Socrates

Ma era sulla palla. Pure giallo.

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID - Semi-final - 1st leg Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Marotta: 'Juve plan Madrid surprise' May 5, 2015 Beppe Marotta admits Real Madrid “are stronger on paper,” but Juventus can pull “the first of two surprises.” “This is an extraordinary game for us and the stadium. It is the high point of our ambitions since we opened the arena,” director general Marotta told Sky Sport Italia. “There is euphoria and playing after winning the Scudetto only serves to further get everyone involved. “Clearly on paper Real Madrid are stronger, but the great thing about football is that predictions are not always accurate and there can be surprises. “We hope tonight will be the first of two surprises.” Marotta was asked whether he was anxious, as this is Juve’s first Champions League semi-final since 2003. “I was much more anxious against Fiorentina and Lazio, when there were still some uncertainties in the Serie A title race. “We are more relaxed going into this game. We want to play this all the way with the utmost motivation. “A match like this fires you up regardless, especially as it’s the first time for many of these lads in a Champions League semi-final. “This kind of emotion can be an important push against players who on paper are stronger.”

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID - Semi-final - 1st leg Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Butragueno: 'An honour for Madrid' May 5, 2015 Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno said it is “an honour” to play the Champions League semi-final against Juventus. “It’s a great game, a magnificent night to play in a wonderful stadium on a perfect pitch,” he told Sky Sport Italia ahead of tonight’s first leg in Turin. “Juventus are a legendary club with a long history against Real Madrid.” How has Carlo Ancelotti handled the build-up, especially as it is against one of his former clubs? “Carlo is a very relaxed man in general, but we all know the importance of this game. It is an honour to play in the Champions League semi-final, the biggest club competition in the world. “We hope the squad is at the level we think it is to play in the best possible way. It’s tough, as we are playing against a Juve side that has been working together for a long time.” Alvaro Morata grew up in the Real Madrid youth academy and was sent to Juve in a complicated two-year loan deal with multiple options. Is it strange for Butragueno to see Morata playing for Juventus against the Merengues tonight? “We are happy for him, as he’s had a great campaign that without doubt was difficult at the start, as it always is for strikers adapting to Italian football. “Obviously, we hope this will not be Morata’s night!”

Atmosfera distesa fra i protagonisti della serata.

Zoff ha dichiarato che, secondo lui, Casillas é piú bravo di Buffon.

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID - Semi-final - 1st leg Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Line-ups: Juventus-Real Madrid May 5, 2015 Juventus make some surprise changes with Arturo Vidal behind the strikers against star-studded Real Madrid. The first leg of the Champions League semi-final kicks off in Turin at 20.45 CET. There are 16 previous encounters between these sides and it’s a very even record with seven Bianconeri wins, eight for the Merengues and only one draw. That was 2-2 in the group phase last season. Juve are unbeaten in 12 European home matches and their last continental defeat here was against Bayern Munich in April 2013. Among the absentees tonight are Paul Pogba, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema. There had been concerns over the fitness levels of Gareth Bale, but he is in the starting XI with Cristiano Ronaldo, James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos and Isco. Spanish newspaper Marca claimed they spotted the notes taken by Allegri’s assistant showing they would attack Real Madrid down the left, where Fabio Coentrao is the weakest link. However, Coentrao is dropped to the bench instead. Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Marchisio, Pirlo, Sturaro; Vidal; Tevez, Morata Juventus bench: Storari, Barzagli, Padoin, Pepe, Pereyra, Llorente, Matri Real Madrid: Casillas, Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo, Pepe, Kroos, Isco, James, Bale, Ronaldo Real Madrid bench: Keylor Navas, Coentrao, Chicharito, Lucas Silva, Arbeloa, Jese, Illara Ref: Atkinson (ENG)

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID - Semi-final - 1st leg Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Carlo Ancelotti wants defensive improvement May 5, 2015 Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that his side will need to improve defensively if they are to overcome Juventus in the semi-finals of the Champions League. The goals have flowed for Los Blancos in recent weeks, but they have been guilty of some poor defensive mistakes. Ahead of their first leg against Juve on Tuesday, Ancelotti has called on his team to remain solid at the back. "We'll need to attack so we can obtain a decent result but more importantly we need to defend much better than we've been doing lately," the Italian told reporters. "However, I've ruled out playing with three central defenders. We only did it for 10 minutes against Celta Vigo and for the last five minutes against Sevilla." Real Madrid are attempting to become the first team to successfully defend the Champions League in the modern era.

