Juventus Season 2013-2014

[Socrates 7964]

JUVENTUS - BENFICA

May 1, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)

Benfica pay Superga respects

May 1, 2014

A Benfica delegation have today paid tribute to those who lost their lives at the Superga air disaster.

The 65th anniversary of the tragedy is three days away, with all 31 people aboard the flight killed as the Torino team returned home from a match against the Portuguese side in 1949.

With Benfica in Turin for the second leg of their Europa League semi-final with Juventus, the club’s Vice-president Alcino Antonio and a group of other officials visited the memorial to the tragedy on Superga Hill.

Toro directors Antonio Comi and Alberto Barile were also present as a greeting and exchange of gifts took place between the two delegations.

“Grande Torino will continue to live with us,” Antonio said during a short speech.

[Socrates 7964]

JUVENTUS - BENFICA

May 1, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)

Line-ups: Juventus-Benfica

May 1, 2014

Juventus rely on Fernando Llorente, Carlos Tevez and Arturo Vidal to win tonight’s Europa League semi-final with Benfica.

It kicks off in Turin at 21.05 CET, as the Bianconeri need to overturn a 2-1 first leg deficit if they are to play the Final in their home stadium.

Tevez scored in Lisbon, his first European goal since 2009 when he was still at Manchester United, and he starts again tonight with Llorente.

Mirko Vucinic was used in the first leg, but has been returned to the bench in favour of the Spanish striker.

Arturo Vidal struggled with a knee injury recently, but he is in the starting XI alongside Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba.

Leonardo Bonucci was rested for Monday’s 3-1 win at Sassuolo, but starts today on his 27th birthday, while Martin Caceres steps in for Andrea Barzagli.

Benfica still have a series of injury problems to contend with, as Silvio and Lujbomir Fejsa are ruled out with Eduardo Salvio back on the bench.

Andre Gomes is a big loss, as he sits out a ban for a card he picked up in the first leg, but goalkeeper Artur is surprisingly benched.

Perez starts after Juve lodged a complaint with UEFA claiming he elbowed Giorgio Chiellini in the first leg.

Juve can look to history for reassurance, as the last time these clubs met in Europe was the UEFA Cup quarter-final in 1993.

Benfica won 2-1 at home, but lost 3-0 in the second leg and the Bianconeri went on to lift the trophy that season.

Juventus have a 100 per cent home record in Serie A this term and are unbeaten in 27 official games at this stadium, including 23 victories.

The Eagles also have previous, as they won the first leg of their Europa League semi-final 2-1 in 2010-11, but went out after losing 1-0 at SC Braga.

Benfica were the beaten Finalists a year ago, losing to Rafa Benitez’s Chelsea.


JUVENTUS: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente

Juventus bench: Storari, Barzagli, Marchisio, Padoin, Vucinic, Giovinco, Osvaldo


BENFICA: Oblak; Maxi Pereira, Luisao, Garay, Siqueira; Ruben Amorim, Perez; L Markovic, Rodrigo, Gaitan; Lima

Benfica bench: Artur, Jardel, Andre Almeida, Sulejmani, Ivan Cavaleiro, Oscar Cardozo, Salvio

[Socrates 7964]

JUVENTUS - BENFICA

May 1, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)

Marotta: 'Juve-Benfica is a Final'

May 1, 2014

Juventus general manager Beppe Marotta maintains the semi-final with Benfica is an early Europa League Final.

“I believe these two clubs are the favourites for the trophy, so it’s a shame the draw put us together in the semi-final,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

The other semi-final is an all-Spanish affair between Valencia and Sevilla.

“We haven’t got long to go in order to secure a third consecutive Scudetto, but are also becoming competitive in Europe again.
“We are here playing a semi-final for a trophy that might not be as important as the Champions League, but becomes more important when we consider the Final will be in our stadium.”

Atletico Madrid will play the Champions League Final against Real Madrid, so does this give hope to clubs who cannot spend €100m on a single player?

“I think the presence of Atletico is an exception. Every year we see in the semi-finals that at least three of them have huge revenue,” continued Marotta.

“If we take the last five years as an example, the same clubs tend to reach the final four. That means clubs with more money can certainly buy better players, but football is a sport and the richest side doesn’t always win.”

Marotta was asked whether he felt Carlos Tevez or Gonzalo Higuain deserved to be at the World Cup this summer.

“They are two excellent players who could easily represent Argentina at the World Cup, but Sabella has a tough job as there are many great forwards at his disposal.

“In terms of experience, character and history Tevez would deserve to be in the squad, but there appear to be some non-footballing issues that are keeping him out. He is certainly very bitter about this.”

[Socrates 7964]

JUVENTUS - BENFICA

May 1, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)

HT 0-0: Juve knock on Benfica door

May 1, 2014

Arturo Vidal was denied by a goalline clearance, as Juventus had the better of the first half, but it’s still 0-0 with Benfica.

In the other semi-final, Valencia are leading Sevilla 2-0, so it's 2-2 on aggregate.

The Bianconeri had to overturn a 2-1 first leg deficit if they were to play the Europa League Final on home turf. Arturo Vidal started despite a knee problem, but Martin Caceres came in for Andrea Barzagli. The Eagles missed Silvio and Lujbomir Fejsa with Eduardo Salvio only fit for the bench and Andre Gomes suspended. Ex-Roma goalkeeper Artur was dropped in favour of Jan Oblak.

Diego Armando Maradona was in the stands as a personal guest of Carlos Tevez, even though his representative claimed he would be supporting Benfica.

Benfica scored at the third minute in Lisbon and almost netted even earlier in Turin, as a long throw-in was flicked on for Rodrigo, whose shot was charged down from point-blank range by Stephan Lichtsteiner.

