Socrates

Juve as good as Bayern and Real Mar 8, 2013 Juventus have as a good a chance as Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in winning the Champions League this season. That is according to Pietro Vierchowod, the former defender who won the European Cup with the Old Lady in 1996. “This team can go a long way,” the ex-Sampdoria and Milan man told Tutto Juve. “They have great potential and there are no unbeatable sides in Europe. “Juve can compete with Bayern Munich or Real Madrid, the two prime candidates to win the tournament.” The Turin giants booked their place in the last eight of the Champions League with a 5-0 aggregate win over Celtic. “Celtic are not a great side, that is true, but Juve eliminated them without conceding a goal in 180 minutes,” Vierchowod continued. “Boss Antonio Conte has taken them to the highest levels and he can get them to the level of our side in 1996. “A club like Juventus should have more European Cups than they do right now. Perhaps now is the time to win it again.” Juve have twice been crowned champions of Europe – in 1985 when they beat Liverpool and in 1996 when they defeat Ajax on penalties.

Legrottaglie backs Euro Juve Mar 8, 2013 Juventus can reach the Champions League Final this season, former stopper Nicola Legrottaglie has underlined. The Catania man, during an interview with Tutto Juve, was left impressed with the way the Bianconeri saw off Celtic in midweek. “They can get to the Final at the very least,” the 36-year-old commented. “They have the capacity to do that. I actually get the sense that this could be their year. “I see great balance in the Champions League this season and I don’t see any impossible sides to face. “If Juventus truly believe then they can go all the way because I don’t think there are any sides who are clearly better than anyone else.” The Bianconeri will find out the identity of their last eight opponents when the draw takes place on March 15. Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain also came through their last 16 ties earlier this week.

Marchisio 'dreams' of Champions League glory The Bianconeri midfielder says nothing would make him more happier than winning Europe's most prestigious trophy. Mar 8, 2013 With Juventus now in the pot for the last eight of the Champions League, midfielder Claudio Marchisio has admitted it would be a "dream" if the Serie A giants could go all the way and win Europe's premier competition. The Old Lady dispatched Celtic this week to book their place in the quarter-finals which will be drawn on March 15. The Bianconeri last lifted the trophy in 1996 after beating Ajax on penalties, and Marchisio wants to bring Juventus their third European crown. "The Champions League is a dream," the 27-year old told Sky Sport 24. "I know that will not be easy but we are giving all in the league and in Europe. "We're playing great this season despite some criticism. After the [quarter-final] draw we'll see." Antonio Conte's men are top of Serie A boasting a six-point gap ahead of second-placed Napoli, but the Italy international is pleased with how the team have performed on the European front, too, having finished first in a group which had Chelsea, Shakhtar and Nordsjaelland. He added: "In the Champions League we have overcome a difficult group against strong teams, we beat Celtic in the second round, a team that was difficult for Barcelona."

Bonucci: Conte will not leave Juventus The 25-year-old defender says that the Italian coach has a deep-rooted love for the Old Lady and will not be tempted away by offers from some of Europe's elite clubs. Mar 8, 2013 Juventus and Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci says that he is not afraid of coach Antonio Conte leaving the club. Bonucci has been quick to dispel any rumours that Conte will leave the Serie A champions, having been linked with some of Europe's top sides. “He’s a true Juventino, he has that in his DNA, his dream is to stay at this club for as along as possible,” Bonucci told Tuttosport. The 25-year-old also said that he was happy with life at the Turin side, adding: “I want to stay at this club too. "Playing for Juventus is the maximum for me and I want to end my career here – I couldn’t ask for more than that,” he continued. Bonucci also admitted he had no great preference as to who Juventus' next Champions League opponents would be, after his side qualified for the quarter-final stage by beating Celtic in the last 16. “At this point of the competition, one side is just as good as another,” he said. “Obviously if you look at the games between Schalke-Galatasaray and Porto-Malaga then we’d perhaps find a team that is a level below the rest. “However, all of the sides left in the competition will be ones to fear.”

Bonucci: Juventus can go all the way in Champions League The defender is confident that the Bianconeri can spring a surprise in Europe, and has urged them to turn their focus to Serie A again. Mar 7, 2013 Leonardo Bonucci believes that Juventus have what it takes to win the Champions League this term after eliminating Celtic in the round of 16. The Serie A champions recorded a 5-0 win on aggregate over the Scottish champions to book their ticket for the quarter-finals, and Bonucci is optimistic about his side's chances at European glory. "The dream continues. Anything’s possible when you get to this stage, you just need a bit of luck to go all the way. There’s little difference between the sides, they’re all very strong," the defender told reporters. "Celtic looked to get back into the tie with long balls for [Georgios] Samaras, but we handled them well and did well to pounce. And then there’s Gigi [buffon], who also put in a great performance tonight." Bonucci then turned his attention to the title race in Serie A, and stressed that Juventus must remain focused. "Catania are next up and we can’t allow ourselves to be distracted. We’ve got a six-point lead in the league, but last year we were seven behind and then managed to win the Scudetto. "So we’ll go on with a humble and focused approach, against a team who are enjoying a great season."