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID - Semi-final - 1st leg Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Sturaro starts Juve-Madrid? May 5, 2015 There are reports Stefano Sturaro will be a surprise Juventus starter against Real Madrid, with Arturo Vidal behind the strikers. The first leg of the Champions League semi-final kicks off in Turin at 20.45 CET. Italian and Spanish media are scrambling to find clues for the starting line-ups in tonight’s big game. According to the latest rumours emerging, Max Allegri will pick Sturaro instead of Roberto Pereyra in his squad. Playing the ex-Genoa man in a deeper role would push Vidal further forward as trequartista behind strikers Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata. It’s going to be a four-man defence with Patrice Evra and Stephan Lichtsteiner as full-backs around Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini. The midfield is completed by Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio. Sturaro joined in the January transfer window from Genoa and recently turned 22. He has played only four previous minutes of Champions League football in one appearance. Juventus (probable): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Sturaro, Pirlo, Marchisio; Vidal; Tevez, Morata

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID - Semi-final - 1st leg Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Leonardo: 'Juve better underdogs' May 5, 2015 Leonardo believes Juventus are in “a more comfortable position” being underdogs against Real Madrid. The first leg of the Champions League semi-final kicks off in Turin tonight at 20.45 CET. “Juve are certainly not starting out as favourites against Real Madrid, but perhaps that puts them in a more comfortable position and they could get an important boost from that,” the Brazilian told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID - Semi-final - 1st leg Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Allegri to 'attack Madrid's left' May 5, 2015 Spanish papers claim they found Max Allegri’s notes, giving tactical clues as to how Juventus will face Real Madrid. The first leg of the Champions League semi-final is in Turin tonight at 20.45 CET. Marca published a picture of what they insist is a piece of paper left behind by Coach Allegri’s assistants, complete with drawings on the tactical approach. It’s suggested the Bianconeri will attack more down the left flank, where they consider Fabio Coentrao to be a weak link in the Real Madrid defence. This also confirmed it will be a four-man defence.

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID - Semi-final - 1st leg Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Kroos: Real Madrid Wary Of Strong Juventus Defence May 5, 2015 Real Madrid star Toni Kroos has praised opposition Juventus ahead of the first leg of the Champion’s league semi-final, though backs his side to progress in the competition. The German midfielder stated the importance of the fixture admitting the game will be tough, noting the Bianconeri’s strong points, yet holds faith in his side to persevere in order to reach the final. “We have prepared well,” he assured. “[Carlo] Ancelotti knows Juventus very well so I think he has prepared us in the best way. “Juventus are good in defence, and they are quick playing on the counter so we will have to adapt to them.” Madrid have the opportunity should they reach the final to be the first ever team to win back to back titles in the competition, however Kroos recognises that they will have to battle against a resilient side in order to do so. “To have already reached the semi-finals is a great success. We are within the top four teams in Europe and we will do everything to reach the final. “We are aware that no-one has ever won the Champions League two years in a row so we want to achieve this great goal. “I am confident in my team’s ability to win. “But first we have to face such a strong opponent in Juventus.”

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID - Semi-final - 1st leg Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Allegri’s Tactics Book Revealed By Spanish Newspaper Ahead Of Juventus – Real Madrid Clash May 5, 2015 Ahead of Juventus’ Champions League clash with Real Madrid, it appears members of the Spanish media have laid their hands on coach Massimiliano Allegri’s notes about the game. The Bianconeri welcome the reigning European champions to the Juventus Stadium on Tuesday evening with Carlo Ancelotti apparently having a window into Allegri’s strategy. Marca have seemingly gotten their hands on a photo of Allegri’s coaching notes on the game which give an indication as to how Juventus will handle Madrid. It is stated that Real are weak down the left, and even more so should Ancelotti play Fabio Coentrao. Whilst also revealing that Allegri will play different stages of the game, allowing his team to rest, and choose the right moments to attack. Areas in which they can put more pressure on their opponents and where best to regain possession were also seen. Sergio Ramos is also noted as being ‘vulnerable’ and Juve will play with a back four.

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID - Semi-final - 1st leg Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Ticket Touts Cashing In On Juventus Champions League Match With Real Madrid May 5, 2015 The scramble for a ticket to get in to watch this evening’s Champions League semi final clash between Juventus and Real Madrid has given Turin ticket touts the green light to charge incredible amounts of money for desperate fans that want to see the game at any cost. The Bianconeri take on the Spanish giants at the Juventus Stadium later today and supporters from all corners of the globe are seemingly prepared to pay whatever is asked in order to watch their heroes in action. According to Tuttosport, the game had long since been declared a ‘sell out’ but tickets are starting to exchange hands from between €500 and as much as €3500, with touts reaping the benefits. The official Juventus website has the most expensive seat at the ground costing €180, but with fans ready to pay almost 20 times face value, it seems that if you really do want a ticket, you can probably still get one.