Leonardo Bonucci, on his 27th birthday, stood his ground for a great block on Rodrigo and Maxi Pereira did the same to stop Paul Pogba pulling the trigger moments later.

Fernando Llorente knocked down a Kwadwo Asamoah cross for Andrea Pirlo’s screamer, which was fingertipped over the bar. Vidal volleyed a Pirlo assist on to the roof of the net in an audacious finish.

An even more spectacular Tevez volley was just over from 12 yards, while Lichtsteiner drilled straight at Oblak when he should’ve passed on a counter.

Llorente didn’t get enough power on a shot from just inside the box, seeing it charged down, and as the move continued Vidal’s cushioned header skimmed the back post and Vidal.

Ruben Amorim performed a decisive tackle on Vidal and Pirlo blasted wide from distance. Pirlo curled in a free kick from just in front of the corner flag, but Bonucci’s glancing header skimmed the back post with Tevez sliding in.

A Tevez slide-rule pass sent Lichtsteiner through, but Oblak was smart to anticipate and smother at his feet.

In first half stoppages Juve thought they had scored, as Asamoah crossed for a Vidal diving header into the ground, but Luisao performed a decisive goalline clearance, turning it out from under the bar.


Juventus 0-0 Benfica (Half-Time, 1-2 agg)

Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente

Benfica: Oblak; Maxi Pereira, Luisao, Garay, Siqueira; Ruben Amorim, Perez; L Markovic, Rodrigo, Gaitan; Lima

Ref: Clattenburg (ENG)

[Socrates 7964]

JUVENTUS - BENFICA

May 1, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)

Juventus Stadium inspires Maradona

May 1, 2014

Diego Maradona is very impressed with the Juventus Stadium. “Napoli should have an arena like this.”

The Argentina legend is in the stands in Turin for tonight’s Europa League semi-final between Juve and Benfica.

Although he is there as a personal guest of Carlos Tevez, Maradona’s representative confirmed he’ll be cheering on Benfica.

“This is a real stadium, one that does honour to football and all of sport,” Maradona told news agency Ansa.

“Napoli should have an arena like this. They’d deserve it for their tradition and millions of fans. It would be magical for all of Naples.”

[Socrates 7964]

JUVENTUS 0 - 0 BENFICA
(Agg 1-2)

May 1, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)

Juventus 0-0 Benfica (Agg 1-2):
Ten-man Eagles hold out to reach
second successive final

Enzo Perez saw red for two yellow cards in the second half but
Jorge Jesus' resolute defence held out to dash the Bianconeri's dreams.

May 1, 2014

Benfica reached their second Europa League final in two years after a 0-0 draw away to Juventus in the second leg secured a 2-1 aggregate win.

The Italian champions needed just a goal to book their place in the final on home turf but were frustrated by a resolute Benfica defence, with Enzo Perez's red card for two bookings not enough to change their fortunes.

Dani Osvaldo had the ball in the net in the final 10 minutes but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside as Jorge Jesus' men, beaten finalists against Chelsea last year, were able to shut out Juve to book their place in the final, which will be held at the same venue on May 14.

Maxi Pereira was needed to shrug Paul Pogba off the ball inside the area after seven minutes, prior to Jan Oblak tipping a strike from Pirlo over the crossbar.

Oblak had returned to Benfica's team in place of Artur and the goalkeeper was given a scare by Vidal soon after. The Chilean, who shook off a knee injury to make Juventus' starting line-up, came close to opening the scoring, only for his lobbed effort to nestle on the roof of the net.

The visitors looked lively on the break but failed to test Gianluigi Buffon, while Tevez volleyed over at the other end before the half-hour mark.

Vidal then threatened with two headers, the second of which was cleared off the line by Luisao as Benfica retained their slender advantage heading into the interval.

Rodrigo fired over the first effort of the second half for the visitors before Pirlo's free kick forced Oblak into another smart save.

What could have been the turning point came 67 minutes in when Perez was shown a second yellow card for a late challenge on Vidal, yet Benfica held firm.

Stephan Lichtsteiner's control let him down when he evaded the Benfica backline and Osvaldo looked to have scored, only for the strike to be ruled out for offside following Pogba's cut-back, before tempers flared on the touchlines.

Unused Juve substitute Vucinic and Lazar Markovic, who had just been taken off by Benfica, were both sent off following a scuffle in the dugout.

Markovic and Perez are therefore set to miss the final against Sevilla, while Eduardo Salvio will also be suspended after picking up a harsh late booking for handball.

Benfica also lost defender Ezequiel Garay late on after he was caught in the head accidentally by a falling Pogba's boot, but the Portuguese champions held firm to seal their third cup final of the season and a shot at redemption after last year's disappointment in Amsterdam.

[Socrates 7964]

JUVENTUS 0 - 0 BENFICA
(Agg 1-2)

May 1, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)

EL: Benfica ruin Juve dream

May 1, 2014

Juventus won’t play the Europa League Final, as they dominated nine-man Benfica without finding the net.

The Final at the Juventus Stadium will be Benfica-Sevilla, as the Spaniards lost 3-1 in Valencia to go through on away goals.

The Bianconeri had to overturn a 2-1 first leg deficit if they were to play the Europa League Final on home turf. Arturo Vidal started despite a knee problem, but Martin Caceres came in for Andrea Barzagli. The Eagles missed Silvio and Lujbomir Fejsa with Eduardo Salvio only fit for the bench and Andre Gomes suspended. Ex-Roma goalkeeper Artur was dropped in favour of Jan Oblak.

Diego Armando Maradona was in the stands as a personal guest of Carlos Tevez, even though his representative claimed he would be supporting Benfica.

