Socrates

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS D. Alaba (1′) Thomas Müller (63′) Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Attendance: 68000 Javi Martinez: Juventus not like other Italian teams The Bayern Munich midfielder has hailed the Italian champions' positive approach, and is looking forward to locking horns with Andrea Pirlo. Apr 5, 2013 Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez has voiced his respect for Juventus and believes the Bianconeri are unlike any other Serie A side. The Italian champions were beaten 2-0 by the Bavarians in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie on Tuesday, but the Spaniard was impressed with the Old Lady's positive approach. "Juventus have shown that they are not a typical Italian team. They do not just limit themselves to defending and play some good football from the back," the former Athletic Bilbao man told Abendzeitung. "But we emerged victorious because we had the better tactical plans." The Spaniard missed the first leg due to suspension, but is eagerly anticipating the return as he wants to measure himself against Andrea Pirlo. "I am really looking forward to taking on Pirlo. I have been closely following his career for a number of years and he is an incredible player. I always try to learn things from him." The second leg of the quarter-final tie between Juventus and Bayern in Turin takes place on April 10.

Quarti di finale - Andata - 2-4-2013 (ore 20:45) ................ BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS D. Alaba (1′) Thomas Müller (63′) Allianz Arena - Monaco di Baviera Arbitro: Mark Clattenburg (Inghilterra) Spettatori: 68000 Champions League - Juve, benvenuta nella vera Champions League La Juventus si è ritrovata catapultata nell'elite del calcio internazionale e ha mostrato tutte le sue lacune in ciascun reparto, a partire da Gigi Buffon, che non era in serata. Nemmeno il centrocampo, punto di forza della squadra, ha brillato. Eurosport - Martedí, 2 aprile 2013 Antonio Conte se l'era chiesto nella conferenza stampa del pre-partita e si è risposto in quella del post-gara: eccola qui la differenza tra la sua Juventus e un top-team europeo come il Bayern. Non occorre guardare al punteggio e agli episodi, il disegno del quarto d'andata nella sua ampiezza mostra un Bayern sempre brillante accanto a una Juve sfuocata, inerme. Per lunghi tratti del primo tempo i bianconeri non riuscivano proprio a superare la metà campo e nell'arco di tutti i 90 minuti il pressing bavarese ha costretto la retroguardia ospite a commettere errori di incredibile banalità nell'impostazione. Quante volte abbiamo visto un pallone buttato a lato sulla trequarti juventina? Fosse stato l'attacco incapace di buttarla dentro, si poteva immaginare. Fosse stata la difesa incapace di contenere Ribery e compagnia, si poteva capire. Ma anche il centrocampo ha sofferto da matti e Buffon ha fatto tutto tranne che il Buffon. Insomma, è stata una debacle orizzontale, democratica. Una debacle di gioco. Il primo punto di riflessione, inevitabile, è una domanda: cosa manca alla Juve per colmare il gap? Risposta complicatissima. L'attaccante “vero” è la priorità, l'abbiamo scritto e letto in lungo e in largo, ma è altrettanto vero che a Monaco per la prima volta nella gestione Conte il 3-5-2 è crollato: i micidiali binari laterali del Bayern – Lahm-Robben da una parte e Alaba-Ribery dall'altra – hanno costretto Marchisio e Vidal ad allargarsi lasciando Pirlo solo nel mezzo, dove i muscoli e le geometrie di un sublime Schweinsteiger hanno preso facilmente il sopravvento. Sarebbe bello poter dire: la Juve prende Bale, Falcao, Suarez e vince la Champions; ma quelli sono videogame, o chiacchiere da bar. Con i conti da tenere d'occhio e l'appeal della Serie A in discesa, la Juve deve semplicemente continuare ad avere pazienza: quella di Monaco è una tappa amara che dà al club la misura della propria crescita recente, importante e decisiva in Italia, non ancora in Europa. La seconda riflessione però è ben più importante e cancella (o almeno rimanda) la prima. La Juve contro il Bayern ha giocato male, malissimo, ma alla fine ha perso 2-0, “solo” 2-0. Il che ci manda avanti di 8 giorni: nessun nuovo attaccante, nessun esterno, nessun ricambio in più; solo 11 uomini in bianconero e lo Juventus Stadium, senza nulla da perdere, la condizione perfetta per una squadra che come questa Giovane Signora non pretendeva fin dall'inizio di vincere la Champions, ma di fare il massimo e vedere fin dove questo massimo l'avrebbe portata... Un gol subito (dalla parte giusta) a Torino e siamo daccapo, perché nel calcio non si può mai dire, soprattutto se “ci sono un italiano, un tedesco...”. Luca Stacul.