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID - Semi-final - 1st leg Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Barzagli To Miss Tie With Real Madrid May 5, 2015 Juventus stopper Andrea Barzagli is expected to be left on the bench this evening as his side face Spanish giants Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League semi final. The big centre back, who has missed much of the current campaign through injury, played in the weekend win over Sampdoria, as the Turin outfit secured their fourth straight league title. La giornalaccio rosa Dello Sport is reporting today that coach Massimiliano Allegri will switch to a back four against the Spaniards and will deploy Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci at the heart of his rear guard, leaving the 33-year-old out of the starting line-up. The pink daily is also suggesting that Alvaro Morata will be preferred ahead of compatriot Fernando Llorente in attack, alongside Carlos Tevez. Juventus became champions of Italy on Saturday after an Arturo Vidal header gave them victory over the Blucerchiati, with four games still left to play in Serie A.

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID - Semi-final - 1st leg Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Madrid have a 55 per cent chance of beating Juventus - Robert Jarni The former Croatia international believes it will be a tight affair in Turin but feels the Spanish side are slight favourites for the tie overall. May 5, 2015 Former Juventus and Real Madrid left-back Robert Jarni believes that the Spanish giants have a 55 per cent chance of winning their Champions League semi-final tie. The two giants go head-to-head in the first leg of the competition's last four in Turin on Tuesday as Madrid look to retain their Champions League crown, while Juve try to reach the final for the first time since 2002-03. Jarni says the game will be tough for both sides because of the clash of styles, but makes the Spanish side the slight favourites. "I don't know who to cheer for, it is hard to decide," he told Goal. "I've played for both clubs, both are big clubs with fantastic history. "I expect a very tough game and even if Juventus fail to score in the first leg, they have a chance to progress, they seem to play better away from home. "But I give the advantage to Madrid because of their experience and coach Carlo Ancelotti, who knows how to win the competition. "It is a clash between one of the best attacks in Europe and one of the best defences, I would rate their chances at 55 per cent to 45 in Madrid's favour. Especially if they don't concede a goal in Turin. "It is hard for me to say how Juve will play. In Turin everything has changed since I was there so I don't really know anybody anymore." The 46-year-old former Croatia international, who played for Juventus in 1994-95 and Madrid in 1998-99, believes the absence of Luka Modric will hinder the visitors on Tuesday. "Real will miss Modric very much, he is their brain, gives rhythm and 'colour' to their play, they will especially miss Luka offensively." Iker Casillas and Gianluigi Buffon are icons of their current sides and former Juve defender Igor Tudor - who played in the 2003 semi-final triumph over Madrid - believes the Italian is the best No.1 that has ever played the game. "Gianluigi Buffon and Iker Casillas are both phenomenal keepers but for me Buffon is the best in football history and I believe he will give Juve the advantage in this tie," Tudor predicted. "Madrid are clear favourites, but just like each of the other teams wanted to meet Juventus, I would say Juve got the best possible draw as well. "Bayern Munich and Barcelona are currently better teams. Real have great players but they have a lot of injured players. And even for Real it is not the same if Modric and Karim Benzema don't play. "Between Bayern and Barcelona, I give a small advantage to Bayern, only because they have the world's best coach. Guardiola is one of best coaches ever, he does some things no one else does."

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID - Semi-final - 1st leg Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Lippi: ‘Juventus, defend well’ May 5, 2015 Marcello Lippi believes Juventus will have to ‘defend very well’, but can beat Real Madrid in the Champions League. The former Bianconeri boss was the mastermind behind their last appearance in a semi-final of this competition, achieving a 4-3 aggregate victory over the same opponents, and he has some advice for this Juve side. “I expect a game with a lot of conviction and confidence,” Lippi told TuttoJuve. “I expect realism because of the awareness of the strength of their opponents, but also great belief in their chances. “Juventus will have to defend very well against these great champions, and when I say that I mean being compact as a team, not just in defence. “Everyone will know that they have to defend, with the knowledge that they have the weapons to create big chances, because all the big teams give their opponents something. “It will take great solidity in defending, and great skill in taking advantage of the opportunities which there will surely be. “That’s the kind of game I expect. “I think they can do it, but clearly there should be no mistakes. They must give 150 per cent physically and psychologically.” The World Cup winning Coach also reflected on that 2003 meeting, in which his side overcame a 2-1 first leg deficit by winning 3-1 in Turin. “I remember in particular, that in the two days leading up to the game, we had prepared a few things to limit Zidane, and deny him space. “However, while training and preparing those things I realised it would distort us a little, so on the morning of the game I told the players to forget what I’d been saying for the last few days! “I told them to play the game the way we always did, trying to make the most of our attributes without thinking about the opponents.”

