Socrates

L'arbitro SPAGNOLO comincia a sbattere fuori i tedeschi per l'eventuale semifinale contro il Barca o il Real.

Il calcione lo prende Ribery stavolta!

Sembrano essersi ribaltati i ruoli dall'andata. Stavolta sono i tedeschi ad essere intimoriti.

Inizio incoraggiante.

L'arbitro spagnolo dá la mano solo a Buffon. Lahm non lo guarda neanche.

Pavel commosso. @@

Grande Pavel! @@

Dopo il 3-0 ai Campioni d'Europa del Chelsea, ora tocca ai vicecampioni.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Line-ups: Juventus-Bayern Munich Apr 10, 2013 Juventus try to overturn their Champions League quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich, looking to Paul Pogba, Mirko Vucinic and Fabio Quagliarella. The Bianconeri lost the first leg 2-0 in Germany and were completely out-played, but Coach Antonio Conte has promised “a very different performance.” Arturo Vidal and Stephan Lichtsteiner sit out bans, while Sebastian Giovinco, Simone Pepe, Nicolas Anelka and Nicklas Bendtner are injured. Vucinic partners Quagliarella in attack, while Pogba steps in for the banned Vidal in midfield with Claudio Marchisio and Andrea Pirlo. Simone Padoin is the surprise pick on the flank with Kwadwo Asamoah taking the other side. Martin Caceres returns to the bench for the first time since his horrific car crash last month. Bayern Munich have already been celebrating over the past week, as they secured the Bundesliga title with a record-breaking 20-point lead and six rounds to spare. Javi Martinez was suspended in Munich, but returns to the side, while Toni Kroos is still unavailable after suffering a thigh strain in the first leg. Arjen Robben and Mandzukic will be hoping to again cause the Juve back line real problems. The last time these sides met in Turin was the 2009-10 group stage, when Juve had taken the lead only to collapse 4-1. The Bianconeri won 1-0 in the 2004-05 group phase and 2-1 in 2011-12. JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Padoin, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic, Quagliarella Juventus bench: Storari, Caceres, De Ceglie, Peluso, Giaccherini, Matri, Isla BAYERN MUNICH: Neuer; Lahm, Dante, Van Buyten, Alaba; Schweinsteiger, Javi Martinez; Robben, T Muller, Ribery; Mandzukic Bayern bench: Starke, Rafinha, Boateng, Shaqiri, Luiz Gustavo, Pizarro, Gomez

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Paul Pogba comes in for Juventus Apr 10, 2013 Former Manchester United youngster Paul Pogba has been included in the Juventus starting lineup for this evening's Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich. The France international has replaced the suspended Arturo Vidal, while striker Mirko Vucinic has returned from illness to lead the attack. Meanwhile, visiting Bayern have recalled Javi Martinez following a one-man suspension. JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Padoin, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic, Quagliarella BAYERN: Neuer; Lahm, Van Buyten, Dante, Alaba; Martinez, Schweinsteiger; Robben, Muller, Ribery; Mandzukic

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Tardelli expects ‘perfect’ Marchisio Apr 10, 2013 Claudio Marchisio has been told to deliver for Juventus against Bayern Munich by former Bianconeri midfielder Marco Tardelli. “This match is far too important for Claudio to fail,” Tardelli, a 1982 World Cup winner, told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “He has to demonstrate that he is up to the level of the greatest players. “I remind people that champions make the difference when it really counts. I expect a perfect game from him and maybe even a goal.” Juventus youth team graduate Marchisio has scored five goals in 24 League games this term, as well as two in seven Champions League matches. Marchisio is expected to start in a central midfield three which will be formed by Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba. The Bianconeri will go into tonight’s Champions League quarter-final tie 2-0 down from the first leg in Germany.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Deschamps attends Juve-Bayern Apr 10, 2013 France manager Didier Deschamps is expected to be in the stands for tonight’s Juventus-Bayern Munich Champions League quarter-final. Deschamps will be in Turin for the big game so he can watch Juve’s Paul Pogba and Bayern’s Franck Ribery in action. It is also a return for the former midfielder, who played for Juventus from 1994-99 and was their Coach in Serie B in 2006-07. His ex-club will try to overturn a 2-0 first leg deficit.