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS D. Alaba (1′) Thomas Müller (63′) Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Attendance: 68000 Juventus and Prandelli hit back at Buffon 'pensioner' jibe Director Beppe Marotta joined the Italy coach in defending the veteran keeper after Beckenbauer ridiculed his performance against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Apr 4, 2013 Juventus director Beppe Marotta and Italy coach Cesare Prandelli have hit back at Franz Beckenbauer following his criticism of Gianluigi Buffon. The Bayern Munich legend claimed the veteran goalkeeper "looked like a pensioner" during a poor performance in the Bianconeri's 2-0 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich. Marotta has since mounted a staunch defence of the World Cup-winning shot-stopper, insisting he deserves more respect from a fellow icon of the game. Speaking to reporters while attending the quarterly football report at the Italian parliament, Marotta said: "Buffon must be respected. To read such considerations from an icon of world football hurts, especially when they are directed at another athletic symbol such as Gigi. He is a special guy, a role model for young people." National team coach Prandelli echoed Marotta's comments, and suggested the 67-year-old is in no place to criticise exponents of the modern game. "Gigi has already responded well, with great balance and irony," said Prandelli. "He will give a great response on the pitch. "Besides, retirees are always wise people..."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS D. Alaba (1′) Thomas Müller (63′) Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Attendance: 68000 'Bayern did not face the real Juve' Apr 4, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini has admitted the Bayern Munich deserved to beat Juventus on Tuesday, but has claimed that the second leg will be a different game. The Bianconeri lost 2-0 to the Bundesliga leaders in their quarter-final first leg, but the defender has insisted that they have what it takes to make it to the semi-finals. “Of course, we will have to play with more intent for the return match,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “I am confident that we can come back. We will have even more desire, and I can think of many examples – Inter seemed dead, but they almost came back against Tottenham in the Europa League. “Bayern deserved to win on Tuesday, but we were not able to play the game we had prepared for. “The real Juve did not face Munich, and we will prove it.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS D. Alaba (1′) Thomas Müller (63′) Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Attendance: 68000 Marotta confident of CL turnaround Apr 4, 2013 Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta has claimed that anything can happen in the second leg of their Champions League tie with Bayern Munich. The Bianconeri are 2-0 down from the first leg of their quarter-final, and host the Bundesliga side next Wednesday with the aim of reaching the last four. But the board member has insisted that his side can get to the semi-finals. “There is regret for the defeat,” he told reporters. “But the Champions League is a tournament, not a long-running championship. “In 180 minutes, things can go from negative to positive very quickly.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS D. Alaba (1′) Thomas Müller (63′) Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Attendance: 68000 Juve and Prandelli back ‘pensioner’ Buffon Apr 4, 2013 Juventus official Beppe Marotta and Italy boss Cesare Prandelli have defended Gigi Buffon from the criticism of Franz Beckenbauer. The German legend referred to the goalkeeper as a ‘pensioner’ after his failure to keep out David Alaba’s effort in Bayern Munich’s 2-0 win on Tuesday. “Certain statements from an icon like Beckenbauer can hurt,” director general Marotta commented on Thursday. “They touch another icon who is named Buffon, a player who has given great satisfaction to not just Juventus fans with his performances, but also those of the national side. “Additionally, he is a special man, a great professional full of humanity and someone who is seen as an example by youngsters. “He should be respected.” Buffon, 35, refused to hit back at the Honorary Bayern President last night, instead opting to apologise to his teammates and the club’s supporters. “He responded well with great balance and irony,” the Italy tactician commented. “He’ll show his maturity with his reaction on the field of play. “Besides, pensioners are wise people…” Juventus entertain Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS D. Alaba (1′) Thomas Müller (63′) Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Attendance: 68000 Buffon: 'I apologise to fans' Apr 3, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon has apologised to Juventus and their fans after the defeat to Bayern Munich and “cannot object” to Franz Beckenbauer’s scathing criticism. The goalkeeper did not seem his usual self in last night’s 2-0 Champions League quarter-final loss. “It happens in this profession to make mistakes,” Buffon told Italian TV show Striscia La Notizia. “I’m disappointed, as the game was compromised, so I have to apologise to the team and the fans.” Honorary Bayern Munich President Beckenbauer caused controversy when he said Buffon “seemed like a pensioner” when letting David Alaba’s deflected effort go past him after 30 seconds. “I cannot object to anything, as Beckenbauer is an old sage. We all just have to stay quiet and wait for the next game to make up for it.