus amongst Europe’s top eight. They are now in the top four.
As they entered the fray on Wednesday, the task was simple: take few risks and defend the advantage. Yet from the second Giorgio Chiellini slipped – rekindling memories of Borussia Dortmund – and was carded for handball signs were it would not be as straightforward as in Germany.
Juve kept another clean sheet, their eighth in the past nine matches and fifth in the last six Champions League outings, but did not exhibit their usual control over proceedings. This was more a backs-to-the-wall job. Monaco continued their measured approach of a week ago and when combined with a Juve side which struggled to keep hold of possession, the Bianconeri defenders weren’t allowed time to rest.
Allegri revealed afterwards Carlos Tevez was struggling with illness and was only declared fit hours beforehand. Alvaro Morata vomited after being substituted, factors contributing to their sluggish displays. Juve’s profligacy in the final third was highlighted by two shelved counters. In the first instance Tevez strode forward but those in blue failed to take multiple opportunities to shoot. The second after the interval saw the pair break clear only for the Spaniard’s indecision to allow Monaco to rescue the situation.
But after weathering a strong Monaco storm for 20 minutes after half-time, the Bianconeri expertly saw out the remainder of the match. In truth, the club from the Principality created few opportunities. Their half chances stemmed from poor Juventus decision making.
It wasn’t a performance for the history books. Yet thanks to their resolve the Bianconeri will enter Friday’s draw. Of the remaining four teams they are underdogs. The Turin giants are thrilled to reach this stage, but Leonardo Bonucci states the semi finals cannot be a 'finish line’. They won’t be expected to reach the Berlin decider, but the others cannot afford to underestimate Juventus.
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Football-Italia Blog
@zizinho @Bianconero_Aus look at the title
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http://football-italia.net/65546/juve-get-job-done-%E2%80%93-just
I always want this Juve to have the home leg first, it has served us well almost every time.
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