Juventus edge closer to Manchester United's all-time unbeaten run record in Europe The Bianconeri's 2-0 win over Celtic sent them into the last eight of the Champions League and continued a streak which is edging them ever closer to the record books. Mar 7, 2013 By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer It was a case of mission accomplished for Juventus as they avoided an embarrassing turnaround against Celtic in the Champions League round of 16, backing up their 3-0 first-leg victory with a 2-0 win in Turin on Wednesday night. The second-leg triumph not only saw them safely reach the quarter-finals but also extended the Bianconeri’s unbeaten run in European competition to 18 games. Antonio Conte’s side have yet to taste defeat in this season’s Champions League, and also had a 10-match European streak carried over from Luigi Del Neri’s days in charge. Del Neri’s one and only season in charge in Turin began as early as July 29, with the Old Lady’s seventh-place Serie A finish in 2010-11 forcing them to begin their Europa League campaign in the third qualifying round. Two-leg victories over Shamrock Rovers and Sturm Graz saw them claim a place in the competition proper with something to spare, but they would go on to chalk up a run of six straight draws which would prove insufficient to progress to the knock-out stage. 18 NOT OUT | Juve's unbeaten streak EUROPA LEAGUE 2010-11 • Shamrock Rovers (a) W 2-0 • Shamrock Rovers ( H) W 1-0 • Sturm Graz (a) W 2-1 • Sturm Graz ( H) W 1-0 • Lech Poznan ( H) D 3-3 • Manchester City (a) D 1-1 • Red Bull Salzburg (a) D 1-1 • Red Bull Salzburg ( H) D 0-0 • Lech Poznan (a) D 1-1 • Manchester City ( H) D 1-1 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2012-13 • Chelsea (a) D 2-2 • Shakhtar Donetsk ( H) D 1-1 • Nordsjaelland (a) D 1-1 • Nordsjaelland ( H) W 4-0 • Chelsea ( H) W 3-1 • Shakhtar Donetsk (a) W 1-0 • Celtic (a) W 3-1 • Celtic ( H) W 2-0 Home-and-away clashes with Lech Poznan, Manchester City and Red Bull Salzburg saw the Old Lady earn only six points, with the matches against Poznan of particular note. Juve had to battle back from 2-0 down in the home fixture on Matchday 1, but after Giorgio Chiellini had struck twice and Alessandro Del Piero put Juve ahead, Artjoms Rudnevs hit a 92nd-minute leveller to complete an impressive hat-trick. The trip to Poland in December then caused a stir as the game took place in temperatures pushing minus 20 degrees, with Vincenzo Iaquinta grabbing a late equaliser. After a season out of Europe last term, the Old Lady continued their strange fascination with drawn games in the early part of their Champions League run this term. They shared the points with Chelsea, Shakhtar Donetsk and, shockingly, Danish minnows Nordsjaelland, leaving them on the verge of elimination. However, a 4-0 victory over the group outsiders was followed by a storming 3-0 win at home to Chelsea, and the comeback was completed with a 1-0 triumph in Ukraine in December. And with their two-legged success over Celtic, the Bianconeri are now on a run of five straight wins, taking their total to nine victories and nine draws in their past 18 European fixtures. It puts them among an elite group to have recorded such a streak in the history of European club competition, although they still have seven games to go to match the record of Manchester United. The Red Devils were unbeaten right through their triumphant 2007-08 Champions League campaign and then didn't suffer a loss until the final of the following year, going down 2-0 to Barcelona at the Olimpico in Rome. Interestingly, this is not Juventus’ longest unbeaten run in Europe, with their Fairs Cup run of the early seventies stretching to 20 matches. Despite that excellent record, the Bianconeri didn’t actually pick up any silverware during that spell, with an away goals loss to Leeds United in the 1971 final denying them glory. Club history could be rewritten before this season is out, and while Conte will ensure that his side are focused on the task at hand, if the quarter-final draw is favourable to Juve, then they could well be chasing twin goals in the remainder of their European campaign.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC Alessandro Matri (24′) Fabio Quagliarella (65′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Attendance: 39011 Buffon: Tactical awareness Juventus' biggest strength The experienced goalkeeper has voiced his delight with the Bianconeri's performance, and believes they need a bit of luck if they are to win the competition. Mar 7, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon has hailed Juventus' tactical awareness in the wake of their Champions League round of 16 victory over Celtic. The Turin side beat Celtic 2-0 on Wednesday to book their ticket to the quarter-finals of the competition after previously beating the Scottish champions 3-0 in the first leg, and Buffon was delighted with Juve's performance over 180 minutes. "Our strength is having a tactical awareness and level that we didn’t have before. This allows us to go anywhere and play our game. You can win or lose, but in the toughest moments, the group has an extra weapon to call on: our playing style," Buffon was quoted as saying on the club's official website. "We always look to impose our style of play but in previous Champions League campaigns we may have relied too heavily on individuals. But by sticking to game plan, you actually allow players to shine even more." "We are into the last eight which is no mean feat when you think that that just 15 months ago we finished seventh in Serie A for the second year in a row." The shot stopper then went on to stress that Juventus need a bit of fortune if they are to win the Champions League this term. "You need a lot of luck to go all the way - just look at this week’s Manchester United-Real Madrid game, where one incident allowed the Spaniards to progress." The draw for the quarter-finals takes place in Nyon on March 15.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC Alessandro Matri (24′) Fabio Quagliarella (65′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Attendance: 39011 I was not sorry to see Man United lose, claims Pogba The France starlet took a swipe at his former employers after helping to guide Juventus to the Champions League quarter-finals with a 5-0 aggregate win. Mar 7, 2013 Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba says he was not disappointed to see Manchester United lose to Real Madrid on Tuesday. The Red Devils were edged out 3-2 on aggregate by Jose Mourinho's side after a controversial Nani red card led to a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford, and Pogba rubbed further salt into the wound by suggesting he was not sorry to see them depart the competition. "Did I watch Manchester United yesterday? Of course I did. Was I sorry to see them lose to Real? No," he told reporters at Juventus Stadium. A goal apiece from Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella saw the Bianconeri overcome Celtic and book their place in the last eight of the tournament, and Pogba insisted his side are aiming to go all the way this season. "We are pleased. It was a very difficult game and we played the right way," the 19-year-old went on. "There is a great confidence within the team and the staff, and we will try to win the Champions League because we are Juve. "I know the fans always expect me to score, but today it didn't matter because the most important thing was to win. The game was not as easy as it seemed tonight. "I just want to play and win, that's all. The coach believes in me, and I'm glad I came here to play."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC Alessandro Matri (24′) Fabio Quagliarella (65′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Attendance: 39011 Mulgrew: Juve won fair and square Mar 7, 2013 Charlie Mulgrew has admitted that Celtic were beaten by the better side after being knocked out of the Champions League by Juventus. The Scottish champions lost 2-0 to the Bianconeri on Tuesday evening, going down 5-0 on aggregate in the last 16 clash. And the 27-year-old has conceded that Antonio Conte's team were deserved winners. “Juventus are a great team,” he told uefa.com. “They have a great attack and a very solid defence. “There is no doubting their quality. I wish them all the best for the rest of the competition. “Juventus won fair and square, but we are disappointed with the result. “Our mistakes were punished. You have to give them credit.