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS D. Alaba (1′) Thomas Müller (63′) Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Attendance: 68000 0-2 always deadly for Juventus Apr 3, 2013 Juventus will have to re-write history if they are to eliminate Bayern Munich from the Champions League. On the four previous occasions that the Old Lady have lost the first leg of a European tie 2-0, they have always been knocked out. In 1968, the Bianconeri were defeated 2-0 and then 1-0 by Portuguese giants Benfica in the semi-finals of the European Cup. Five years later and Dynamo Dresden progressed at the expense of the Italians thanks to a 4-3 aggregate win. In 1975, Juve could only draw the return leg 2-2 against Borussia Monchengladbach. Current Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes actually scored for Borussia in their first leg 2-0 win in that encounter. Juve’s second leg game against Arsenal in April 2006 ended goalless after a 2-0 reverse in London versus Arsene Wenger’s side. Antonio Conte’s team fell at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday. The return leg will take place next Wednesday in Turin.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS D. Alaba (1′) Thomas Müller (63′) Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Attendance: 68000 Bonucci ready to fight for Juventus Apr 3, 2013 Leonardo Bonucci is refusing to accept defeat after Juventus’ 2-0 loss at Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday. The Old Lady have a mountain to climb in the second leg next week, but the stopper has underlined that the quarter-final tie is not over. “I’m 25-years-old and the game against Bayern was the most important of my club career to date,” he said on his official website. “You dream of these games as a youngster and the objective is to win, because once you see that dreams can be achieved you have to go for them. “I believe, I want to fight, I want to win. Right up until the end, come on Juventus Stadium, come on team Juventus. Let’s fight!”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS D. Alaba (1′) Thomas Müller (63′) Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Attendance: 68000 Buffon hails 'magnificent' Bayern The veteran goalkeeper was full of praise for Jupp Heynckes' side following Tuesday's Champions League clash, while Leonardo Bonucci insists the tie is not over. Apr 3, 2013 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has heaped praise on Bayern Munich following their 2-0 Champions League quarter-final defeat at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday. The 35-year-old accepted his side were second best from start to finish in the encounter, and believes they were perhaps fortunate to escape with only a two-goal deficit heading into the return leg. "We were up against a magnificent side and they fully deserved to win," Buffon told the club's official website. "They had other chances to score too. We came here with confidence in our own ability. We were right not to change our game, and go for it as we did. We can have no complaints." Meanwhile, defender Leonardo Bonucci remained bullish about his side's hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals of Europe's most prestigious club competition. “I’m 25 years old and the game against Bayernwas the most important of my club career to date,” he said on his official website. “You dream of these as a youngster and the objective is to win. Once you see that dreams can be achieved you have to go for them. “I believe, I want to fight, I want to win. Right up until the end, come on Juventus Stadium, come on team Juventus. Let’s fight." The second leg takes place at Juventus Stadium on April 10.