CL Preview: Juventus-Real Madrid
3/9/2005 3:13:00 AM
As one of the most highly anticipated Champions League match-ups draws closer Real Madrid and Juventus prepare to face each other on Wednesday night. This heavyweight encounter could go right to the wire after Real’s narrow 1-0 win at home in the first leg.
BACKGROUND
Juventus were far from impressive as they crashed to a defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid for the first leg of this tie. The match was settled thanks to a solitary goal from Ivan Helguera as Real were unlucky not to make their dominance count for more. Despite the loss, Fabio Capello’s side know from past experience that they can overcome their Spanish opponents. The Bianconeri were in a similar position two seasons ago after loosing 2-1 to Real in Spain. Juve won 3-1 at home, eventually progressing to the final and eliminating Real in the process. The Galacticos were comprehensively beaten in Turin as Juventus got their tactical approach to the match spot on.
This season both teams could not be more different in terms of style and approach. Whilst the Bianconeri are a much more balanced and organized team Real, the Spaniards tend to produce the more entertaining football. Despite the purchase of Walter Samuel and Thomas Gravesen, the Madrid side still look shaky in defence, something that will not have gone unnoticed by the Italians.
As the tie is perfectly poised for an interesting rematch the Real Madrid players are in confident mood ahead of their trip to Turin.
“Juventus should be warned that Ronaldo will score past them," predicted former Inter man Roberto Carlos.
"Ronaldo is in great form again and he’ll definitely hit the target. We aren’t going there with the intention of playing for a draw."
As Juventus lost the first leg in Madrid 1-0, they will need to win by a two goal margin in order to qualify to the next round. Given the calibre of these two sides, the team that manages to progress to the next round will have a great chance of winning the competition in May.
TEAM NEWS
Juventus:
Pavel nedved will definitely miss the tie after being hospitalised with a head injury. Trezeguet returns but should occupy a place on the bench as he is still lacking match fitness. Capello is expected to field Del Piero, Zalayeta and Ibrahimovic in a trident attack. Tacchinardi will replace the suspended Blasi in midfield.
Real Madrid:
With Salgado still out through injury, Luxembourgo is expected to shuffle his pack. Raul Bravo should replace the right back. Raul has recovered from flu and should replace Michael Own who deputised in for the Spaniard in recent games. Brazilian keeper Cesar should also start in goal ahead of he injured Casillas.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Juventus:
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has looked good all season for Juventus, but it is Del Piero that could really make the difference against Real. The striker’s experience of such games will be vital if Capello’s men are to progress in the competition. Recent games have seen Alex return to his best form and Real could be his next victim.
Real Madrid:
Returning to his old hunting ground, Zidane will be desperate to triumph over his former team-mates The Frenchman was idolised by the Bianconeri faithful and will be desperate to help his new team through. Whilst Zidane has not shown the form he is capable of this season, Juventus will be in no mood to underestimate him.
PROBABLE STARTING XIs
Juventus: (4-3-3) Buffon; Zebina, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Emerson, Tacchinardi; Del Piero, Zalayeta, Zlatan.
Real Madrid (4-4-2): Cesar, Raul Bravo, Helguera, Samuel, Roberto Carlos, Solari, Gravesen, Beckham, Figo, Raul (Owen), Ronaldo
PREDICTION
Juventus should win the encounter but may find it difficult to keep Real from scoring at their ground..
Juventus 2-1 Real Madrid
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