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID - Semi-final - 1st leg Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Casillas Is Better Than Buffon States Former Juventus And Italy Legend May 5, 2015 Former Juventus goalkeeper Dino Zoff has heaped praise on Real Madrid shot stopper Iker Casillas by claiming he is better than current Bianconeri number one Gianluigi Buffon. The Italian goalkeeping legend, who played for Juve from 1972 until 1983, made the claim on the eve of the semi-final clash set to take place at the Juventus Stadium between the two sides. “Between the two I prefer the Real Madrid goalkeeper,” he stated while speaking to Radio 4G. Zoff, who made over 330 appearances for the Bianconeri, also shared his thoughts on who he believes to be the top goalkeeper in the world. “I think that at this time the best in the world is [Manuel] Neuer, but if I have to choose between Casillas and Buffon, I prefer the Spaniard.” Zoff is currently a consultant for the Greek national football team.

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID - Semi-final - 1st leg Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Zidane’s Juventus would be one of the greatest but for Mijatovic’s Madrid The brilliant Bianconeri side coached by Marcello Lippi reached three UCL finals in a row but under-achieved – partly thanks to 1998 final hero Predrag Mijatovic. May 5, 2015 Since Franz Beckenbauer’s Bayern Munich clinched a third European Cup title in a row 39 years ago by beating Saint-Etienne at Hampden Park, only two teams have reached three Champions League finals on the spin. One was Fabio Capello’s magnificent AC Milan side, whose place in footballing folklore is safe, despite losing two finals, courtesy of their devastating 4-0 destruction of Johann Cruyff’s Barcelona Dream Team in Athens in 1994. The other team should also be remembered as one of the European Cup’s best ever sides, but their legacy was never secured due to under-achievement. Marcello Lippi’s Juventus outfit of the mid-to-late-1990s boasted a devastating blend of power, team-work, technique and individual brilliance. “Juventus were the model for us, the teams of Lippi. They were the best, they gave us some beatings," former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson once remarked. The likes of Zinedine Zidane, Alessandro Del Piero, Didier Deschamps, Edgar Davids, Ciro Ferrara and Pippo Inzaghi all played under Lippi at various points during his first spell in Turin. But despite reaching three consecutive Champions League finals – and narrowly missing out on a fourth in 1999 – Juve only won the trophy once, thanks to a penalty shootout victory over Ajax in 1996. In 1997, Juventus were red-hot favourites to beat Borussia Dortmund having already romped to the Serie A title, thrashed Ajax 6-2 on aggregate in the semis and obliterated Paris Saint-Germain 9-2 in the Uefa Super Cup. However, despite dominating large spells of the showpiece, they were stunned 3-1 by BVB. A year later, Juventus were again overwhelming favourites with the bookmakers as they faced crisis-hit Real Madrid in the final in Amsterdam. The Bianconeri had just secured another Scudetto, while Madrid coach Jupp Heynckes was about to be sacked after finishing only fourth in La Liga – winning a paltry 17 league games. However, once again, Juventus were upset on the biggest stage as Madrid edged a close encounter 1-0. Predrag Mijatovic was the hero with the only goal of the game on 66 minutes, pouncing on a loose ball and rounding goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi before turning home. The former Yugoslavia international explains how Real were able to surprise the Old Lady. "I remember ahead of that 1998 final, Zidane was our focus,” the ex-Partizan Belgrade, Valencia and Fiorentina striker told Goal. “We spent most of our time and energy looking for a way to stop him. Juve had been great that season in Serie A and Zizou was their key man. Meanwhile, we had been a disaster in the Primera Division. If we hadn't returned home from Amsterdam with the trophy, I don't know how we could have faced our fans! “And for that to happen, we had to neutralise Zidane. Christian Karembeu was given the responsibility to mark him. He was his teammate from the France national team and knew exactly how to deal with Zizou. “Zidane started well and even had some dangerous shots, but as the time passed he became more and more insignificant.” Mijatovic’s goal secured Madrid’s first European Cup win in 32 years, but even to this day he still thanks Karembeu for making this possible. “Yes I scored the goal that won a title that the people in Madrid had waited decades for and it brought me the kind of happiness every player dreams of, but Karembeu had a big, big job in that match," he acknowledges. Mijatovic spent three seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu, scoring 29 goals in 90 games and his exploits in winning La Liga in 1997 saw him finish second in the Ballon d’Or race that year – behind Ronaldo but above third-placed Zidane. "It was a great satisfaction to finish above such a player,” he gushed. “But I was not the best and that is the ambition of every player.” Mijatovic has backed his former troops to repeat the 1998 success over Juventus when the two come head-to-head in the Champions League semi-final, which begins with Tuesday's first leg in Turin. "Real are the slight favourites because they have a great number of high quality players and one hell of a coach in Carlo Ancelotti who always knows what he is doing,” he stated. “That was shown with him moving Sergio Ramos into midfield. I am sure he has a plan to eliminate Juve. “Cristiano Ronaldo is ready after his hat-trick against Sevilla, and Madrid have the experience - they are the holders and in their fifth consecutive semi-final. But everything is possible at this stage and one mistake can be fatal. "I respect Juventus a lot and many people are underestimating them. They have great individuals such as Andrea Pirlo, Carlos Tevez, Paul Pogba and Gianluigi Buffon, but more importantly they have a strong team spirit and competitive character. “They know how to play to get a result and there is a positive atmosphere in the team. They are already Italian champions and have just qualified for their first Champions League semi-final in 12 years. Juve have less pressure than Real.” When the teams met 17 years ago in Amsterdam, the opposite was true and it was Madrid who were expected to lose. But Mijatovic denied Juventus the chance to be remembered as one of Europe's greatest-ever sides. This time around, it is the Bianconeri who will be hoping to turn the tables as holders Madrid attempt to extend their legacy on the continent and become the first side in 25 years to retain the European Cup.