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS D. Alaba (1′) Thomas Müller (63′) Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Attendance: 68000 I don't have to apologise to Vidal - Ribery The Bayern Munich attacker insists his late challenge on the Chilean midfielder was simply par for the course in a competitive fixture. Apr 3, 2013 Franck Ribery has insisted that he has no reason to feel bad for his stamp on Arturo Vidal during Bayern Munich's 2-0 win over Juventus on Tuesday. The Frenchman and the Chilean were involved in a number of battles throughout the contest, including a late coming together which may well have seen the Roten star dismissed. "It was a duel with Vidal," he was quoted as saying by Bild. "I took a lot of hits and dished out some as well. In this particular situation, I challenged for the ball, but I hit his foot. "I didn't apologise and he didn't either. That's football, that's the Champions League. It's no problem."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS D. Alaba (1′) Thomas Müller (63′) Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Attendance: 68000 Beckenbauer: Buffon looked like a pensioner The Bayern Munich legend was stunned by the Juventus skipper's poor performance during die Roten's 2-0 win over the Bianconeri on Tuesday. Apr 3, 2013 Franz Beckenbauer has joked that Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon "looked like a pensioner" during Bayern Munich's 2-0 Champions League success over the Italian champions on Tuesday. The Bianconeri skipper was at fault for both goals, failing to change direction in time to keep out a slightly deflected strike from David Alaba, before later spilling a tame Luiz Gustavo shot at the feet of Mario Mandzukic, who immediately teed Thomas Muller up for a tap-in. Beckenbauer was particularly shocked by the way in which the 35-year-old Buffon was beaten all ends up by Bayern's opener. "Buffon looked like a pensioner," the Bavarians' honorary president told reporters after the game, according to the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "I don't want to upset you, but he should have saved that shot. Maybe, he was not expecting Alaba to strike it from there: Alaba shot from 120 metres!" Buffon and his colleagues will now desperately be hoping to make amends in next week's return leg in Turin.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS D. Alaba (1′) Thomas Müller (63′) Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Attendance: 68000 Early goal shocked Juventus, says Neuer The Germany international has hailed his side's superb start to Tuesday's encounter, and has stressed any mistake in the Champions League can prove to be fatal. Apr 3, 2013 Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer believes David Alaba's early opening goal in Tuesday's 2-0 win over Juventus left the Bianconeri shocked. Alaba beat Gianluigi Buffon early on with a deflected long-range strike, before Thomas Muller made it two after the break to help Bayern to a crucial win in the first-leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie. "I wasn't expecting us to score such an early goal and I doubt Juve did either. It was a bit of a shock for them but obviously good for us," Neuer was quoted as saying on the official Uefa website. "Buffon is a superb goalkeeper and if you look at the flight of the ball, it was a really difficult one for him. I know how David shoots – they're dangerous balls to deal with. "You can't afford to make any mistakes in the Champions League. You could see from the start that we were trying to keep hold of the ball in our build-up play, making sure every pass arrived at its destination. "We didn't want to risk opening ourselves up to any counterattacks, or to allow them any chances, and I think we managed to do that very well." The return leg in Turin takes place on April 10.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS D. Alaba (1′) Thomas Müller (63′) Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Attendance: 68000 Conte leaves Juventus on the brink as Buffon & Pirlo flop like never before The coach failed to change the course of his side's destiny, while his two most experienced players came up short as Bayern Munich took a decisive first-leg lead. Apr 3, 2013 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer Juventus’ worst performance under Antonio Conte could not have come at a more inopportune moment. The Bianconeri were overrun by Bayern Munich on Tuesday to leave their Champions League future hanging by the most slender of threads. Bayern may have struck lucky in that Toni Kroos’ injury led to a substitution which helped to ask extra questions of the Old Lady’s backline, but there can be no doubting that the Bavarian giants were very good value for the 2-0 lead they take to Turin for the second-leg of their quarter-final tie next week. Indeed, with Andrea Pirlo and Gianluigi Buffon suffering on the big stage like never before, and Conte being asked to provide answers and coming up short in almost every sense, this was one of the biggest adverts ever for earning your own luck. The hosts dominated and were deserving. The Bianconeri were ponderous and paid the price. Juve went into the match defending an 18-game unbeaten run in European competitions, but they were blown away by a Bayern side that looked more powerful, more structured and downright hungrier on the night. 