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC Alessandro Matri (24′) Fabio Quagliarella (65′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Attendance: 39011 Quagliarella: I want Juventus Mar 7, 2013 Fabio Quagliarella has underlined how happy he is to be playing Champions League football with Juventus. The player’s future is in some doubt given that he isn’t guaranteed first team football in Turin, but he marked his return to the side last night with a goal in the 2-0 win over Celtic. “I want to underline that I have never turned down offers from other clubs because I have never considered leaving Juventus,” he stated. “The Champions League represents a dream for me. I’d always watched the competition on television before, but to be a part of it is unique. “I’m happy with my performances and I’m always at the disposal of the Coach. I’m ready when I’m needed. “It was a great game against Celtic,” he added. “I scored one and created the other. I’m really happy.” Quagliarella is Juventus’ top scorer this season with 11 goals in 22 matches.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC Alessandro Matri (24′) Fabio Quagliarella (65′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Attendance: 39011 Bonucci still dreaming of Wembley Mar 7, 2013 Leonardo Bonucci is dreaming of hoisting the European Cup into the Wembley sky after Juventus qualified for the last eight of the Champions League. Having won the first leg of their last 16 tie 3-0 at Celtic, the Old Lady finished the job in Turin on Wednesday with a 2-0 win. “The dream continues,” the 25-year-old noted after the Italian champions kept their fifth consecutive clean sheet in the competition. “Anything’s possible when you get to this stage, you just need a bit of luck to go all the way.” Juventus will learn the name of their opponents in the next round when the draw is made in Nyon on March 15. “There’s little difference between the sides now,” the Italian international added. “They’re all very strong.” With qualification wrapped up, Juventus will now switch their attention back to the Serie A race. “Catania are next up and we can’t allow ourselves to be distracted,” he stated ahead of Sunday’s Juventus Stadium encounter. “We’ve got a six-point lead in the League, but last year we were seven behind and then managed to win the Scudetto. “So we’ll go on with a humble and focused approach against a team who are enjoying a great season.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC Alessandro Matri (24′) Fabio Quagliarella (65′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Attendance: 39011 Buffon: 'How far Juve have come' Mar 6, 2013 Gigi Buffon reveals the key to his focus against Celtic and looks back over how far Juventus have come in 15 months. “It was a wonderful evening and I was happy the team played as a unit, especially early on when we were under pressure,” the goalkeeper told Mediaset after a 2-0 victory. “We cared a great deal about this match, as we are still unbeaten in the Champions League and wanted to keep the clean sheets going too, so there was a lot riding on it. “Many times I have to answer questions like ‘how can you not get bored’ or ‘you only had one save to make,’ but that’s the toughest part is keeping concentrated for 90 minutes. “Also, nobody gives credit to passes and catches, as they only notice them when they go wrong! It’s my way of giving the team confidence and of course of keeping myself in the game. “At this stage of my career, I don’t want any regrets, so it is my duty at my age to keep my teammates focused and give advice.” Juventus are through to the Champions League quarter-finals and emerging as dark horses after five straight wins. “It feels great to be back in the quarter-finals, especially as we couldn’t have expected this 15 months ago. When you work hard, believe in what you do and dream, then sport can reward you,” continued Buffon. “If we think that 15 months ago we finished seventh for the second year running, but now we have won the Scudetto, Super Cup and are in the top eight in Europe, we’ve come a long way. We earned all that with hard work and dedication. “We know there are three or four teams stronger than us, but we do have some certainties to rely on and can trouble even the most fearsome opponent. “The important thing this year was for Juve to win back the respect of other teams and I’d say we achieved that.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC Alessandro Matri (24′) Fabio Quagliarella (65′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Attendance: 39011 Conte: 'A wonderful dream' Mar 6, 2013 Antonio Conte concedes he and Juventus lack experience in Europe, so “this Champions League represents a wonderful dream.” A fifth consecutive victory, beating Celtic 2-0 in Turin, sent them through to the quarter-finals. The Bianconeri have the second best scoring record in the Champions League and the best defence, as they kept a clean sheet for 495 minutes of football. “The statistics certainly make us smile, as they show the great journey we are on. This is our first Champions League in many years, while it is the first for me and many of our players,” Coach Conte told Mediaset. “The Champions League represents a wonderful dream that we earned last season by winning the Scudetto. We got through a really tough group, have qualified for the quarter-finals and we’re very happy.” Some in Italy are starting to suggest Juve could go for The Double, as they are top of the Serie A standings. “It’s all very easy with words, but we have to keep our feet firmly on the ground. Without any false modesty, it will be very difficult for us to repeat our success in Serie A, as Europe takes a lot out of the players and their Coach. “It is our first experience in two major competitions, so we are learning and it is a new challenge for us. “There are also some strong antagonists in Serie A like Napoli, Lazio and Milan. It won’t be easy, but the important thing is we are building something special at Juventus. “Whether we achieve our objectives or not, we are building something here and we should be satisfied.” Juventus had won the first leg 3-0 at Parkhead, but Conte insisted he was nowhere near confident. “At half-time I told the lads not to keep going so deep on the flanks. In all honesty, if you ask me whether I was relaxed before kick-off, then I’d say no. it’s not easy to face this type of game, even with a 3-0 first leg lead. “I and many of the players do not have much experience of two-legged ties, so we had to take each game as a lone event. We had to be wary early on and avoid conceding free kicks as they are so strong in the air, as a goal could’ve introduced some fear into the team. “We had prepared the game to take advantage of spaces when going two against two with their defenders.” Juventus are in the quarter-finals, where they could face the likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich. “I believe in fate when it comes to this sort of thing, so we’ll see what the draw has for us. These fixtures come during some crucial moments in the Serie A calendar, so I have asked every player to train at their best, because we will need everyone.” Conte had been critical of supporters in the Juventus Stadium last week, claiming they didn’t make enough noise and watched a game ‘as if they were at the theatre.’ “I want to thank the fans for their efforts tonight and compliment the Scottish supporters. To see them singing like that when 5-0 down on aggregate is truly something extraordinary. They deserved the applause of the whole stadium.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC Alessandro Matri (24′) Fabio Quagliarella (65′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Attendance: 39011 Lennon: 'Juve class tells' Mar 6, 2013 Celtic manager Neil Lennon confessed the big difference with Juventus was “quality and class” after a 5-0 aggregate defeat. The Hoops created numerous chances in both legs, but failed to get the better of Gigi Buffon. “Quality counts at the end of the day. Our build up play was good but our finishing let us down. If it was 1-1, who knows what would have happened,” he said of the 2-0 defeat in Turin, 5-0 on aggregate. “On the night, was it a fair result? Class tells in the end. I hope the players have learned a lot and move on with their careers. I am very proud to be manager in this arena, and hope the young guys blossom from this experience.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC Alessandro Matri (24′) Fabio Quagliarella (65′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Attendance: 39011 Pogba: 'Juve can win Champions League' Mar 6, 2013 Paul Pogba expressed his joy at playing for Juventus and admits they “hope to win this Champions League.” The Bianconeri pushed past Celtic 5-0 on aggregate and have now won their last five European games without conceding to reach the quarter-finals. “We played very well and are all very happy with the result, as this was a difficult game for us,” he said of the 2-0 win in Turin. “The whole team and staff have confidence in me. I am happy, as I came to Juve to play and the Coach has trust in me too. “I don’t know how far we can go. We hope to win this Champions League, as we must keep going like this, knowing every game is difficult. We are Juve, so we must win.” Whenever Pogba went into the final third, the crowd as one would shout ‘Tira!’ (Shoot!) “The fans always urge me to shoot, but I didn’t do it tonight. The most important thing was the victory.” There were reports that agent Mino Raiola was in negotiations with Juventus yesterday to discuss a contract extension. “No, there have been no contract talks.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC Alessandro Matri (24′) Fabio Quagliarella (65′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Attendance: 39011 Matri: 'It only looked easy' Mar 6, 2013 “Tonight it only seemed easy, but if we had conceded early then it would’ve got ugly. We interpreted it in the right way and struck at the right moments,” he told Mediaset after a 2-0 win. Both Matri and Fabio Quagliarella were on target to secure the 5-0 aggregate victory. “Quagliarella brings me luck and we played well over the summer too. We both did well, as did the whole team, both attacking and defending. The goals were the right reward for our efforts. “When I play, I want to prove that I deserve to play.” Now that Juve are six points clear at the top of the Serie A table and have notched up five consecutive Champions League victories, some papers are talking about the possibility of The Double. “We know the newspapers like to exaggerate. We know our primary objective is the Scudetto, while there is also this European dream to chase,” continued Matri. “I dedicate the goal to my family, who during the toughest moments stayed closest to me.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC Alessandro Matri (24′) Fabio Quagliarella (65′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Attendance: 39011 Barcelona games were the highlight, says Samaras Celtic striker hopes his side can make it back into the Champions League next season after reaching the last 16 before falling at the hands of Italian giants Juventus. Mar 6, 2013 Celtic striker Georgios Samaras put the two fixtures against Barcelona as his highlights of the SPL leaders Champions League campaign as they bowed out at the last 16 stage. The Glasgow giants fell at the hands of Juventus, who claimed a comfortable 5-0 aggregate win, after goals from Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella saw the Italian side through to the quarter-finals. "I don't want to say about me, it's all about the team and teamwork, we tried really hard together to be a successful team," Samaras told Sky Sports. "I think the highlight of this journey has been the two games against Barcelona, I think the way we played, the heart we showed was something amazing." Samaras also stated that the Juventus games were a good experience for the younger players in the team, and that they will learn from it and come back a better team. "I will not say it was tough," he added. "But it was a great experience for the lads in the team. We're a young team with a lot of talent and that’s experience. "I think it was a great journey, everyone in the club, the players, the coaching staff and the supporters all enjoyed it from the first second to the last minute, now hopefully next year we'll be back in the Champions League. "Playing against a great team in the round of 16, it's a big thing for us, we tried to play attacking, pressing them high like in the last game, we had a couple of chances and could have had a goal in the first half."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC Alessandro Matri (24′) Fabio Quagliarella (65′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Attendance: 39011 Celtic boss Lennon says star names may move on The Parkhead boss expresses his pride in his young side as they manage to make their way into the last 16 of the Champions League before falling to defeat against Juventus. Mar 6, 2013 Celtic boss Neil Lennon has admitted he made have to sell some of his star players who helped the SPL leader to the last 16 of the Champions League. After watching his side crash out at the hands of Italian side Juventus, Lennon knows that sides will be looking to swoop in on players such as Victor Wanyama, and admitted that some may want to move. "We'll see in the summer how many players want to progress elsewhere," he told Sky Sports. "It's a progression for us, we want to bring in younger players, develop them and sell them on, that strategy has worked well for us." The 41-year-old former Hoops skipper admitted that there was a gulf in class between his side and Juventus that was reflected in the 5-0 aggregate scoreline "I think quality counts at the end of the day and our finishing at times let us down. Our build up play was very good and just our execution, Ambrose had a great chance just after half-time that would have made it 1-1 and who knows what would have happened. "In the final third we had some good play, Samaras has flashed one across the goal and you're expecting Gary Hooper to finish and [Gianluigi] Buffon's made a superb save from a deflected shot, but on the night class tells in the end and I think that told over the two games. "I hope my team have learnt a lot, I hope they move on with their careers and they've done the club very proud and I'm proud to be a manager here in this fantastic stadium. "I hope these young guys blossom from this experience, but last 16 is cutthroat and Juventus were clinical over the two games."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC Alessandro Matri (24′) Fabio Quagliarella (65′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Attendance: 39011 Victory over Celtic was not easy, says Matri The 28-year-old striker opened the scoring for the Old Lady, but admitted the tie was tougher than the aggregate result suggests. Mar 6, 2013 Alessandro Matri says Juventus' 2-0 Champions League win over Celtic was not as comfortable as it appeared on the surface. The striker opened the scoring after 24 minutes, and though the Bianconeri went on to book their place in the Champions League quarter-finals, with Fabio Quagliarella wrapping up a 5-0 aggregate win, he contemplated how it could so easily have gone sour. "It seemed to be an easy game for us but it was not. If we had conceded an early goal it would have been tough for us tonight," Matri said to reporters after the game. "I scored both in the first leg and tonight, I am happy especially because I could celebrate it in front of our supporters. "I still feel hungry for more, of course I would like to play every game but it's not possible. I have to do all I can when I am on the pitch." Paul Pogba agreed with the sentiments of his team-mate and offered his opinion that Antonio Conte's men must expect to be pushed to their limits in every game if they hope to go further in the competition. “We played very well and are all very happy with the result, as this was a difficult game for us," he said. "I don’t know how far we can go. We hope to win this Champions League, as we must keep going like this, knowing every game is difficult. We are Juve, so we must win. "I always have to improve, that's what my coach keeps telling me and this is what I will do. I just want to play and win, that's all. "The supporters always want me to shoot from long distance because I scored a few goals like that, but that's not easy. The game was not as easy as it seemed tonight." Juve join fellow qualified outfits Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain in the draw for the quarter-finals on March 15.