Benfica scored at the third minute in Lisbon and almost netted even earlier in Turin, as a long throw-in was flicked on for Ezequiel Rodrigo, whose shot was charged down from point-blank range by Stephan Lichtsteiner.

Leonardo Bonucci, on his 27th birthday, stood his ground for a great block on Rodrigo and Maxi Pereira did the same to stop Paul Pogba pulling the trigger moments later.

Fernando Llorente knocked down a Kwadwo Asamoah cross for Andrea Pirlo’s screamer, which was fingertipped over the bar. Vidal volleyed a Pirlo assist on to the roof of the net in an audacious finish.

An even more spectacular Tevez volley was just over from 12 yards, while Lichtsteiner drilled straight at Oblak when he should’ve passed on a counter.

Llorente didn’t get enough power on a shot from just inside the box, seeing it charged down, and as the move continued Vidal’s cushioned header skimmed the back post and Vidal.

Ruben Amorim performed a decisive tackle on Vidal and Pirlo blasted wide from distance. Pirlo curled in a free kick from just in front of the corner flag, but Bonucci’s glancing header skimmed the back post with Tevez sliding in.

A Tevez slide-rule pass sent Lichtsteiner through, but Oblak was smart to anticipate and smother at his feet.

In first half stoppages Juve thought they had scored, as Asamoah crossed for a Vidal diving header into the ground, but Luisao performed a decisive goalline clearance, turning it out from under the bar.

The second period kicked off under heavy rain and even hail. Juve risked going 3-1 down on aggregate after 50 minutes, as a poor clearance fell to Rodrigo and he blasted just over from 12 yards.

Gigi Buffon was furious when he smothered at Rodrigo’s feet and the striker followed through, earning a yellow card.

Pirlo went incredibly close on the hour mark, as his free kick rose and dipped viciously towards the near top corner, Oblak flapping it away. Llorente’s header was charged down, perhaps by a Lazar Markovic arm, and as the move continued Garay desperately cleared from Tevez.

Benfica went down to 10 men on 67 minutes, as Enzo Perez received a second yellow card for bringing down Vidal.

Tevez aimed a weak effort straight at Oblak, so Antonio Conte threw on Sebastian Giovinco for Bonucci, then Daniel Osvaldo and Claudio Marchisio too.

Lichtsteiner had the chance to win it when he sprung the offside trap to get on the end of a Pirlo chipped pass, but his first touch was awful.

Osvaldo had the ball in the net, but play was halted for Pogba’s offside position as he acrobatically volleyed a Marchisio cross back into the middle.

Conte furiously accused Markovic of time-wasting, as he wanted a stretcher before being replaced by Sulejmani. After another bout of gamesmanship, a brawl broke out on the touchline between Mirko Vucinic and Markovic, who were both sent off from the bench and will therefore be suspended.

There was a significant period of stoppages when Pogba landed on Garay’s face with studs at the end of an overhead kick, leaving him bloodied and needing a stretcher, so Benfica went down to nine men.

English referee Mark Clattenburg awarded six minutes of stoppages and Tevez blasted straight at Oblak and a Salvio handling offence gave Pirlo a last-gasp free kick. That deflected out for a corner, from which Buffon came up, but Caceres saw his header saved by some fantastic Oblak reflexes.


Juventus 0-0 Benfica (1-2 agg)

Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci (Giovinco 73), Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal (Marchisio 79), Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente (Osvaldo 79)

Benfica: Oblak; Maxi Pereira, Luisao, Garay, Siqueira; Ruben Amorim, Perez; L Markovic (Sulejmani 85), Rodrigo (Almeida 68), Gaitan (Salvio 76); Lima

Ref: Clattenburg (ENG)

Sent off: Perez 67 (B), Vucinic 89 (J, from the bench), Markovic 89 (J, from the bench)

[Socrates 7964]

JUVENTUS 0 - 0 BENFICA
(Agg 1-2)

May 1, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)

Stubborn Águias through
to Europa League final

May 1, 2014

Juventus could only draw 0-0 with Benfica in the second-leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday night at the Juventus Stadium.

With the first leg finishing 2-1 in favour of the Portuguese side, the result means the Bianconeri exit the competition and their Portuguese opponents go through to the final on May 14.

The away side started the game on the front foot and had an early penalty claim when the ball struck the arm of Leonardo Bonucci, from a Rodrigo shot, but the referee waved any protests away.

It took a while for Juve to get into the game and it Ferando Llorente played a Kwadwo Asamoah cross into the path of Andrea Pirlo whose excellent strike needed a fingertip save from Jan Oblak to tip it over the bar.

Moments later Juve saw two volleys, one from Arturo Vidal and the other from Carlos Tevez, go flying over the bar, before Stephan Lichtsteiner had a low shot saved by the goalkeeper.

With the half drawing to a close, Antonio Conte’s men continued to turn the screw with both Vidal and Bonucci putting headers inches wide of the target, while Pirlo had another effort go off target.

Then, just before the break Asamoah sent in a cross to the back post with Vidal waiting, his header into the ground bounced up and looked to be on its way in, but Luisao cleared it off the line.

In the second period, the first real chance went to Rodrigo who, unmarked, on the Bianconeri penalty spot could only balloon the ball over the bar. However, after that scare Juve began to assert themselves on the game.

Benfica were dangerous on the counter-attack and Lazar Markovic sent Rodrigo through on goal, but an alert Gianluigi Buffon was able to smother following a poor first touch by the midfielder.

Pirlo then almost broke the deadlock with a free kick, but a great save from
Oblak was needed to keep it out, before Markovic then performed a fantastic late block on a goal bound Vidal shot.