'BAYERN WERE A STEP ABOVE' "As Juventus looked to continue their path to the top of European football, they were taught a harsh lesson by Bayern Munich, a team with hopes of reaching their third Champions League final in four years. Their showing against the Bianconeri was marvellous. The defence stood firm, repelling any threat that came their way, producing the sort of discipline which wins titles, the midfield were dominant, despite the early reshuffle into which they were forced, and Mario Mandzukic did a great job as a lone striker, hassling his opponents all night long. It was precisely the performance one could hope to see in the Champions League. At the end of the day, Bayern's desire, tactics and class were a step above Juve's." Enis Koylu It certainly wasn’t meant to be Pirlo who would come up short on the big occasion. The normally reliable regista completed only 51 per cent of passes in an abysmal showing by his high standards. Regularly run off the ball and constantly rushed into misplacing through-balls, the midfielder looked less than average on this performance, despite having successfully handled much more important fixtures than this one before. "I am the first to say I’m not satisfied with my performance, as I made many mistakes in such an important match and it’s disappointing," admitted Pirlo afterwards. He wasn’t helped by many of his team-mates shying away from the spotlight and asking him to provide all of the answers, but there can be no denying this was a Pirlo display the likes of which we very rarely see. Buffon would also come up short when it mattered. In the very first minute, David Alaba fired in a speculative long-range effort that took a deflection and swerved away from goalkeeper into the bottom corner. The touch off the boot of Arturo Vidal added spin onto the ball which deceived him, but there was enough time for Buffon to react. Instead of taking the extra half-step he needed to shorten his dive, the Italy captain went down early and was beaten all ends up. Later, he would fail to convincingly deal with Luiz Gustavo’s free-kick, parrying only as far as the onrushing Mario Mandzukic, who squared for Thomas Muller to make it 2-0. His usual knack of shuttling the ball right out of danger failed him on this occasion, and while he wasn’t helped by a Juve back-line slow to react to the follow-up, he will believe he could have dealt with it better. But neither Pirlo nor Buffon was helped by their coach’s lack of tactical vision. "We now have to analyse why we had so many misplaced passes,” Pirlo added in a post-match interview, but such analysis could and should have taken place during the game itself. For too long in the first period the Bianconeri succeeded only in constantly handing over cheap possession in their eagerness to recycle the ball quickly. Conte showed no urgency to halt an alarming trend as Juve continued to waste possession and even at half-time he did nothing to change his side’s fortunes. Arjen Robben had wasted a couple of glorious chances after roasting the Bianconeri down the left, but while the substitution of the outclassed Federico Peluso appeared a no-brainer, Conte persisted with the full-back and paid the price. The ball just kept coming back once more after the break, and when Bayern’s second goal sparked Conte into action, it was only a pair of like-for-like changes up top that he had up his sleeve. The switch did nothing to alleviate the pressure nor change the general flow of the game. The Juve coach will need to deliver a much more convincing tactical approach in the second leg if his side are to get out of this hole. Luck was not on Juve’s side, and neither were some of the key decisions made by referee Mark Clattenburg. Mandzukic was offside as Gustavo shot at goal in the build-up to Muller’s clincher, while Stephan Lichtsteiner will miss the second leg after a baffling yellow card for an unavoidable collision with Luiz Gustavo in the penalty area. Clattenburg deemed it to be an act of simulation, but he was clearly wrong in his assertion. Franck Ribery also deserved a red card for a ridiculous stamp on Arturo Vidal, but none was forthcoming. Vidal and Lichtsteiner will both sit out the second leg due to suspension, further weakening Juve’s slim chances of reaching the last four. Their usually stronger right side could undergo the kind of examination their left flank received on Tuesday, but that is for another day. Today, the Bianconeri are on the brink, and they have no one to blame but themselves.