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Giaccherini: Juve must believe Apr 10, 2013 Juventus midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini has insisted that the Bianconeri have what it takes to beat Bayern Munich this evening. The Old Lady go into their quarter-final second leg trailing 2-0 from the first match, but the Italy international has claimed that his team have the quality to overcome the Bundesliga champions. “We must believe in ourselves,” he told reporters. “We cannot go out defeated. “They won the title in Germany, have a two-goal lead and are one of the strongest teams in the world. “But we will give everything and try to overturn the result.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Vidal urges full fan support Apr 10, 2013 Arturo Vidal has called for the Juventus supporters to get fully behind the team when they play Bayern Munich this evening. The Bianconeri host the Bundesliga champions in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final. And the Chilean midfielder, who is suspended for the match, thinks that the Old Lady can overcome the 2-0 deficit. “This evening it will be millions of Juventus fans against 11 Bayern Munich players,” he told Tuttosport. “For 90 minutes, we all have to believe that we can achieve our Champions League dream.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) ‘Vucinic can win it for Juventus’ Apr 10, 2013 Mirko Vucinic can be the man to lead Juventus into the semi-finals of the Champions League, says Christian Panucci. The Montenegro international is recognised as one of the club’s most talented players, but he’s sometimes criticised for his inconsistency and his lack of goals. “Mirko is a champion and a friend,” Panucci said of his former Roma teammate in an interview with Tuttosport. “You know immediately whether he’s going to have a good or a bad game. He needs to do something special right at the start to get into the game. “When he gets frustrated, you have to make sure he remains calm.” Panucci added that Vucinic needs to be made to feel important and motivated in the right way. “Juventus boss Antonio Conte is good at stimulating his players, he transmits his belief in them,” the former stopper added. “I would stimulate him by telling him to win the game for me. Because Mirko is that kind of player. If he is in the mood then he can make the difference with his class. “I remember some mad Champions League performances from him while we were at Roma, against Chelsea and Manchester United.” Juventus have a mountain to climb in tonight’s quarter-final return given that they lost the first leg 2-0. “Vucinic can add the finishing touch, but he’ll also need the help of the entire side,” Panucci continued. “Juve will have to play to their best, but Bayern will also have to be under par because they are a great side.” Vucinic has scored nine goals in 26 League games this term, as well as two in seven Champions League ties.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Rossi fires up Quagliarella Apr 10, 2013 Paolo Rossi has urged Juventus’ Fabio Quagliarella to stun Bayern Munich with one of his trademark super goals. Quagliarella is expected to start tonight’s game alongside Mirko Vucinic as the Old Lady attempt to overturn a 2-0 first leg disadvantage. “Fabio, you are a creative player,” the 1982 World Cup winner and former Juventus striker wrote in the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “Use your fantasy and instinct to surprise the Germans. Your sensational touch can make the difference.” The 29-year-old Quagliarella has scored four goals in six Champions League games so far this season.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Melo: Forza Juventus! Apr 10, 2013 Felipe Melo will be cheering on parent club Juventus in tonight’s Champions League encounter against Bayern Munich. The Brazilian international is currently playing his football on loan at Galatasaray, an outfit who were knocked out of the competition by Real Madrid on Tuesday. “I support Juventus,” he told Mediaset after expressing his disappointment at his side’s 5-3 aggregate reverse. “I hope that they can get through against Bayern and I think they can do it. They’ve proved themselves to be a strong team at home.” Juventus are currently 2-0 down in the quarter-final tie.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Juve should believe, says Mourinho Apr 10, 2013 Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho believes Juventus can complete a comeback in tonight’s Champions League game against Bayern Munich. The Old Lady will go into the quarter-final tie 2-0 down after a comprehensive first leg defeat in Germany. But Mourinho has told the Bianconeri that his side’s loss at Galatasaray on Tuesday proves that ties last 180 minutes. “If Juventus believed before watching this game tonight, then they should believe even more now,” the former Inter boss noted. “And Juve tactician Antonio Conte will be the first to believe.” Real Madrid beat Galatasaray 3-0 in Spain a week ago, but were given an uncomfortable ride in Turkey last night as Gala collected a 3-2 win.