Jorge Jesus’ men then found themselves down to ten men just after the hour mark when Perez collected his second yellow card of the game.

Tevez then sailed through the Benfica defence before firing into the hands of Oblak, who then initiated counter but the away side couldn’t find the killer pass in the final third.

With the clock running down Pirlo sent in a brilliant ball over the top of the defence to an onrushing and unmarked Lichtsteiner, but the Swiss fullback was unable to control the ball and it bounced out for a goal kick.

Seconds later Juve did have the ball in the back of the net through Pablo Osvaldo, but it was ruled out as Paul Pogba was in an offside position when the move started.

Juventus were getting frustrated with perceived play acting from the Benfica side and after one incident Mirko Vucinic and Markovic, who were both not on the pitch, were issued with red cards for an altercation between both benches.

Ezequiel Garay was then taken off after all three substitutions had been made, thus leaving Benfica with nine men for the final moments of the game, but the home side couldn’t find the breakthrough.

[Socrates 7964]

JUVENTUS 0 - 0 BENFICA
(Agg 1-2)

May 1, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)

Benfica hold Juventus to 0-0 draw
to secure aggregate win and final place

Ten-man Benfica held Juventus to a goalless draw on Thursday evening
to progress to the Europa League final for a second consecutive year.

May 1, 2014

The Portuguese champions carried a 2-1 lead into the game in Turin and held on with Juve's best chance coming late in the first half.

Benfica defender Luisao made a goal-line clearance from Arturo Vidal's header with the visiting goalkeeper Jan Oblak already beaten.

The Portuguese champions had midfielder Enzo Perez sent off for a double booking with 23 minutes remaining but defended deeply to hold on.

Benfica will meet Sevilla in the final on May 14 at the Juventus stadium, the venue of tonight's game.

Juve coach Antonio Conte fielded Carlos Tevez, who ended his five-year European goal drought against Benfica last week, alongside Fernando Llorente in attack.

The hosts made a purposeful start as they looked to overturn their first-leg deficit and Andrea Pirlo's shot forced an early save from Oblak.

The Serie A leaders continued to press forward and in the 20th minute, Vidal's right-footed volley went just over the crossbar.

At the other end, Benfica's Maxi Pereira drilled a right-footed shot from 30 yards that went off target.

Juve twice had the chance to go in front before the interval but Leonardo Bonucci's header went just wide while soon after, Vidal's goal-bound attempt was cleared by Luisao.

The visitors created a good chance early in the second half when the ball fell to Rodrigo in the heart of the area and his right-footed shot went over the bar.

On the hour mark, Pirlo warmed the hands of Oblak with a powerful free-kick which the keeper saved.

Juve, who had not reached the final of the competition since 1995, brought in Daniel Osvaldo and Claudio Marchisio with 12 minutes remaining.

Osvaldo then had a goal disallowed for offside shortly after.

With their European dreams fading, Juve piled forward in the closing stages.

Oblak made a great save from Martin Caceres' header as Benfica denied Juve the chance to reach the final that will be played at their own ground.

[Socrates 7964]

JUVENTUS 0 - 0 BENFICA
(Agg 1-2)

May 1, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)

Juventus vs. Benfica:
5 Things We Learned

May 1, 2014

Benfica wrapped up their domestic title almost two weeks ago and are now back in the Europa League final.

They came out and defended. They had to know that a 0-0 draw was enough, and it was. Benfica and Juventus finished the second leg of this Europa League semi-final scoreless, and Benfica advanced 2-1 on aggregate.

It was desperate football, but it was smart, too. Benfica never looked like they were scrambling. When Benfica lost players, they only looked stronger.

The final was supposed to be a celebration for Juventus. It is in Torino under two weeks from now, but Juventus will not be playing at home.

Here are a few things to consider from a wild night.


No Goals from the Juventus Strikers

For a moment, the whole stadium went mad. Dani Osvaldo scored in the 80th minute, but it was offside.

That was the closet Juventus would come to the one and only goal that would have won them the game and the tie.

Only twice in this Europa League campaign has a striker scored for Juventus. Carlos Tevez has scored just once in 12 games in European competition all season, Fernando Llorente just twice.

For all their goalscoring exploits in Serie A—they have 34 goals combined in the Italian league, tied for the most of any partnership—it is Tevez and Llorente who ultimately failed the Bianconeri in Europe. They just weren’t there when Juventus needed them.


Vidal Makes His Return

Arturo Vidal started his first match in three weeks and stormed the pitch early. He is a midfielder who enjoys a good run forward, and against Benfica he kept on attacking.

It is clear that Juventus missed his presence in the intervening days. They play with much more balance with him; he is their equilibrium.

It is all the running he does, all the ground he covers, that is irreplaceable. Vidal was forced to rest his injured knee and saw only limited playing time in the match against Sassuolo on Monday.

But he could not last the 90 minutes and slowly faded away from the game.


Juventus Fail to Take Chances

They kept on building to a crescendo, but it never came. They created a lot of danger—Vidal’s header at the end of the first half was only saved off the line by the defender Luisao—and they kept surging forward. They managed 54 dangerous attacks, according to UEFA.com, but only two were of high quality.

Juventus tried to break down Benfica, who were playing well behind the ball. However, the Bianconeri were mostly limited to speculative shots from outside the box.

Juventus have struggled to score routinely in these last few months of the season, usually a maximum of a goal or two per game. Despite all their chances—they attempted 19 shots to Benfica’s four, according to WhoScored.com—Juventus lacked that killer edge.


Benfica Potentially Lose Three Players

There was nothing left to give. Benfica finished the match with nine men, and they may lose up to three players for the final.

Enzo Perez was sent off early in the second half, while Lazar Markovic was red-carded after being subbed off.