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS D. Alaba (1′) Thomas Müller (63′) Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Attendance: 68000 Bayern Munich are not through yet, says Robben The winger has warned his team-mates not to get carried away after their convincing win on Tuesday night. Apr 3, 2013 Arjen Robben has insisted that Bayern Munich cannot afford to get complacent following Tuesday's 2-0 win over Juventus in the first-leg of their Champions League quarter-final. The Bavarians appear to have one foot in the semi-final following their victory over the Serie A champions at the Allianz Arena, but the winger has warned that Bayern's narrow escape in the round of 16 tie versus Arsenal shows that anything can still happen. "I think we were very confident and overall we played very well. Scoring a goal within 30 seconds was a great way to start. I think we controlled the game; we dominated and we deserved the win," the Dutchman told the official Uefa website. "We'll have to wait and see if 2-0 will be enough. We've already been warned once. When we played against Arsenal [in the round of 16] and won 3-1 away everyone was thinking the tie was over. "Of course then everyone was disappointed and angry with our result at home, but it was a good lesson for us."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS D. Alaba (1′) Thomas Müller (63′) Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Attendance: 68000 Conte: Bayern Munich were simply better than Juventus The Bianconeri trainer was full of respect for the Bundesliga giants following Tuesday's encounter at the Allianz Arena. Apr 3, 2013 Antonio Conte has admitted that Juventus were simply not good enough in the first-leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich, following a one-sided 2-0 defeat. An early goal from David Alaba, followed by a Thomas Muller strike after the break, helped the Bavarians to a comfortable home win, and Conte realises his side now face a tough task to turn things around in the second leg. "Bayern played a great game. We just came up against a great team tonight. I have to be honest and admit that we simply faced a better side," Conte said at a press conference. "We knew it would be a difficult game but we also know that football is unpredictable and that we'll have to do something great against such a strong team in the return leg. "Bayern have great quality but also a great physical condition and a great fighting spirit. They are up there with Barcelona and Madrid in terms of quality yet they are also very angry after losing last season's final at home on penalties. And they proved all their grit tonight. "Bayern played with great tempo, they won almost every challenge and did not allow us to play our game. Our project started only 16 months ago, so this can be an important lesson, especially to understand what it takes to play at this level. We can just be proud to already be here at this stage."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS D. Alaba (1′) Thomas Müller (63′) Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Attendance: 68000‎ Brio didn’t recognise Juventus Apr 3, 2013 Sergio Brio insists former club Juventus are still not out of the Champions League – but the real Old Lady will have to show up against Bayern Munich. The Bianconeri lost the first leg of their quarter-final tie 2-0 in Germany on Tuesday, yet the former defender is remaining hopeful. “Yesterday’s game was the first that Juve have got wrong since Antonio Conte arrived,” the man who won the European Cup in 1985 told Calcio News 24. “It was a bad night under all aspects. “When players like Gigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo get it wrong, it just underlines that it is not your evening. “I don’t want to take any credit away from Bayern, they played great, but we didn’t see the usual Juventus – in terms of intensity, character and play. “Juventus are not invincible so a defeat is acceptable, it’s just a shame that it happened in this game. “These ties last 180 minutes, though, so qualification is still not settled. “The Juventus Stadium will need to be an inferno for the opponents. The push of the fans could be decisive. Juve can still do it.” The two teams will meet in Turin on 10 April.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS D. Alaba (1′) Thomas Müller (63′) Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Attendance: 68000‎ Beckenbauer slams ‘pensioner’ Buffon Apr 3, 2013 Franz Beckenbauer likened Gigi Buffon to a pensioner after the Juventus goalkeeper failed to keep out David Alaba’s goal last night. Bayern Munich took the lead after just 25 seconds when the Italian international, 35, failed to stop Alaba’s long-range effort. “How was he positioned? He seemed like a pensioner,” the Honorary Bayern Munich President noted after his club’s 2-0 Champions League win. “Alaba shot from 120 metres away… “I don’t want to upset him, but he should have kept that shot out. Perhaps Gigi didn’t think that Alaba would shoot from so far. “Bayern were focused from the first until the last minute and Juventus hardly had a shot on goal. The result is tight for us, we should have won by three or four goals.” Bayern ‘keeper Manuel Neuer defended Buffon after the game.