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC Alessandro Matri (24′) Fabio Quagliarella (65′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Attendance: 39011 Player Ratings: Juventus 2-0 Celtic (Agg 5-0) Goal.com rates the players on show as goals from Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella see the Bianconeri comfortably past Neil Lennon's men and into the quarter-finals. Mar 6, 2013 JUVENTUS Gianluigi Buffon - Although Celtic enjoyed the lion's share of possession the keeper was left relatively untroubled. He showed his class with a great stop midway through the first half as he readjusted to turn Hooper's effort behind. Andrea Barzagli - Could not have done a better job when stepping out of defence in the 23rd minute, as his pressure on Hooper was the key to the opening goal. He was largely comfortable at the back but was unable to dominate the aerial game. Luca Marrone - Played at centre-back and look completely at home. He showed tremendous composure when on the ball in defence and refused to be rushed into hitting it long, instead keeping it on the ground and encouraging the play. Leonardo Bonucci - The Italy international never looked concerned at the back, displaying a confidence-inspiring authority. He stifled Hooper in the final third but was never really tested by the opposition. Simone Padoin - Could not offer an awful lot of width going forward as Juve were happy to sit back and invite Celtic onto them. He was more adventurous in the second half but was let down by a number of poor deliveries. Paul Pogba - The young Frenchman made some impressive late runs to support the forwards and try to stretch the visitors. He protected the ball and did a good job patrolling things in midfield. Andrea Pirlo - Found a lot of space in the Celtic half but was not particularly suited to the counterattacking game that Juve employed in the first half. With more possession after the break he weaved his magic with a great pass leading to the second goal. Arturo Vidal - The Chilean was combative in midfield, pressing hard and winning the ball in some dangerous areas. He did not offer the Celtic players a moments rest and also found time to push on and support the forwards. A great run and unselfish pass enabled Quagliarella to make it 2-0. Federico Peluso - Had plenty of freedom down the left-hand side but could not put in a decent performance. He lacked the pace to get at Celtic and also struggled defensively, allowing Samaras and Commons past him too easily. Fabio Quagliarella - There was plenty of bright attacking movement from the forward as he played on the shoulder of the last defender. Always looking to get in behind, his run and shot was crucial to Matri's opener and he then got one of his own after the break. Alessandro Matri - Always looked sharp and ready to cause damage to Neil Lennon's men. His link-up play with Quagliarella was impressive and he displayed his goalscoring instinct to follow his partner's shot up for a simple goal. Substitutions Mauricio Isla - Came on for his compatriot Vidal in the 66th minute but could not display the same level of energy in midfield. Kwadwo Asamoah - The Ghanaian replaced Peluso in the 59th minute but did not offer much more in terms of quality down the left side. Emanuele Giaccherini - Brought on in place of Pirlo in the 69th minute and kept Juve looking dangerous on the break. CELTIC Fraser Forster - The keeper should probably have done more to get Quagliarella's 24th-minute shot to safety, but he parried it straight back into danger and Matri capitalised. However, he made some impressive saves from Quagliarella and Vidal as the game went on. Adam Matthews - The full-back made some decent interceptions early on and showed a great desire to get forward and press Juve back in their own half. He left a bit too much space in behind at times and was substituted in the 52nd minute. Emilio Izaguirre - Tried to get forward and offer some extra width on the left but was frequently caught out of position. He failed to track Vidal's run from deep as the Chilean set Quagliarella up for Juve's second of the night. Kelvin Wilson - Allowed Quagliarella far too much space inside the area in the build up to Juve's first goal, which ultimately ended any hopes of a miraculous result early on. He could not cope with the link-up of the Bianconeri strikers. Charles Mulgrew - Simply aimed for efficiency in the centre of midfield. He kept his game simple with a series of horizontal passes. He did not stretch himself to the maximum of his ability which is surely required on such nights. Kris Commons - Drifted in from the wide areas to try and provide Celtic with a cutting edge in the final third. He never stopped looking to provide that creative spark but as he struggled to find that killer ball, he instead let a few decent shots fly from range. Joe Ledley - Attempted to give the attack direction from deep but struggled to show his quality on the night. He did not track back to help his team defend against the counterattack and did not provide enough of a threat in the final third. Beram Kayal - Put in plenty of effort to get forward and support the attack. He was keen to close the space and try and pen Juve in but did not provide enough of an influence when in possession of the ball. Victor Wanyama - Played at the heart of defence and did well to stay tight to Matri until the striker took his chance to net the opener, though that was not directly his fault. He was then withdrawn at half-time. Georgios Samaras - Occasionally looked dangerous in the wide areas but did not really possess the pace to get at the defence and test them. He put one decent cross in that Hooper should have finished and lacked conviction in the air. Gary Hooper - The striker looked bereft of confidence up against the robust Juventus defence. He did not have the foresight to gamble for a simple tap in from Samaras' first-half cross and in fact had more of an impact at the other end as he was caught in possession ahead of the first goal. Substitutions E. Ambrose - The centre-back had a shocker at Parkhead but was far more solid after he replaced Wanyama at half-time. He should probably have tested Buffon with a free header close to the hour mark. James Forrest - Came on for Matthews in the 52nd minute but did not make Celtic look any more threatening in the wide areas. Niouoi Lassad - Replaced Commons in the 73rd minute but did not do enough to get involved in the game.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC Alessandro Matri (24′) Fabio Quagliarella (65′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Attendance: 39011 Lennon: Juventus were a class above Mar 6, 2013 Celtic boss Neil Lennon said his team had been outclassed over two legs by Juventus but claimed both he and his players have learnt valuable lessons from their Champions League crusade. Juve won 2-0 in Turin thanks to goals from Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella to move into the quarter finals with an emphatic aggregate scoreline of 5-0. Lennon had no complaints about the result but praised his team for getting into the last 16 of Europe's premier club competition. "Quality counts at the end of the day," Lennon told Sky Sports. "Our finishing at times let us down, our build-up play was very good but it's about execution. "(Efe) Ambrose had a great chance with a header before half-time [in the first leg] that would have made it 1-1 and who knows what would have happened. On the night class tells in the end and that's what's happened in the two games." Lennon cast doubt on how many of his current squad will still be at the club next season, perhaps a result of the potential they have shown in Europe. "I hope they've learned a lot as they move on in their careers. They've done the club proud and tonight I'm proud to be the manager here in this fantastic arena. I hope these young guys will blossom from this experience. But last-16 is cut throat and Juventus beat us." Asked about the summer transfer window, he added: "It's going to be a big ask (to keep them all). It's hard to stop progression... We'll see what the summer brings. There'll be players who want to progress their careers and it's a progression for us too. We want to bring in players, develop them and sell them on, so far that strategy's worked for us." Asked about his own memories of the Champions League campaign, he added: "Winning in Moscow was very special and the two games against Barcelona were titanic, coinciding with the club's anniversary it was very emotional." Georgios Samaras echoed Lennon's calls and said the club's young players would benefit from the experience. "I would say that it was a great experience for all the lads," he told Sky Sports. "We're a young team with a lot of talent, and that's an experience we'll learn from. "I think it was a great journey for everyone in the club, the players, the coaches, staff and supporters, they've enjoyed it from the first second to the last. Next year hopefully we'll be back in the Champions League." The odds were always stacked against Celtic on the night but Samaras kept the result in perspective. "We're playing against a great team in the round of 16, it's a big thing for us," he said. "We tried to play attacking football, to press them high like we did in the first half and we had a couple of chances but we didn't take them. "But I didn't see any negative things in the game. We keep the positive things and keep learning." Celtic exceeded expectations by coming this far, and Samaras believes the memories of a campaign that included victory over Barcelona and a double against Spartak Moscow will stay with the club for a long time. "We're trying really hard all together to be a successful team," Samaras said. "The highlights of this journey were the two games against Barcelona, the way we played, the heart we showed was something amazing, not only for the players but also the supporters and the club. We'll remember these games for many years."