Eduardo Salvio handled the ball late and gave up a free-kick, earning himself one yellow card too many. He too will miss the final.

Then at the end it was Ezequiel Garay who was carried off the field. He took a nasty hit to the face from Paul Pogba, who landed on the 27-year-old defender with his studs.


Young Slovenian Calm in Net for Benfica

Jan Oblak had played just twice before in the Europa League, but he replaced Artur Moraes in goal at Juventus Stadium and did a fine job.

Threats were coming every way. Andrea Pirlo even took a fair few shots from afar. But the 21-year-old goalkeeper was sharp and steady. When the shots came at him, he gobbled up the ball. No fuss.

He simply did not give out a bad rebound. He parried away a stinging free-kick from Pirlo and was cool even after Benfica went down to 10 men.

Oblak now has 19 clean sheets in 23 games this season.

[Socrates 7964]

JUVENTUS 0 - 0 BENFICA
(Agg 1-2)

May 1, 2014 - 9:05 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)

Player Ratings

The Portuguese champions held out despite pressure from Antonio Conte's team
as the visitors finished with ten men and both side had players on the bench sent off.

May 1, 2014

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon - Had very little to do but was off his line quickly to deny Rodrigo in the second half. Kept a clean sheet but missed out on a first Europa League final.

Martín Cáceres - Miscontrolled on far too many occasions and Benfica almost capitalised. Passing wasn't always accurate but he almost won it with a powerful late header that Oblak kept out.

Leonardo Bonucci - Attempted to keep the hosts moving forward but his passes were largely aimless. Replaced in the second half as the hosts chased the game.

Giorgio Chiellini - Got across to make a number of key challenges and was the pick of the Juventus players. Won headers at both ends of the pitch.

Stephan Lichtsteiner - Spent more time arguing with the referee than on the ball and wasted the hosts' best chance as he totally fluffed his lines from Marchisio's cross to the back post.

Paul Pogba - Showed off an array of his flicks and tricks as well as combining well on the left-hand side with Asamoah. Never really got a sight of goal to test Oblak.

Andrea Pirlo - Couldn't stamp his authority on the game as he would have liked as he was tightly marked. Set-piece delivery was poor but the odd cross from open play did find its target and he tested Oblak from distance once or twice.

Arturo Vidal - A constant threat in the Benfica box as he went close three times in the first half. Faded in the second period as his fitness issues caught up with him.

Kwadwo Asamoah - Put in some good crosses from the left but was kept quiet by Markovic. Booked in the second half after an accumulation of previous fouls.

Carlos Tévez - Got in some good positions but his shots on goal were either off target or straight at the goalkeeper. Still looked the most likely to break the deadlock.

Fernando Llorente - Marked out of the game by Luisao he wasn't strong enough in the air and failed to hold the ball up enough to bring others into the game.


Substitutions

Claudio Marchisio - Brought on for Vidal and put a couple of good crosses into the box.

Mirko Vučinić - Didn't make it onto the pitch but was still sent off for an altercation on the touchline with Markovic.

Sebastian Giovinco - Buzzed about after replacing Bonucci but his only effort on goal flew into the stands behind.

Pablo Daniel Osvaldo - Thought he had won it when he volleyed in after Pogba's knockdown but saw his celebrations cut short by an offside flag.

Benfica

Jan Oblak - Made some fine saves as he kept his 19th clean sheet in just 23 Benfica appearances. A superb stop from Caceres in injury time saw his side through to the final.

Maxi Pereira - His long throws caused problems early on but he was soon forced into defensive duty for much of the night. Allowed Asamoah too much space at times but made a crucial challenge on Pogba in the first half.

Luisao - A rock at the back as he won his battle with Llorente with relative ease and made a number of crucial interventions. Got back well to nod Vidal's first-half header over the bar with Oblak beaten.

Ezequiel Garay - Formed a solid partnership with Luisao and made a number of superb clearances under pressure. A miraculous overhead kick denied Tevez before he was stretchered off in injury time with a nasty cut to his face.

Guilherme Siqueira - Contained Lichtsteiner well and only really came under pressure when Vidal or Pirlo popped up on the right. Carried the ball out of defence well in the second period.

Ruben Amorim - Protected the visiting defence well with a number of tackles in and around the box. Tasked with marking Vidal, he kept the Chilean quiet in terms of creating chances for others.

Enzo Nicolás Pérez - Strong in the tackle but got himself needlessly sent off midway through the second half after two silly challenges from behind in quick succession.

Lazar Marković - Worked tirelessly on the left-hand side as he got back to keep Asamoah quiet as well as carrying the ball forward when he got the chance. Will miss the final after spoiling a good night by getting involved with Vucinic on the touchline.

Rodrigo - Wasted a good chance early on before firing over the top when well-positioned just after the break. Replaced after Perez's sending off.

Osvaldo Nicolás Fabián Gaitán - Not as involved as Jesus would have liked but showed flashes of what he is about. Eventually replaced late on as Benfica looked to close the game out.

Lima - Left to plough a lone furrow up front and was feeding on scraps for much of the 90 minutes. In the end his first-leg goal settled the tie.


Substitutions

Toto Salvio - Brought on to sure up midfield but his only impact of note saw him harshly booked for handball and he will now miss the final through suspension.

André Almeida - Made a number of key challenges after he replaced Rodrigo following Perez's red card.

Miralem Sulejmani - Replaced Gaitan for the final five minutes.

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Conte fumes at Benfica 'time wasting'

Jorge Jesus' men battled to a 2-1 aggregate win with a goalless stalemate in Turin,
but his counterpart is unhappy at the way his side crashed out of Europe.