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Neuville: Juventus will be going to war with Bayern The 39-year-old believes the Bavarians will get a hostile reception in Turin on Wednesday as they look to make the Champions League semi-finals. Apr 10, 2013 EXCLUSIVE By Severin Trompetter Former Germany striker Oliver Neuville believes that Juventus will be going to "war" against Bayern Munich in Turin on Wednesday. The Bavarians hold a 2-0 lead from the Germany leg last week and the 39-year-old feels the Italian fans will give Jupp Heynckes' side a hostile reception. “It will not be a pleasant atmosphere for Bayern. It will be a war against the Germans," he told Goal.com. "I know that in Turin, they have a small stadium and the Juve fans create a really good atmosphere. It is a different game from the first leg.” However, Neuville went on to back Bayern to progress thanks to their good work at the Allianz Arena last Tuesday. “In football, you never know what happens, but I assume that Bayern will do it,” he continued. "Should Bayern score, then Juve will need four goals [to progress]. I do not think they can succeed. Bayern are too strong this season.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) No Vidal, No Lichtsteiner: How do Juventus achieve the impossible against Bayern? The Bianconeri were lucky to escape from Bavaria with just a two-goal deficit to overturn in Turin and their task has only been made all the more difficult by some key absentees. Apr 10, 2013 COMMENT By Mark Doyle The manner of Juventus' beating at the hands of Bayern Munich last week is reason enough to hold little hope of a dramatic turnaround on Wednesday night, but the loss of Arturo Vidal and Stephan Lichtsteiner to suspension merely heightens the sense of doom and gloom ahead of the second leg, depriving the Bianconeri as it does of two of their most influential players. Vidal is the Italian champions' renaissance man, bailing out his back-line one minute, surging forward in support of his forwards the next. The Chilean is an indefatigable force, a classic box-to-box midfielder who, despite being nowhere near his best in the 2-0 defeat in Bavaria, was one of the few players clad in black and white to offer any kind of resistance in the face of a relentless Roten onslaught. It was Vidal, remember, who took time out from snapping incessantly at the heels of Franck Ribery to unload the only two shots on goal Juventus managed in Munich. Therefore, the significance of his unavailability cannot be overstated. Still, in Paul Pogba, coach Antonio Conte does at least possess a player capable of softening the blow. The Frenchman has already underlined just why Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was so frustrated by his departure for Turin last summer with a string of dynamic displays. However, while Pogba undeniably boasts some of Vidal’s virtues - wonderful stamina, an eye for a goal - the young Frenchman also betrays some of his failings, with his discipline still a cause for concern for both club and country. The main problem for Pogba, though, is that not only must he prove an adequate replacement for Vidal, he will also have to take on some of Andrea Pirlo’s playmaking responsibilities. The veteran regista was suffocated into submission by Bayern’s incredible pressing at the Allianz Arena last week, completing just 28 of his 54 passes, thus preventing the visitors from establishing any sort of rhythm or fluidity in their play. Pogba, therefore, needs to not only protect Pirlo, but, at times, also play like him - given his team-mate is likely to be targeted once again. Encouragingly, Pogba performed the role of playmaker to good effect in Saturday’s Serie A success over Pescara. However, whether a 20-year-old can replicate such a display against two of the best midfielders in Europe in what will be his first Champions League start remains to be seen. Still, while Juve do at least have a player of undoubted world-class potential to call upon to fill the void left by Vidal, they are nowhere near as well stacked when it comes to replacing Lichtsteiner. The Swiss represents one of the finest examples of just how important full-backs/wing-backs have become in the modern game. With the long-term absence of Simone Pepe having robbed Juve of not only a winger, but also the option of playing an effective 4-3-3, Lichtsteiner has essentially become responsible for the entire right-hand side of the field. He performs the role with remarkable assuredness, so often proving his side’s most dangerous attacking threat, while at the same time never failing to neglect his defensive duties. His unavailability is a colossal blow; taken in conjunction with that of Vidal, with whom he dovetails so well, it appears fatal. Udinese’s Mauricio Isla would have made for a decent deputy, but Juventus’ version of the same player is merely a pale imitation of the man who shone so brightly for the Zebrette. As