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID - Semi-final - 1st leg Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Tevez: Juventus Are Underdogs Against Real Madrid May 5, 2015 Juventus striker Carlos Tevez has claimed that the Bianconeri are not favourites to progress as they prepare for their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid on Tuesday. The first leg is in Turin, 12 years after Juve’s last Champions League semi-final appearance, and Tevez is looking forward to the occasion. “We will not be favourites for the games against Real.” Tevez told reporters at his pre-game press conference as reported by Tuttomercatoweb. “It will be difficult for us to progress to the final but that is our goal. I did not expect for the team to go so far in this competition. I expected us to fight in every game but not to get to the semi-finals. “Therefore we are all really excited about playing in this match on such a great stage. “I was told when I came to this club that they were building towards something big and that they wanted me to play an important role. “I have found confidence in the faith that the people at this club have in me.”

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID - Semi-final - 1st leg Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Llorente: Juventus Can Beat Real Madrid By Showing Unity May 5, 2015 Juventus forward Fernando Llorente believes his side can beat Real Madrid ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg at the Juventus Stadium by showing unity and fighting spirit. The Old Lady secured their fourth straight Serie A title at the weekend and are now able to focus solely on their bid for a third Champions League triumph. “I think it’s very important to be facing Real Madrid with the league title already in the bag,” the 30-year-old told JTV. “It’s one less thing to think about, meaning we can focus solely on this double header against Madrid. They’re two extremely important games. “We celebrated the league title win inside the dressing room, but now’s not the time for celebrations. “We need to be ready for Tuesday’s game and have all our strength for that day. “They’re a great team and I think we put in two fine performances against them last year. “They went on to win the competition and are a superior side, but I don’t think you’ll see this superiority over two games. “We can beat Real Madrid by being a united team and fighting as if it were the last game of our lives. “If we don’t allow them space or dwell too much on the quality of their players, I think we’ll have a greater chance of winning.”