May 1, 2014

Juventus boss Antonio Conte fumed that Benfica's "time wasting" allowed them to reach the Europa League final at his side's expense on Thursday.

The Bianconeri were held to a 0-0 draw in the semi-final second leg, meaning that Jorge Jesus' team progressed having won the opener 2-1 in Lisbon, despite seeing Enzo Perez sent off before Ezequiel Garay's late injury saw them go down to nine men having used up all three substitutions.

Conte was upset with the officiating in the match and believes Juve - who will miss out on the chance to play in the Europa League showpiece at their own ground - were the more worthy finalists.

"We reached for the dream, but we could not make it happen," he told Mediaset Premium. "Benfica were extremely obtrusive and the referee allowed it. This affected us.

"There were only 40 minutes of actual play, and the average is around 60 minutes. There were continuous stops to the game and time wasting, especially in the second half.

"Benfica showed all of their experience, they've been doing this in Europe for a long time and this evening they showed they were able to handle it.

"We deserved much more but this is football. We must keep our heads up, my boys put in all of their effort. Now we will focus on Serie A, on Monday we can conquer our third consecutive Scudetto.

"We gave everything, I did not like the obstructive attitude of the opponent and the referee who allowed it to happen."

Benfica will face Sevilla, who defeated Valencia in dramatic fashion on away goals, in the final on May 14.

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Siqueira: 'Benfica deserved it'

May 1, 2014

Guilherme Siqueira insisted Benfica “more than deserved” to knock Juventus out of the Europa League semi-final.

He spoke to Sky Sport Italia after the 0-0 draw in Turin and was asked about reports of a brawl in the tunnel.

“When I arrived it was all over. It’s normal there is some tension in these games, but I didn’t see anything. The losing team have something to say, that’s to be expected.

“Benfica know our strengths, we try to defend strong and then go on the counter with four or five players. What we did in Lisbon gave us the confidence to come here and play.

“Juve are a spectacular side, but Benfica were warriors tonight and this qualification was more than deserved.”

The Eagles will play Sevilla in the Final at the Juventus Stadium on May 14, hoping to make up for their defeat to Chelsea last season.

“We don’t think about the past, as what happened last season helped the team to prepare for the future. We won the title in Portugal and now have three Finals.”

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Conte: 'Benfica don't deserve Final'

May 1, 2014

Antonio Conte complained about the referee and Benfica time-wasting. “The team that least deserved it went through.”

The Coach spoke to Sky Sport Italia after a 0-0 Europa League semi-final, which sent the Portuguese through thanks to their 2-1 first leg win.

“What didn’t work was that we didn’t get that incident going our way. It’s a shame, as these games are right on the limit, Benfica obstructed us at every turn and the referee allowed them to do it.

“He gave six minutes of stoppages when we were already three in without playing, so it took us for a ride,” said Conte of English referee Mark Clattenburg.

“It’s a shame, as with two shots on target over two legs Benfica went through. Over the two games Juventus certainly deserved to go through.

“I think Juventus gave all they had. It is an exciting, but also very exhausting season, because for the first time we’ve reached the final stages of European competition.

“I don’t think we saw a team struggling to stay on its feet tonight. They ran from the first to the 95th minute. It was a strong performance, we didn’t get the lucky moment we needed to change the game, so in that sense Benfica were more fortunate.

“It was a real pity, as in the first leg there was a red card and penalty for the elbow on Chiellini, while tonight there was an obvious penalty not given. The team that least deserved it went through.

“You just have to look at the statistics. Benfica had two shots on target over two legs. That was it. They have international experience and showed it tonight, as down to 10 men they stopped us playing and I am truly disappointed the referee allowed them to get away with that.”

The Europa League Final will be at the Juventus Stadium on May 14 between Sevilla and Benfica.

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Jorge Jesus: 'Benfica were better'

May 1, 2014

Jorge Jesus insists Benfica “reached the Europa League Final because we played better than Juventus in both legs.”

The 2-1 first leg victory proved decisive, as it ended 0-0 in Turin and sent them through to face Sevilla on May 14.

“Benfica earned the Final because we played better in both legs, better than Juve in Lisbon and Turin. Juve are a good team, but defensively Benfica played very well,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“We had the advantage from the first leg and controlled all their movements in the second leg. We deserved to reach the Final because we were better than Juve.”

Benfica went down to 10 men at the 67th minute when Enzo Perez was sent off, then Nicolas Garay was stretchered away in stoppages.

“I thought it wasn’t easy to make up for these situations with Juve attacking, but we knew that we had to stay calm and our players maintained their heads. I think Benfica gave a masterclass on how to defend and it’s not easy with nine men on the field against Osvaldo, Tevez and Llorente.”

Antonio Conte claimed there was a clear penalty for a handling offence on Fernando Llorente’s header.

“I don’t think it was a penalty. In Lisbon they complained about the referee there too.”

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Bonucci: 'Benfica didn't play'

May 1, 2014

Leonardo Bonucci had his birthday ruined and the Juventus defender said Benfica “didn’t come here to play.”

The centre-back turned 27 today, but was left in tears at the final whistle after a 0-0 draw sent Benfica to the Europa League Final 2-1 on aggregate.

“I had dreamed of a different birthday. Tonight it was confirmed that in this sport the best team doesn’t always win,” Bonucci told Sky Sport Italia.
“Benfica thought only about the first leg result, they didn’t come here to play and only tried to obstruct us.

“Of course now we have to turn over a new leaf, look forward with positivity and try to win our third consecutive Scudetto. We leave the Europa League with our heads held high.”

Juve failed to find the net even against nine men, so could they have done more?

“We didn’t create as many chances as usual, but there were three or four occasions where we were very close. Don’t forget Luisao performed a goalline clearance, as that was going in.