a result, Conte will put his trust in Simone Padoin, a competent utility player, but little more. The left flank should be filled by Kwadwo Asamoah, who will be preferred to the more defensive Federico Peluso as Juve seek to put Bayern under far greater pressure out wide than they did in the first leg. Fielding the attack-minded Asamoah and the limited Padoin will only increase the defensive burden upon the shoulders of Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli in terms of attempting to subdue Bayern’s wide men, who did so much damage in the first leg. Chiellini should cope but Barzagli buckled under the pressure so incessantly applied by Mario Mandzukic and company in Munich; Juve simply cannot afford a repeat showing in Turin. Of course, the same goes for the Bianconeri as a whole. Too many key players failed to perform last week. Indeed, confirmation that Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Matri were playing only came when they were withdrawn. The return of Mirko Vucinic should help in that regard, though, as the enigmatic Montenegrin offers the kind of creativity and guile that were so conspicuous by their absence at the Allianz Arena. Vucinic has already spoken of Juve's need to go to "war". That may be overstating matters but there can be no doubt that having lost Vidal and Lichtsteiner during the heat of the battle in Bavaria, they have little chance of winning the war should anyone else to go missing in action in Turin.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Money, money, money: Bayern earned €128m more than Juventus in the last year The gap that divides the Italian champions and FC Hollywood on the football pitch is reflected on the balance sheet, with the German side making massive amounts in comparison. Apr 10, 2013 By Andrea Ghislandi The massive hit-single 'Money Money Money' by Abba included a lyric which suggested it is a rich man's world and that certainly seemed to be borne out last week as Bayern Munich overcame Juventus 2-0 in the Champions League quarter-final first leg. Juve coach Antonio Conte was quick to point out the difference between the two clubs economically after the game as the media asked him to explain why there had been such a gulf displayed over the 90 minutes. "Bayern spent €48 million on one player, Javi Martinez, and there ends every conversation..." said the Bianconeri boss. "They spend money, and we see the difference it makes. There are not enough buckets and spades to build a squad like that." Such words will have made president Andrea Agnelli and director general Giuseppe Marotta somewhat twitchy, but they have really taken the right road in their bid to stand the Old Lady back on her feet. Still, they remain a long way from being a top club like Bayern, who have become a model of virtuosity, ending the last 12 financial years in profit. Juve, therefore, were not just beaten over 90 minutes. Instead it was a defeat that had been a long time in coming thanks to the comparative balance sheets. Let us compare the financial statements of the two clubs for season 2011-12. TURNOVER Bayern Munich's statement dated June 30, 2012 detailed a record turnover of €332.2m, up 14 per cent on the previous year's €290.9m. Never in the club's 112-year history have they previously had such a phenomenal economic base as they do now. Revenues from games came to €129.2m, amounting to 39% of total revenue, while their €82.3m of commercial and marketing revenue accounted for 24.7% of their overall income. TV and radio rights (excluding Champions League) yielded €37.6m (11.3% of total revenue), while player transfers brought €5m and merchandising recouped €57.4m. As Juve bounced back to win their first post-Calciopoli title, their own revenues increased by 24.2% to €213.8m. While that may be a big jump, their receipts remaining minuscule in comparison to the Bavarians. In 2010-11 they recorded revenue €118.9m shy of Bayern, and the following year it was still €118.5m short of what FC Hollywood could boast. All the same, Juventus' much improved balance sheet came thanks in part to Juventus Stadium, which helped to the tune of €20.3m, while there was also a big step forward in sponsorship and marketing, with revenues of €10.2m. THE BALANCE SHEET The Germans are unrivalled in terms of their virtuosity. Their 2012 balance sheet ended with a surplus of €11.1m, an increase of €9.8m on the previous year. This was to the delight of shareholders, who received record dividends to the tune of €5.5m. The Turin side have also made huge strides, but their accounts remain in the red. In fact, their statements showed a loss of €48.7m last year, albeit a significant improvement on 2010-11's €95.4m losses. STADIUM AND MARKETING The huge difference between the two clubs comes largely from gate receipts and from advertising and marketing. Die Roten, who had sold out all 17 