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID - Semi-final - 1st leg Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Underappreciated Carlos Tevez Is Juventus' Galactico May 5, 2015 There are some who would describe this season’s Champions League semi-final line-up as being composed of the best three teams on the planet, plus Juventus. Many, more pointedly, would suggest that Juve’s opposition is just a subordinate clause prefacing Real Madrid’s second successive final, with Carlo Ancelotti and company likely to make short work of his former club before embracing their destiny of reaching the Berlin final. Whereas this Juve side may not quite inspire the dread outside Italy of their 1990s counterparts under Marcello Lippi (and it remains an anomaly that they only won one title in three successive attempts between 1996 and 1998), they are a force to be reckoned with. El Real may have the names in the shape of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and the rest, but Juve have their own superstar. Carlos Tevez is often absent from debates on which players number among the world’s greatest, but he really shouldn’t be. It seems equally ridiculous to say that he could make this week’s semi-final one of the defining moments of his career, given that he is one of only seven players in history to have won both the Champions League and the Copa Libertadores. Yet there is a sense that the time is right for another reminder of Tevez’s brilliance. It is something that has been apparent on an almost weekly basis in Serie A for going on two years. He comes through at exactly the moments when Massimiliano Allegri and his team need him the most, whether it be the floated free-kick against Roma at Stadio Olimpico, the close-range sledgehammer to crack open stubborn Empoli or the dead-eyed slot against Lazio, to name but three. As much as one can only admire the enduring quality of Luca Toni and Mauro Icardi’s rising talent, it would be a travesty if anyone other than Tevez won the title of Capocannoniere (Tevez currently has 20, two more than each of the aforementioned chasing pair). Add to those goals a further seven assists (from a total of 28 starts), plus six in the Champions League and a further two in Coppa Italia action, and it’s clear exactly how pivotal he still is to Juve’s direction, even at 31. Frankly, the suggestion that Palermo’s Paulo Dybala (a recognised transfer target for the Bianconeri) is a ready-made replacement—even acknowledging the young Argentinian’s progress and potential—is fanciful at this stage. There are a whole host of reasons why Tevez isn’t quite as respected as he should be. His stop-start international career with Argentina is the only one of them that’s really grounded in football. Most of the others at least partly relate to his longtime partnership with agent Kia Joorabchian, the author of Tevez’s extraordinary arrival in Europe with West Ham in 2006 and widely presumed as the motivating factor behind his later departure from Manchester United to Manchester City. At City, there was also the image of Tevez as a deserter as well as a mercenary, when he went AWOL for a midseason sojourn back to Argentina, as recorded here by BBC Sport. When on the pitch, however, his commitment and energy has always been beyond reproach. One of Roberto Mancini’s smartest moves as City boss was to quickly forgive Tevez, and he went on to make useful contributions in the successful Premier League title run-in of 2012. Tevez is the real deal, and he always has been. What he hasn’t been, until this season at least, is prolific in the Champions League. His superb free-kick against Malmo in September was his first goal in the competition since the opener for United against Aalborg in December 2008. Perhaps premier among this season’s half-dozen was the opener against Borussia Dortmund in the last-16 return leg at Signal Iduna Park. Not only did it help return Juve to the last eight, but it re-established a genuine authority in Europe. They were to be admired, and feared, once more. So it’s little wonder that director general Beppe Marotta sees “no reason” why Juve would agree to end Tevez’s deal a year before its 2016 expiry, to facilitate an expected eventual return to his first love, Boca Juniors, as per Radio Rai (h/t Football Italia). He is Juve’s galactico, and Real Madrid must handle him with care this week.

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID - Semi-final - 1st leg Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Juventus vs. Real Madrid: Team News May 5, 2015 After years of waiting, Juventus have finally fought their way back to the last four of the Champions League, with the Bianconeri making their first semi-final appearance since 2003. Awaiting them are the reigning European champions Real Madrid, seeking to become the first side to retain the trophy in its current format. It is a rematch of that clash from 12 years ago, with Carlo Ancelotti’s presence on the bench for the Spanish giants providing a further link between the present and the past. He was of course the coach of the Milan side who would go on to defeat the Old Lady that same year, having also had a spell in charge of the Turin-based club a few years earlier. The feeling of familiarity continues throughout the teams, with Cristiano Ronaldo having won this competition with Manchester United alongside current Juve stars Carlos Tevez and Patrice Evra. The meeting will also be particularly poignant for the two Spanish players in Max Allegri’s squad, strikers Alvaro Morata and Fernando Llorente. While the former grew up in Real’s youth sector, the latter enjoys a fine strike rate against them, having struck in both group games between the sides back in 2013 and netting five times for Athletic Club during his time in La Liga. “We’ll have to play a perfect match, because they don’t make mistakes,” Llorente warned in an interview with Sky last week (h/t Football Italia). “We can hurt Real, and I’m ready to give everything. We did well against them last year and should have won in Turin, but we compromised that victory with a mistake, but if we don’t commit errors we can do it.” Predicted Lineups Juventus: (4-3-2-1): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio; Pereyra, Tevez; Morata Real Madrid: (4-3-3): Casillas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Isco, Rodríguez; Benzema, Bale, Ronaldo Player to Watch While it would be easy to pick out the likes of Tevez or Ronaldo here, perhaps the key man in this tie will be Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo. Now fully recovered from injury, the Italian international is expected to take up his usual role in front of the defence, and his performance could well determine the outcome of this semi-final. Much is made of Pirlo’s struggles when the opposition press and harass him, but in truth he has vastly improved this aspect of his game since moving to Turin. He showcased an ability to escape such attention in the last round, dragging AS Monaco players out of position constantly before popping up on the flank to play a wonderful pass to Morata. That led to the penalty which ultimately decided the tie, and while Pirlo can occasionally be guilty of overplaying the ball near his own box, he is not the liability many have made him appear to be. If the 35-year-old can once again disrupt play and create chances for his team-mates, Juventus have every chance of springing a surprise here. Key Battle Real Madrid will score goals in this tie. Given the current strike rate it is impossible to imagine the Bianconeri being able to hold the Spanish giants scoreless over two legs, making it vital that they themselves find the back of the net. Key to that will be Tevez, Serie A’s most in-form striker and the likeliest player to trouble the opposition defence in such a high profile clash. He has six goals thus far in the competition, a total bettered only by Ronaldo’s tally of eight among these two teams and must add to that if Juventus are to progress. The task of stopping him will likely fall to Sergio Ramos, the defender will relish the challenge presented by Tevez. Odds (via Odds Shark) Away win: 41/100 Home win: 42/25 Draw: 59/25