“Benfica had seven men in defence and in the end details make the difference. We made too many mistakes in Lisbon, both in attack and defence, so if that had ended differently then we might’ve been celebrating tonight.

“There is certainly disappointment, as we knew the Final was within our grasp. Over two legs we proved that we played better, but Benfica came here determined not to concede a goal, one way or another.

“It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but once we absorb this we have to learn from the experience and look forward.”

Juventus can celebrate the Scudetto on Monday evening with a win over Atalanta.

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Chiellini: 'Benfica have character'

May 1, 2014

Giorgio Chiellini confessed to Juventus regrets, but complimented Benfica on their defensive display.

“There are regrets, as over two legs they had two shots on goal and went through. We created so much and didn’t qualify,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

The first leg was 2-1 in Lisbon and the Eagles held on to it for a 0-0 in Turin this evening.

“Benfica reach the Final, but to be honest I feel that we deserved it more. We could’ve made more of the last 10 minutes, but deserved to be ahead long before then.

“You pay for incidents and we weren’t sharp enough going forward or defending. In the end, the result in Lisbon proved decisive.

“They had great character to sit behind the ball for 90 minutes and block everything off, so we have to compliment Benfica on their performance.

“However, with all due respect, we should be in the Final.”

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Benfica better than Juventus - Jesus

The 59-year-old shrugged off Antonio Conte's criticisms after Thursday's
0-0 draw in Turin, hailing his defenders' "masterclass" on the night.

May 2, 2014

Jorge Jesus believes Benfica proved themselves to be better than Juventus as they reached the Europa League final on Thursday.

The Portuguese champions held Juventus to a 0-0 draw in the second leg of their semi-final tie in Turin, adding to their 2-1 win last week to see them through to the final for the second campaign in a row.

After losing to Chelsea in last season's decider, Benfica have another chance to claim silverware when they face Sevilla in the final at Juventus Stadium on May 14 and Jesus was adamant that his players deserved to progress more than the Bianconeri.

"Benfica earned the final because we played better in both legs, better than Juve in Lisbon and Turin," Jesus told Sky Sport Italia.

"Juve are a good team, but defensively Benfica played very well.

"We had the advantage from the first leg and controlled all their movements in the second leg. We deserved to reach the final because we were better than Juve."

Despite the absence of goals, there was still plenty of action in Italy as three players were sent off during the clash.

Benfica's Argentine midfielder Enzo Perez was the first to go on 67 minutes after his second bookable offence, ruling him out of the final.

Jesus will also be without Serbian striker Lazar Markovic, who was sent off during the closing stages following a touchline altercation with Juventus substitute Mirko Vucinic, who also received his marching orders despite not being on the pitch.

"I thought it wasn't easy to make up for these situations with Juve attacking, but we knew that we had to stay calm and our players maintained their heads," Jesus added.

"I think Benfica gave a masterclass on how to defend and it's not easy with nine men on the field against Pablo Osvaldo, Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente."

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Juventus deserved to reach
Europa League final, says Chiellini

The Italy international believes the Serie A champions were unfortunate
to crash out at the penultimate hurdle and has conceded the defeat is a huge blow.

May 2, 2014

Giorgio Chiellini has voiced his disappointment with Juventus' failure to reach the Europa League final at the expense of Benfica and believes they were unfortunate not to progress.

The Serie A champions were held to a scoreless draw in Thursday's second-leg at the Juventus Stadium after a 2-1 defeat in Lisbon last week, yet the defender feels Juventus did enough to make it through.

"It’s disappointing because we deserved to reach the final out there," Chiellini told the official Juventus website.

“It’s hard to take because the result doesn’t reflect our performance. We were missing a slice of luck in both legs.

"I think we played two great games in this tie but we were punished by individual moments.

"The final was one of our aims, so it’s a shame to miss out."

Benfica meet Sevilla in the Europa League final at the Juventus Stadium on May 14.

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Llorente fears Juventus hangover

The striker is keen to ensure the Bianconeri don't allow
their European troubles to affect them in Serie A on Monday.

May 2, 2014

Fernando Llorente says Juventus can ill afford to dwell on their Europa League heartbreak as they close in on another Serie A title.

The Turin giants were eliminated by Benfica following a 2-1 aggregate defeat at the semi-final stage, after a goalless second leg on Thursday, meaning they missed out on a home final against Sevilla.

Juve must now turn their attention to Monday's Serie A clash at home to Atalanta, when they could already have the title wrapped up if second-placed Roma fail to beat Catania on Saturday.

Even if Rudia Garcia's side do secure all three points at the bottom-of-the-table side, Antonio Conte's men can finish off the job by beating the Bergamo outfit, but Llorente will not be taking anything for granted.

"We need to pick ourselves up straight away, we've got an extremely important game ahead of us on Monday," he told Juventus TV. "It's not an easy league, many teams have caused us problems, but so far we've done really well.

"Atalanta won't be an easy game. We need to try and put in a top performance and get back amongst the goals."

Llorente has scored four goals in his last four league appearances, but was unable to fire them into the Europa League final.

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Initial reaction and random observations

May 2, 2014

Talk about a missed opportunity.

Juventus dominated the possession. Juventus dominated the scoring chances. Juventus got to play nearly two-thirds of the second half with a man advantage after Enzo Pérez was shown a second yellow card. Heck, they were even playing up two after Ezequiel Garay got a Paul Pogba boot right in the face.

They just could get the one thing they needed the most.

No goals, no extra home game in the Europa League final in two weeks. Juventus needed a goal, but after nearly 100 minutes on Thursday night, they never got it. They had plenty of chances to do so, they just couldn't finish a single shot to put the aggregate score on level terms and therefore have the chance to make it to the final in their very own stadium.