Bundesliga home games even before the season had begun - even with a phenomenal capacity of 69,000 at the Allianz Arena, earned €129.2m from the box office. A further €139.7m was earned in sponsorship and advertising, representing the largest portion of their revenues. According to the Deloitte Money League, however, Juventus earned just €31.8m from the gates at Juventus Stadium, and €90.6m more from TV rights. Another €73m came from sponsorship and advertising. You can tell by the numbers that the two models are completely different; the Germans being focused on marketing and merchandising, while the Bianconeri rely on TV rights. Bayern also sell almost twice as many replica shirts - 830,000 against 480,000 - while they earn double the revenue from their main title sponsor and kit manufacturer contributions. Bayern's contracts with Adidas and Deutsche Telekom earn them €50m compared to Juve's €25m from Nike and Jeep. It is clear which is the more desirable financial model of the two.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Juventus-Bayern Munich Betting Preview: Expect the visitors to take advantage of Juve desperation in a high-scoring affair Antonio Conte's side need to score at least twice in order to keep their European dreams alive and our expert thinks that this will lead to an open game in Turin. Apr 10, 2013 Juventus have a mountain to climb when they play host to Bayern Munich in their Champions League quarter-final this evening, looking to fight back from a 2-0 first leg deficit for the first time in their history. The Germans were unlucky not to come away with a more emphatic victory after a commanding performance in Bavaria and will be in particularly high spirits after wrapping up the Bundesliga title at the weekend with a record six games still to play. Die Roten’s 4-1 win in Turin three years ago was the Italian champions’ last European home defeat and they are available at 13/8 (2.63) with Paddy Power to inflict more humiliation on the hosts this time out. Antonio Conte’s men are on offer at the same 13/8 (2.63) odds to keep the tie alive with a fourth consecutive home win in this competition, while the draw is priced up at 12/5 (3.40). The Bianconeri will be hoping for an early goal to give themselves a foothold in the tie, and will be forced to throw men forward with more desperation as the game progresses. This will inevitably lead to them leaving space in behind the defence for the opposition’s devastating attack to punish, so it would be a surprise if we did not see goals at both ends. Juventus have only failed to score once at home in 24 games this season, while Bayern have hit the back of the net in all 25 of their away trips this campaign, meaning odds of 4/6 (1.67) seem exceedingly generous on both team getting on the score sheet this evening. While Conte’s men boast quality all over the pitch, many consider the only thing separating them from the very best sides is the presence of a star striker. However, while Fabio Quagliarella may not be one of the most glamorous names in world football, he is a reliably consistent goalscorer and has hit an impressive four goals in just three starts in this season’s Champions League. The clinical frontman will play a key role if the hosts are to overturn the deficit and offers excellent value at 21/10 (3.10) to hit the back of the net at the Juventus Stadium.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) 'Without being arrogant, I add something to Bayern' - Why it would be unwise to write off Robben The Dutchman has a chance to reassert himself in the Roten first-team after Toni Kroos' injury and make up for two key penalty misses last season. Apr 10, 2013 COMMENT By Enis Koylu Just 12 months ago, Arjen Robben had the chance to make himself a Bayern Munich hero. The team’s talisman, he stepped up to take a penalty in a key league clash against Borussia Dortmund which would have kept his side in the title race. Ever-reliable from the spot, it seemed certain that he would score, but Roman Weidenfeller saved his effort. A few weeks later, he had the chance to redeem himself from the spot against Chelsea in the Champions League final, having netted vital penalties against BVB in the DFB-Pokal final and their European semi-final meeting with Real Madrid. Again, though, he missed, and Bayern would have to wait to get their hands on Europe’s biggest prize for a fifth time. Days later, when he represented Netherlands at the Allianz Arena, he was booed by the Bavarians’ fans. Robben’s fall from grace since then has been spectacular. One of those blamed for Oranje’s horrendous Euro 2012 campaign, he lost his place in the Bayern team thanks to injuries, the form of others and a marked dip in his own performance levels. From being a hero for club and country, he was public enemy number one. Netherlands full-back Gregory van der Wiel was quick to bemoan