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID - Semi-final - 1st leg Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Remembering Juventus vs. Real Madrid - Champions League semifinals 2003 As Juventus prepare to meet Real Madrid again, let's take a look back at one of Juventus' finest European performances in the modern era. May 5, 2015 It's unbelievably been 12 years since Juventus have made it to the last four of Europe's premier club competition. The last time that the Old Lady were at this stage, the Stadio Delle Alpi was still Juve's home ground, the team contained champions such as future Juve coach Antonio Conte, Lilian Thuram, Gianluca Zambrotta, Edgar Davids, Paolo Montero, and lesser appreciated players like Alessandro Birrindelli, Gianluca Pessotto, Marcelo Zalayeta and one of my favourites, Igor Tudor (see Juventus vs Deportivo of that same season). I don't think I need to mention our "big 3" of that time, do I? Coincidentally — or not — on that last occasion, Juventus also played Real Madrid; a Real Madrid going through it's first Galacticos era. That Real Madrid team included megastars like ex-Juve midfield maestro Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Ronaldo (the real one), Raul and Roberto Carlos, among others. Juventus were very much the underdogs, especially considering that Real Madrid were defending champions, having won the previous season. They added Ronaldo the following summer, and were fresh from sweeping aside an imperious Manchester United team at Old Trafford. Juventus, for their part, had beaten Barcelona on away goals in the previous round. On May 14, 2003, Juventus went into the second leg of the semifinal down 2-1, having lost at the Bernabeu to goals from Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos either side of a David Trezeguet away goal. What took place that night, in front of a packed Stadio Delle Alpi (a rare occurrence in those days), was one of the greatest performances by a Juventus team in European competition. Every player was on song that night. The defence, midfield and attack all combined to produce an assured, aggressive and confident performance that nullified the threats posed by the most expensive team assembled (at that time). Despite giving up a penalty and a late goal, things could hardly have gone better for the Bianconeri on that night. I remember that game so vividly; from Alex Del Piero making Fernando Hierro propose to him before finishing past Iker Casillas for Juve's second, to Thuram's imperious display at the back. I still get emotional thinking about it *sniff sniff*. It was so beautiful... Can this year's class repeat the heroics of that '03 class and get past Real Madrid in the last four of the Champions League? Just a few hours till we find out whether they have what it takes. There will definitely be no shortage of motivation, given what can be possibly achieved if they do. Whatever the result, as always, fino alla fine! Forza Juve!