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS D. Alaba (1′) Thomas Müller (63′) Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Attendance: 68000‎ Neuer: Buffon is still superb Apr 3, 2013 Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has defended Juventus’ Gigi Buffon over the early goal he conceded in Munich last night. The Italian was beaten after just 25 seconds when he couldn’t get across his line to stop a long range effort from David Alaba. “Buffon is a superb ‘keeper,” the German stated. “It was a really difficult one for him when you look at the flight of the ball. “I know how Alaba shoots and they're dangerous balls to deal with.” Juventus never really recovered from that early setback and they eventually lost the first leg of their quarter-final Champions League tie 2-0. “I wasn't expecting us to score such an early goal and I doubt Juve did either,” Neuer added. “It was a bit of a shock for them, but obviously good for us.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS D. Alaba (1′) Thomas Müller (63′) Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Attendance: 68000‎ It’s not over yet, warns Robben Apr 3, 2013 Arjen Robben insists Juventus are still alive in their Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich. The German giants took control of the European Cup tie thanks to a 2-0 victory at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday. However, Robben is wary of the second leg after the events of the last round in their encounters against Arsenal. “We'll have to wait and see if 2-0 will be enough for us,” the Dutch attacking midfielder commented. “We've already been warned once. When we played against Arsenal and won 3-1 away everyone was thinking the tie was over… “That was a good lesson for us.” Arsenal won the return 2-0, meaning that Bayern sneaked through on the away goals rule.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS D. Alaba (1′) Thomas Müller (63′) Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Attendance: 68000‎ Bayern boss happy with Pirlo plan Apr 3, 2013 Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes has underlined how important it was to nullify the threat of playmaker Andrea Pirlo in the win over Juventus. The German giants put one foot into the Champions League semi-finals with a 2-0 win over the Bianconeri on Tuesday. “I’ve studied Juve intensively recently and came up with the tactic we employed,” he commented. “Our aim was to put pressure on them early and take Pirlo out of the game, which worked really well. “Our preparation was very good and you could clearly see our tactical plan. We attacked very early and so managed to take Pirlo out of the equation. “My team showed a lot of confidence and we were outstanding during certain phases of the game. I had a distinct plan for Juventus and I believe it worked.” Heynckes was also delighted that his side managed to keep a clean sheet at the Allianz Arena last night. “It’s a fantastic achievement to not concede against an Italian team. The way we did it especially impressed me. “At times we witnessed football of a very high standard. We always controlled the game. It was an outstanding display against a team who are about to win Serie A again.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS D. Alaba (1′) Thomas Müller (63′) Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Attendance: 68000‎ Schweini: 'Bayern need another goal' Apr 2, 2013 Bastian Schweinsteiger believes Bayern Munich still “need to score a goal” in Turin to knock Juventus out of the Champions League. The Germans won the quarter-final first leg 2-0 this evening at the Allianz Arena. “It is a good result, because Juve played a very interesting formation which we don't face in the Bundesliga at all,” the midfielder told UEFA.com. “I think we did well with that and my feeling is telling me that we scored one goal too few. But it’s good that we did not concede, that was very important. “You know it will not be easy in Turin, in front of their own fans. They will put in a quite different performance. “We are in a very good position now, but have not achieved anything so far. We need to score a goal there, then we should be through.