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC Alessandro Matri (24′) Fabio Quagliarella (65′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Attendance: 39011 Lennon's men unable to break through glass ceiling CELTIC wore black in Turin and that turned out to be predictably appropriate for their Champions League burial. Mar 6, 2013 What had always looked like a deeply ominous second leg in the last 16 proved to be exactly that last night as Juventus put them out of their misery. A cold, clinical victory – coupled with the devastating first leg result at Parkhead – sent Celtic toppling to a 5-0 aggregate defeat, the heaviest they have ever suffered in Europe. The pain will be eased only a little by recognition of the fact they had been snuffed out by the most impressive opposition they have faced this season. Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella scored to extend Celtic's sequence to nine visits to Italy without a win. Any comfort for Celtic had to be drawn from the fact they generally competed well and were not humiliated. Still, Juventus won without going through the gears, playing neither their best striker, Mirko Vucinic, nor their strongest defender, Giorgio Chiellini. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon had an undemanding evening and Andrea Pirlo produced a display of quiet excellence. Juventus were superior in every department and the joy Celtic had from free-kicks earlier in the campaign – including against Barcelona – was entirely absent against the Italians' defending. The last 16 remains the glass ceiling for the Scottish champions. Celtic can deliver thrilling individual results in the group stage – beating Barcelona proved that – and qualifying for the knock-out round is clearly a realistic annual target. There is an unmistakable step up in class when the tournament enters a new year, though, and inevitably Celtic do not have the resources to cope with opposition as classy as the Serie A leaders. Juventus are unbeaten in home European games for over three years. Celtic never threatened that run. Efe Ambrose did little to help the cause when he was disciplined yesterday for missing the team bus to training on the morning of the match. Instead he made his own way there in a taxi. Ambrose had a horrendous first leg and was little better last night, missing a fine chance with a header after he came on at half-time. Celtic endured a long, hard night but it was not one of those when they were starved of possession. They had plenty of the ball, plenty of it in the Juventus half, too. Biram Kayal, Charlie Mulgrew and Joe Ledley moved and shuttled and fed each other and when they could they got the ball forward to Kris Commons. But that's when Celtic hit a wall of black and white. Lennon had been as positive as could realistically have been expected given the circumstances and had Gary Hooper and Georgios Samaras up front, but neither of them made a mark on the match. Juventus's back three of Andrea Barzagli, Luca Marrone and Leonardo Bonucci were too strong and too quick for them. With Federico Peluso and Simone Padoin ferrying back from the wing-back roles to offer even more protection Celtic faced an impenetrable line. They opened Juventus up only once in each half. There was the Ambrose header, and earlier when Samaras put on a burst down the left and flashed the ball across the goalmouth. Hooper launched himself to connect with it but it was struck too hard and flew past him and away. Anything else amounted to half-chances. Buffon was required to make only one sharp save when Hooper's deflection changed the course of a low Commons shot, but the great Italian's reactions were a match for it. Juventus always looked comfortable and composed. They don't have the joint best defensive record in the Champions League without good reason. They were content to mount periodic counter-attacks and scored with one of their first. Hooper had dropped deep – presumably already frustrated by his lack of involvement in the early play – but he was muscled out of possession by Barzagli and suddenly Juventus were in. Barzagli slipped a pass to Quagliarella and his low shot was parried by Fraser Forster but only into the path of the unmarked Alessandro Matri who rammed home an easy finish. Forster, so often excellent in the campaign and important again with some other big saves here, was at fault for the goal. He saved well from Arturo Vidal and was equally impressive in pushing away a Quagliarella shot just after the break. By then Celtic were facing the same strikers with a different defence. Kelvin Wilson and Victor Wanyama had been the central pairing until half-time but Wanyama was replaced by Ambrose, who then moved to right-back when Adam Matthews pulled a hamstring. It takes organisation and order to cope with Juventus and Lennon would have been anxious about having to reshuffle his pack. There was no great urgency from Juventus but, still, they opened Celtic up again midway through the second half. Pirlo floated a ball over Izaguirre for Matri, and suddenly Celtic were horribly exposed. He squared the ball into the goalmouth where Quagliarella scored with a tap-in. There were no complaints from Celtic this time. The refereeing was not the factor it had been at Parkhead. Firat Aydinuas was unobtrusive. The Turk booked Peluso for an early foul on Matthews which was so mild it amounted to a kiss on the cheek compared to some of what was inflicted on the Celtic players in the first leg. Izaguire and Ledley were also booked but otherwise it was uneventful. Juventus's wonderful new stadium pulsated, both sets of fans loud and colourful. Only out on the pitch did Celtic go quietly.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC Alessandro Matri (24′) Fabio Quagliarella (65′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Attendance: 39011 Routine Juve Finish Scottish Job Bianconeri leave the possession to Celtic, take home a clean sheet, all the goals, and the victory (again). Mar 6, 2013 POST-GAME REFLECTION We surely made that round look easy. 2 Games against the fiery Scots, 5 goals, 0 conceded, plenty of possession surrendered but a lot of clinical movement and scoring as well. It doesn't necessarily sound like the possession-heavy, dominant Juventus we've come to know in the Serie A over the last 2 years, does it? Then again, who cares? When we needed to get the job done, we did it. We scored early in the first game, then defended well and killed it all off with two late goals. Then we scored early in the second game, defended well and wrapped it up with a second one for good measure. You all saw Danny's stat (well, Somnath's stat that both Danny and Somnath got wrong) - it has now been 5 games and some 500 minutes in which Juve has not conceded a goal. If there has been one constant throughout this Champions League campaign and one that connects this team with all the great Juventus squads of recent times, it is that rock-solid defense. And on this rock I shall build my church. I'd hate to repeat myself from my first Celtic game review, but we really did play a much inferior opponent in this round. The Scots were physically intimidating, but technically poor and offensively toothless. Game 2 today was an obligation as soon as the first goal was scored. There was very little to break down tactically or mentally. Let's just look at them sexy player ratings and start thinking about Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Or if we're lucky, Schalke. LE PAGELLE Buffon: 7 - Made a great reaction save to keep away a deflected shot and routinely handled anything thrown at him by the toothless Scots. While he's always playing on a high level, he seems to up his focus and intensity a smidge in the Champions League. He must want to win that trophy baaad. Leader. Barzagli: 7.5 - The high-up-the-field pressure and then set up for Quagliarella which led to the first goal was very impressive, but Barzagli had a very good game for the rest of the 90 minutes as well. Really stood out in defense. Many of you chose him as your man of match and I can't blame you. Marrone: 7 - Very positive showing for the youngster. Got another full 90 in the Champions League - who knew Conte would be so trusty in some of our young prospects this late in the season. Both him, Pogba, and Peluso fully deserve their playing time, it would