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID - Semi-final - 1st leg Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Juventus V Real Madrid – Team News And Tactics May 4, 2015 The two superpowers of world football, Real Madrid and Juventus, meet each other in the first semi final of UEFA Champions League in Turin and looking at the current form of both the teams, this game promises to be a memorable one. Juventus clinched their fourth straight Serie A title on this weekend and Max Allegri’s side remain in hunt for a treble to make it a historical season. But the task ahead of them is not at all easy as Real Madrd have performed better in Europe than them in recent past. Real Madrid, the record ten times champions of Europe, are on course to become the first team ever to defend their UEFA Champions League title but Carlo Ancelotti’s men will have to do it without the services of Luka Modric and Karim Benzema. Team News and Tactics Juventus Things were not looking well for the Old Lady of Italy before the start of this season as Antonio Conte had resigned from his post while they also failed to land any big name striker in the transfer window. But new coach Max Allegri has done wonders with this team as Juventus are already crowned as the champions of Italy, while they are on a right track to complete the treble. The biggest strength of this Juventus side is their solid defence. In Serie A, Juventus have conceded just 19 goals in 34 outings, while in the Champions League, the Old Lady have shipped just five goals in 10 matches, with Giji Buffon having kept six clean sheets in the process. The midfield of Juventus, consisting of Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, Paul Pogba and Marchisio, is arguably the strongest in Europe. But, Paul Pogba is still out injured and he won’t be playing against Real Madrid tonight which is a big blow for coach Max Allegri. On the attacking front, the form of Carlos Tevez is a big plus for Juventus. Carlos Tevez has scored 28 goals this season and he will be a key player for the Bianconeri tonight. Meanwhile, ahead of tonight’s game, Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has said that Real Madrid is the ‘most important club’ in the world. “Real Madrid are the most important club in the world,” said Andrea Pirlo. “They have a lot of experience in this type of game and have a team of champions.” “The first leg is crucial and we’ll need to play with intelligence as we have done in recent years. We’ll be mindful but also show some swagger, because we have a dream to fulfill and nothing to lose, but also aware that there’s a second leg to follow.” Predicted Starting Lineup (5-3-2): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Pirlo, Vidal, Marchisio; Tevez, Llorente Real Madrid Real Madrid are trailing by two points to FC Barcelona in La Liga at the moment and they obviously are the second favorites to win that competition now. But, the Los Blancos still remain in hunt of their second successive UEFA Champions League title but they will have to overcome the challenge of Juventus first. Carlo Ancelotti’s men showed great character to beat Atletico in the quarterfinals. But the tonight’s game is a different ball game altogether as Juventus are looking in great touch at the moment while, Italy remains the difficult hunting ground for Los Blancos as they remain winless in their last seven trips. The defence of Real Madrid looks well settled as they have not conceded a goal in 444 minutes in their away matches in the Champions League so far. Carlo Ancelotti was forced to use Chicharito as the replacement of Karim Benzema against Atletico at Santiago Bernabeu and the Mexican surprised everybody by scoring a winning goal. And, Ancelotti will have to start with Chicharito again tonight as Benzema still remains sidelined. Meanwhile, the biggest headache for Carlo Ancelotti at the moment is his midfield as Luka Modric remains sidelined due to an injury. Real Madrid midfield has looked short of ideas in absence of Modric on many occasions this season. Ancelotti will be hoping for an inspirational performance from the likes of Kroos, Isco and James tonight. Meanwhile, Toni Kroos has said that having an Italian coach will help them in a game against Juventus. “We have an Italian coach that knows Juventus very well,” Toni Kroos said. “I think that will help us. “We are going to do all that we can to reach the final knowing that no club has managed to defend the Champion League crown. “This is our biggest challenge of the year.” Predicted Starting Lineup (4-3-3): Casillas; Carvajal, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Isco, Kroos, James; Bale, Chicharito Hernandez, Ronaldo Players To Watch Out For Carlos Tevez (Juventus) In spite of ongoing rumours surrounding his future, Tevez remains the most dangerous attacker of Juventus and he has all the ability to cause trouble to the solid defence of Real Madrid. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) Cristiano Ronaldo looked out of form in April but he made a strong come back in a game against Sevilla on Saturday, which is certainly a bad news for Juventus. Max Allegri will have to find a way to stop Ronaldo tonight or the CR7 will make life miserable for his defence in their own backyard tonight. Score Prediction Juventus 1-1 Real Madrid Juventus Stadium has become a fortress for the Old Lady this season and, on the other hand, Real Madrid have also played exceptionally well away from home in Champions League. Both teams look well balanced at the moment and it will be a big surprise if a tonight’s clash produces a clear winner. Blast From The Past

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID - Semi-final - 1st leg Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Sacchi: Pirlo & Tevez are phenomenal The former coach believes the Juventus duo are crucial to their hopes of progressing to the final of the Champions League at the expense of Real Madrid. May 4, 2015 Arrigo Sacchi has hailed Andrea Pirlo and Carlos Tevez as "phenomenal" players and believes they will be crucial to Juventus in their Champions League semi-final with Real Madrid. Juve host Madrid in Turin on Tuesday in the first leg of their last-four tie and Sacchi, a former Italy and AC Milan coach and Madrid sporting director, believes the Italian side can put the European champions under a lot of pressure, insisting Tevez and Pirlo are key. "The Italian teams have never been easy for Madrid. If the players forget that, they could cause them some problems," he told AS. "Pirlo is a phenomenon who plays at his own pace. "Another phenomenon is Tevez. He plays all over the field and for the team. He plays in a difficult space to defend against - in between the oppoisition defence and the midfield." Sacchi believes Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri has done well to carry on the good work of Antonio Conte and feels he has improved the team's defence. "He's taking advantage of the work of Conte. But now they pay more attention to the defensive side of the game. "He will play a 5-3-2 against Madrid. Allegri doesn't have the courage to play with only two centre-backs. "If anyone is expecting a mistake from the Juve defence, they should think again. Juve will say 'Relax, we can close it up and sooner or later Madrid will put a foot wrong'. "Madrid are without Luka Modric, which is vital. They rely heavily on individual quality and don't always press well. When they don't have possession, they are not always good." The two-time European Cup-winning coach also touched on the other semi-final between Bayern Munich and Barcelona. "The two teams will play to win," he said. "Bayern did not always have consistency but now they are fine. "They kill, the team is a machine!"