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS D. Alaba (1′) Thomas Müller (63′) Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Attendance: 68000‎ Rummenigge 'won't underestimate Juve' Apr 2, 2013 Bayern Munich Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insisted “Juventus are not to be underestimated” in the second leg. The Germans won the Champions League quarter-final first leg 2-0 at the Allianz Arena, putting them in a very strong position for qualification. “It was a great advantage that we took the lead after 25 seconds, then the team worked very hard and showed great quality,” Rummenigge told Sky Sport Italia. “Juve are not to be underestimated, so we are going to Turin very concentrated, as we’ll know they will try to give it their all. “We are very happy, but there is no euphoria within the club. We know this was the first of two important games, but also that we have a team capable of scoring away from home.” Antonio Conte argued Bayern were more determined than anyone else because they were so stunned by losing the Champions League Final in Munich last season. “Without doubt it hurt us to lose the Final at home, as that defeat against a beatable Chelsea side put the whole club in shock. There is hunger and desire to do well this season.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS D. Alaba (1′) Thomas Müller (63′) Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Attendance: 68000‎ Pirlo: 'Not happy with my performance' Apr 2, 2013 Andrea Pirlo admits “I am the first to say I’m not satisfied with my performance” after Juventus lost 2-0 to Bayern Munich. “Compliments to Bayern for showing their strength tonight, but there is also a second leg and we will prepare for that,” the midfielder told Sky Sport Italia. “When you prepare for such an important game and you go behind after 30 seconds, it certainly influences your approach. “However, throughout the 90 minutes Bayern showed their superiority. We hope to control the game in the second leg.” The Bianconeri gave the ball away numerous times in the Champions League quarter-final, particularly with Pirlo in the final third. “I am the first to say I’m not satisfied with my performance, as I made many mistakes in such an important match and it’s disappointing. We now have to analyse why we had so many misplaced passes. “Clearly we need something more in the second leg, as what we did tonight was not enough.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS D. Alaba (1′) Thomas Müller (63′) Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Attendance: 68000‎ Conte: 'Bayern were superior' Apr 2, 2013 Antonio Conte admits “Bayern Munich showed they were superior” after beating Juventus 2-0 and refused to criticise his players. “We certainly faced a very strong team and we didn’t need tonight to tell us that. Bayern are among the favourites for the trophy and in my view were very fired up after losing the Final last season on home turf,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia. “They are physically strong, have quality and great individuals. I cannot complain about what my players did tonight. “We have to be honest and say the better team won on the night. Seeing as we are coming back to playing at this level, it has to tell us how far away we are from the top teams in Europe. “We know football is unpredictable and it’ll be an incredibly difficult task to go through, but we take it as experience and try to improve where we need to improve. Mirko Vucinic was suffering from flu symptoms and was therefore not fit to start, but Conte denies this changed his plans. “We had prepared the game in the normal fashion. Inevitably you have to deal with the opponents and tonight Bayern were extremely physical and determined. Compliments to Bayern. “We have become competitive again in Italy, but need to keep working in order to improve on a continental level too.” Juve unusually misplaced many passes and gave the ball away repeatedly in the final third, but Conte would not blame anyone. “Bayern pressed us constantly and kept the tempo up, so we really struggled in the one-on-one due to their physicality too. I can’t get angry or point the finger at someone who could’ve given more this evening. In football you must be honest and admit tonight Bayern showed they were superior. “We have just started our process 16 months ago and being in a Champions League quarter-final makes us proud. It is another stepping stone on this journey we are on. “When we managed to keep possession, we caused Bayern problems, but we always missed the final ball or the change of direction. I think Bayern deserve much of the credit for that. “I have always said the Champions League is a dream for us and we’d follow it, but always aware there are teams at a more advanced level. Also, don’t forget they can pay millions for a single player, whereas we cannot compete on a financial level. “These games need to help us understand how much of a gap there is from us to the superpowers. I am very happy with my group of players for giving us unforgettable nights. We must prepare for the second leg, which will be very tough, but football can have surprises.”