be great to see Marrone develop further this season as there may be more opportunities for him to come. He looks very calm and collected in the center of midfield, not something I can say for the times he's played in Pirlo's role this season. Bonucci: 7 - Solid overall, did his job as he usually does. Padoin: 6.5 - Nothing special from the "journeyman" whose preferred position on the pitch I still don't know. He plays whenever, wherever Conte doesn't have a proper replacement. And he always does just an enough decent job not to be included in Molinaro land. He tried pushing but lacked the skill to threaten when he had the ball. He provided width, I guess. Always ran a lot in defense, though he didn't do anything noteworthy. I think this is the most anyone has ever written on Padoin. I'll stop now. Pirlo: 7 - Was offly static and sloppy in the first half, and then that pass came to Vidal for the second goal and we were all like "yeah, that's Pirlo everybody. That's why he is still one of the best." Not one of his best games, but he did his job in the second half and then got the rest he deserved. Pogba: 7 - He's clearly learned when to be more physical and when to protect the ball better. His runs late in the game were refreshing as well. Didn't take many outside shots which I always feel can do more. Vidal: 7.5 - Every Juve fan was scared Arturo will get another yellow (as he usually does every game) and be suspended for the first leg of the quarter final. What we actually saw from the King, however, was a very composed, controlled performance in which he defended very well, moved around quite a bit and broke the monotony around Pirlo and the defense, then helped heavily in attack setting up Quagliarella for the tap in and having a couple opportunities to score himself. My man of match on the day. Peluso: 6 - Tough game for the newcomer who certainly doesn't ever think things twice. He does what he wants, when he wants. I have a weird respect for him for doing that. He had a bad start to the game today and never really recovered. Was beat on several occasions and in turn couldn't put pressure on Celtic's defense down the left. One to forget and move on for Peluso. Quagliarella: 7.5 - Ladies and gentlemen, Juventus' top scorer in the Champions League this year as it stands right now. 4 goals so far, this one mostly created by Pirlo and Vidal but nonetheless, Quagliarella had a good game and worked hard to be dangerous throughout the full 90 minutes. Matri said in the post match interview that Quagliarella brings him luck, so I guess that's a skill as well. Fabio didn't blow anyone away today, but he put in a stellar game and scored for good measure. All we can ask of him, really. Matri: 7.5 - Another game, another goal for Matri. I'm loving it. In typical fashion, his tap-in off a rebound settled any remaining nerves among the team and fans and truly put the tie away early in the first half. He seems to like playing with Quagliarella, even though I think he's better when playing with Vucinic. Was always ready to be a danger to Celtic's defense. Subs: Asamoah: sv Isla: sv Giaccherini: sv Conte: 7.5 - Even with Marrone, Peluso, Padoin, Pogba, Matri, and Quagliarella all starting, the team kept its structure and did the job that was asked of them. Credit to Conte who was not only constantly snipping at them from the sideline, but also prepared the team well for each game. An even bigger test awaits him in the quarter finals. Should be fun. THINGS I THINK I THINK Statistics are great, but I'm keeping my feet on the ground - Best defense in the Champions League, second best scoring record, undefeated, 5 games and 495 minutes without conceding a goal. One of top 8 teams in Europe. Sounds pretty impressive and you can't argue with the numbers. Juventus' progress is evident. But that's all that is for now - progress. We haven't really achieved anything yet, and there are still more than half the teams remaining who are definitely better teams than us. Can we take them in a two-leg round? Of course, we can play against anyone and anything can happen in this beautiful game. But realistically, any team not as toothless as Celtic would've given us a lot more trouble in the round of 16. One thing we can be sure of - against any team we play we will be well prepared and organized defensively. I don't think we'll be able to continue our trend of clinical scoring and clean sheets much longer, and I certainly don't have any illusions that we are now one of the favorites to win the Champions League. I'm keeping my feet on the ground with one certainty in mind - whomever we draw on March 15 better not take us for granted - this Juve team is strong and it fights. And in the great competition that is the Champions League, only the strong survive. FINO ALLA FINE, FORZA JUVENTUS!

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC Alessandro Matri (24′) Fabio Quagliarella (65′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Attendance: 39011 Juventus 2-0 Celtic: Bye-bye to the Bhoys Mar 6, 2013 The build-up to this match did not suggest Juventus would have any troubles seeing off Celtic to advance to the quarter finals of the Champions League – and it soon proved that even the most sceptic and nervous of Juve fans had little to fear from this game. While Celtic looked determined from the get-go, the patient game-plan from the first leg in Glasgow was maintained by Conte, and by the time Matri scored the opener to put the Bianconeri up 4-0 on aggregate, the tie was definitively dead and buried. MATCH ANALYSIS by Lars Aabjerg Pedersen The game started with a bit of nerves, Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba both making a few sloppy passes eagerly intercepted by a Celtic side that was clearly in Turin to restore some of the pride that was lost in the first leg at Parkhead. Much like in that first leg, though, the Bhoys were full of energy, while Conte’s men sat back and broke down the opposition before any real danger came of it. The first 20 minutes ticked away with Celtic the more aggressive side but with little to show for it in terms of scoring opportunities. At the other end, Juve didn’t do much either; a semi-scoffed shot from very long range by Fabio Quagliarella and some trickery from Pogba leading to naught being the only incidents of note. And then it happened. Andrea Barzagli (the man, the hero, the legend) snatched the ball from Hooper, played it on to Quagliarella, whose shot Celtic ‘keeper Forster was only able to parry straight into the path of Alessandro Matri, the striker duly converting the easiest of tap-ins. While the Glaswegians were disheartened by that final nail in their CL coffin, Gianluigi Buffon still had to come up with a miraculous save minutes later, as a shot from Kris Commons took a wicked deflection, prompting a sensational reaction from the Juve no. 1. Vidal skied a shot after being played into a promising position from Quagliarella, while Samaras, one of few Celtic players to look something of a threat on the night, almost set up Hooper for a tap-in, but the ball went wide of the far post. Arturo Vidal had another good opportunity to shoot in the 43rd minute, but his effort was rather weak. The first half finished with a Celtic corner amounting to nothing, and the visitors went to get their tea and oranges (or whatever it is one really enjoys at half time these days) having put in a great deal of work to little avail. Juventus, on the other hand, could be pleased with having given another exhibition of very solid defending, taking the opportunity when it arrived. After the break, the Bianconeri seemed very much on top, and while the Scots still had their fair share of possession, they were closed down long before danger materialised, not least thanks to Andrea Barzagli who seemed to be always in the right position to stifle any threat. In the 58th minute, Federico Peluso (who had controlled the left flank authoritatively until then) made way for Asamoah in a like-for-like substitution. Meanwhile, Matri and Quagliarella looked very bright up top and did very well both linking up and creating opportunities for each other. Fabio Quagliarella eventually got his goal too, as a glorious Pirlo ball found Arturo Vidal running in behind the Celtic defence, the Chilean coolly squaring it for Quags to put it in the empty net. That was to be Vidal’s final contribution, as he was subbed off for Mauricio Isla immediately after that play. Soon after, Andrea Pirlo made way for Giaccherini so as to allow the former a bit of a rest too. Very rarely does Conte keep his front duo intact during 90 minutes, which speaks volumes of both the excellent play of Quagliarella and Matri and the priorities of