Robben’s unwillingness to "sacrifice himself for the wing-back" or "track back to help me out". More worryingly, an anonymous international team-mate remarked that everyone in the Dutch camp was happy he had fluffed his lines against Chelsea. "Imagine how he would have arrived if he had scored. He would have been even more arrogant and never passed the ball to team-mates," the whistleblower revealed after their group-stage exit. It seemed as though his time at the Allianz Arena would soon be up. A player of his pedigree and stature would have no interest in warming the bench, particularly with Pep Guardiola, who was very reluctant to use old-fashioned wingers during his time at Barcelona, set to arrive in the summer. Amid his loss of form and first-team place, the thought that Robben could become an unlikely hero in Bayern’s treble pursuit this season seems a strange one, yet that is the prospect we are now facing. While he had been showing some spark in his sporadic Bundesliga appearances in recent weeks, there didn't appear any realistic chance of him displacing Thomas Muller, Franck Ribery or Toni Kroos without a stroke of fortune, but the latter’s injury has handed him the opportunity to prove himself in a key part of the season. "Imagine how he would have arrived if he had scored against Chelsea. He would have been even more arrogant" - An anonymous Netherlands player In some ways, the 23-year-old’s knock against Juventus helped the Bavarians. Despite David Alaba’s early goal, the Bianconeri had come back into the game, and with Bayern sloppy in possession, his arrival announced a change in tactics which ultimately benefited his side. As Juve pushed for an equaliser, he was able to run at their defenders and pen them back into their own territory, which ultimately aided Bayern in their pressing game, with Mario Mandzukic in particular defending from the top. And the truth is, it wasn't even a vintage Robben performance. While he created several chances, his side could have scored far more than their two goals were it not for his own wasteful finishing. By his own admission, though, he relished the fight against Serie A’s finest. "I like to play against Italian teams because they are not used to wingers and they do not like it," he said during his time with Real Madrid. Having made the difference in the Pokal quarter-final against Dortmund, with a spectacular long-range effort which helped his side to a 1-0 win, Robben can lead treble-chasers Bayern to another key triumph in the return Champions League trip to Turin on Wednesday. Kroos' injury will ensure his place in the first-choice Roten XI until the end of the season, and Robben remains as eager as ever to prove his critics wrong. "Without being arrogant, I think I add something to Bayern," he said after the 3-1 win over Arsenal in February. With Guardiola arriving in the summer, doubts remain over his long-term future. He will not be content to play second fiddle much longer and may well consider his options as Galatasaray and Inter continue to monitor his situation. For the time-being, though, Robben is back in the Bayern first team and could yet have another chance to redeem himself for those two penalty misses. Love him or loathe him, the fact is, Robben makes things happen.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Pirlo: Juventus know how to beat Bayern The influential midfielder has revealed the Old Lady have figured out a way to defeat the Bavarians and hopes Antonio Conte will not leave the club. Apr 10, 2013 Andrea Pirlo is confident that Juventus will overturn their first-leg defeat against Bayern Munich in the return of the Champions League quarter-final tie on Wednesday evening. The Serie A leaders were beaten 2-0 at the Allianz Arena last Tuesday but Pirlo has stressed that they know how to beat the German champions after analysing the defeat from the first leg. "After the match in Munich we sat down and analysed what happened that night and then we’ve worked out how to turn this tie around. There’s still hope," Pirlo told The Times of India. The midfielder then went on to admit that the Bavarians, who secured the win with goals from David Alaba and Thomas Muller, emerged deservedly victorious in the first leg. "Bayern, with their typically German discipline along with many talented players like [Arjen] Robben, [Thomas] Muller and others, played better football on the day and they deserved to win." Pirlo also had his say on the future of head coach Antonio Conte and he hopes the successful trainer will not leave the Old Lady any time soon. "Conte is one of the best coaches around. He's coaching in the Champions League for the first time and he has already proven his worth. We, the players, hope he stays on with us." Conte joined Juventus from Siena in the summer of 2011 and guided the Bianconeri to Serie A glory in his first season.