Conte in a tie that was all but over. Indeed the last 20 minutes were reminiscent of a summer friendly with Celtic half-heartedly seeking some redemption trying to at least get a goal, while Conte’s men stood firm and made sure not to risk anything, happy to keep yet another clean sheet – the fifth consecutive in this competition! The Scottish fans, however, deserve a mention for their continued chanting and cheering of their heroes even at 5-0 down, keeping the atmosphere glowing even as a fair few Juventus tifosi saved their energy for the celebration at the full time whistle. When it came, the Juventus Stadium erupted as Paolo Belli’s club anthem once again provided the soundtrack to a great result for the Bianconeri, marking their deserved progression to the last eight of Europe’s finest club competition for the first time in seven years. LE PAGELLE by Lars Aabjerg Pedersen Buffon 7.0 - While San Gigi was not too troubled on the night, his save on that that deflected shot in the first half goes to show how important the current Captain is to this team. Had a bit of a scare late on from a long-range shot that ricocheted off his chest, but was, on the whole, impeccable. Barzagli 8.5- This was not the most difficult of games, but Big Andrea simply oozes class and coolness. I have made my feelings for this man clear on many occasions, and tonight was perhaps the perfect example of why I hold him in such high esteem. A perfect performance in defence, enhanced further by his part in the first goal. Immense. My Man of the Match. Marrone 6.5 - Had a good game along with the rest of the defence, an important game for the youngster to get under his belt, as ever repaying the trust shown towards him by Conte. Bonucci 6.5 - A very solid performance from Leo, as we have come to expect. Did what was needed, nothing more, nothing less. Padoin 6.0 - Did well on the right flank without being overly impressive. The Padoin is the Padoin is the Padoin. Vidal 6.5 - A mixed bag from the Chilean. While he battled on as usual, a few passes and finishes were lacking in quality. Did very well to assist Quagliarella for the second goal. Possibly a bit worried about the yellow card he was carrying. Isla S.V - Came on as the game petered out, getting some playing time in his legs, held his own without being noteworthy. Pirlo 6.5 - The Maestro played well as usual, perhaps deserving a higher rating, but we’ll save that for more crucial encounters in order to keep Andrea on his toes (and off the wine!) in the meantime, we stroke our collective beards in appreciation of that absolutely gorgeous ball for Vidal in the build-up to the second goal… Giaccherini S.V - See Isla above. Pogba 7.0 - Did very well distributing in midfield as well as tracking back when necessary. To paraphrase a legendary Danish commentator (on Laudrup at the same age) “he is merely 19 years old, but he already plays like a tested and proven giant of the game”. Peluso 6.0 - Definitely improved from his first, shaky outing against Sampdoria back in January (cursed be its name!), but still very much a mixed pleasure. Did well on numerous occasions at both ends, but needs to improve his passing and positioning at times. Minus .5 for receiving a very silly yellow card early on in a bid to prove Neil Lennon’s delusions right. Asamoah S.V. - See Isla and Giaccherini above. Matri 7.0 - Very encouraging display by the resurging striker, linked up well with Quagliarella and the midfield, his goal only underlining what he is capable of when on song. Long may it last! Quagliarella 7.0 - Much like Matri, he did exactly what he was supposed to in this game, both contributing to play and being in the right position at the right time. If only our strikers clicked like that in the league… Conte 9.0 - It was great to see Conte keep his cool and let Celtic do much the same job as they did in Glasgow; press forward with little actual threat. The Mister nailed these two games, letting Celtic tire themselves out, as well as managing the squad with a view to the remainder of the season. Went about this tie exactly as he should, and in the process perhaps even confused a few potential opposition coaches by applying this hitherto unseen pragmatism. ANALYSIS WRAP-UP by Lars Aabjerg Pedersen While the figures speak for themselves, Celtic was more of a tricky draw than met the eye. The fact that the Scots were dispatched of with such relative ease is indicative of Conte and the team’s ability to adapt to European competition in an emphatic fashion, a feat e.g. Borussia Dortmund needed two attempts to achieve – and one that Manchester City have not yet reached, just to put things into a bit of perspective. Conte’s new-found pragmatism and matter-of-fact way of dealing with the strengths and weaknesses of opposing teams bodes very well for Juve’s future chances in this competition, as does the clinical finishing that has otherwise been lacking, but seems to appear when most needed. All is possible for this team, and while further advancement in this tournament will depend heavily on the draw for the quarterfinals, only a fool would look to Juventus as a dream opponent… The stats speak for themselves, both defensively and offensively (do look them up, I promise it is a treat!), but the crucial element is that Conte has this team believing that through work, work, work and that touch of brilliance, the sky is the limit. If there is such a thing at all! Senza di te non andremo lontano, ANTONIO CONTE IL NOSTRO CAPITANO!

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC Alessandro Matri (24′) Fabio Quagliarella (65′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Attendance: 39011 Juve complete Celtic job Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella secured a 2-0 victory over Celtic to send Juventus into the Champions League quarter-finals. Mar 6, 2013 The Bianconeri had a 3-0 lead from the first leg in Glasgow, so rested players such as Claudio Marchisio, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Giorgio Chiellini and Mirko Vucinic. Luca Marrone had his debut Champions League start. Giorgios Samaras and Charlie Mulgrew were available again for the Hoops. The weather in Turin was awfully familiar for the 3,000 travelling Scottish fans, as it had been raining heavily all day. The Celtic all-black strip was also familiar, as it resembled Juve’s away kit. A classy Paul Pogba ‘Cruyff turn’ set up Fabio Quagliarella, but the striker was not quick enough and Fraser Forster was able to smother at his feet. Both Quagliarella and Joe Ledley unleashed screamers from distance that went wide, though the Celtic man was considerably closer to the top corner. It was Juventus who took the lead with Alessandro Matri and a real poacher’s goal. Andrea Barzagli was responsible for much of it, as he robbed a distracted Gary Hooper in midfield, set up Quagliarella for a shot between Kelvin Wilson’s legs, beaten away by Forster into the path of Matri. Gigi Buffon needed a sensational one-handed save on the line when Kris Commons’ shot was deflected by Hooper, but the goalkeeper somehow readjusted his position to palm it upwards. Arturo Vidal threatened to make it 2-0 on the counter, but leaned back to fire over the bar from the D. Samaras had a great chance when he got down the left past Federico Peluso and flashed a ball across the face of goal, but Hooper came sliding in a fraction of a second too late to make contact. Vidal went on the counter, his shot too weak and central to beat Forster. Victor Wanyama made way for Efe Ambrose after the break, having put in a disastrous performance in the first leg. Quagliarella forced Forster into a save after Pogba took advantage of Mulgrew’s error, but Adam Matthews was stretchered off with a hamstring problem. Ambrose wasted a golden opportunity, nodding a free header into the ground and over from a corner. Juventus proved again they were considerably more clinical in their finishing and doubled their lead. Vidal sprung the offside trap from an Andrea Pirlo pass over the top and drew out Forster, rolling across for the totally unmarked Quagliarella to tap in from six yards. Samaras blasted over from distance and Buffon beat away a Baram Kayal attempt, but this was Juve’s fifth consecutive Champions League victory in which they scored 13 and conceded none. Juventus 2-0 Celtic (5-0 on agg) Scorers: Matri 24 (J), Quagliarella 65 (J) JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Marrone, Bonucci; Padoin, Vidal (Isla 66), Pirlo (Giaccherini 69), Pogba, Peluso (Asamoah 59); Matri, Quagliarella CELTIC: Forster; Matthews (Forrest 53), Wilson, Wanyama (Ambrose 46), Izaguirre; Samaras, Kayal, Ledley, Mulgrew; Commons (Nouioui 73), Hooper Ref: Aydinus (TUR)