A lot of chances. But not one found the back of the net.

Were Juventus the better side over two legs? Yeah, I feel pretty safe in saying they were. It's not like Benfica were totally terrible, though. They're in the Europa League final for the second straight season. They're a team, much like Juventus, that shouldn't be in the Europa League to begin with. Benfica are good, really good. It's not like they don't deserve to be in the final, as much as Antonio Conte might disagree with that statement.

But when it mattered most, Juventus didn't do the most important thing they needed to on Thursday night. They needed a goal and didn't get it. That's that.

We can shout about tactics, we can shout about formations all we want. When push came to shove, though, Juventus were set up as they usually are, created more than enough scoring opportunities, and didn't make Benfica pay.

I'm a simple kind of guy and that's my simple explanation.


Random thoughts and observations

• /grumble

• There's a whole lot of Antonio Conte-related rage on the interwebs right now. It's not exactly that hard to find it. Just go ahead search for it. Is it deserved? Maybe some of it. He's the manager and Juve had aspirations of playing the Europa League final in their own stadium, so of course he is going to hear about it — good or bad. He's a very good manager, but not the perfect manager. He's still learning how to compete on the European stage just like a lot of other people are with his kind of experience level.

Just remember this: This is Conte's second year as a manager in Europe. He's already conquered Italy (almost) three times over, but obviously doing things on the bigger, European stage aren't coming as quickly as domestically.

• With that said, Conte blasting referee Mark Clattenberg and saying Benfica didn't deserve to go through right after the final whistle might not have been the right way to go about things when looking back on how things went. I can understand he's got emotions running high after such a crazy game, but that probably wasn't the best thing to do right out of the shoot.

• We might not be here if Luisao didn't have a goal-line clearance in the second half. Like I said, the chances were there...

• We might not be here if Stephan Lichtsteiner was able to control that Claudio Marchisio cross and put something on target.

• Nineteen total shots, seven on goals. So many chances. So many chances.

• I do hope this result serves as a realization that Juventus need something more to truly compete on the European stage. Signing somebody like Carlos Tévez was a really good first step, but Juve aren't the total package just yet. They were the trendy sleeper to do things in the Champions League, then became the overwhelming favorites to win the Europa League. But they need more. And as great as it is to be the top dog in Italy the past three years, Juve can't settle for just that.

• On a positive note because all of this other stuff can be considered doom and gloom at this point: It was really nice to see Paul Pogba doing Paul Pogba things again.

• Mirko Vucinic getting sent off without playing a second is quite...interesting.

• So, do we still think Juventus didn't care about the Europa League?

• One request: Just go out and throttle Atalanta on Monday night. I can't think of a better way to kick off a Scudetto party in front of the Juventus Stadium crowd.

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Benfica defeat will help
Juventus grow

May 2, 2014

They may have suffered a defeat, but Juventus have every reason to be proud of its Europa League semifinal loss to Benfica. Proud of giving it absolutely everything they had, for showing great character and determination and most important for laughing in the face of every Italian Football cliche. Attacking and positive in every sense of the word, Juventus tried until the final moment to score their goal but failed against Benfica’s dogged defence. Congratulations to the Portuguese for reaching the Europa League final vs. Sevilla on May 14.

Benfica, who have suffered disappointment by missing out on many trophies in the final minutes of last season, have learned their lesson. Their game plan well executed and their chances were well taken, but nothing has been more impressive than their defence. They tightened lines, pressed effectively and ran relentlessly to close down every offensive movement. Defence wins you trophies and Jorge Jesus is simply another coach proving the motto.

It takes three things to win European trophies: defensive steel, efficiency and most important, luck. The defence has sadly let Juventus down in Europe, both in this competition and in the Champions League. We can easily blame that fateful and somewhat unjust night in Istanbul when they lost to Galatasaray or on the wasted chances against Copenhagen, but Juventus lost their place in the prestigious competition when they allowed Galatasaray to equalise in the 88th minute in Turin just one minute after the Italians thought they had won the important match thanks to a Fabio Quagliarella goal.

In Portugal, they suffered the same problem. Working so hard to score the away goal, their good work was wasted when they allowed Lima the room to score a belter and grab the win that forced them into a pressure situation tonight. Benfica had only three shots on target in the two games and yet managed two goals. However, this is football and each match, whether lost or won gives a team the opportunity to learn. These experiences help to grow a team, to help them conceive new ideas and to improve the mentality of those not yet accustomed to this level, and that includes coach Antonio Conte.

Attacking wise, they have much to learn. Pressure robs the Turin giants of clarity and forces them into imprecise and poorly constructed plays. They are still prone to forcing their forward movements, of pushing forward with no clear idea of what to do next. How many times have we seen that chip over the top or the hopeful cross into the box with no recipient earmarked. They attempt to run past too many defenders whilst they turn to their physical edge when frustration takes its toll. They lack the composure necessary for this level and that will come in time. They must learn to calm down, look up and use their minds to unlock a situation. The right decision is not always made and that must be addressed.

Not making the most of their chances has long been Juve’s weakness and whilst one can blame the tactics on occasion, we have to also acknowledge the lack of varied skill within the side. Conte is right to demand certain players so that he has options. That includes players that allow for different tactics and a change in formation as well as players that can resolve certain situations. These include dribblers who possess pace, strikers that make intelligent runs and creative players who ease the pressure of Andrea Pirlo to offer alternatives.

However you can never discount luck. Juventus were unlucky in Istanbul and again tonight, but luck is on Benfica’s side this year. The Portuguese had the experience, the desire and necessary dose of good fortune to reach their second consecutive Europa League final. It’s unfortunate for Juventus, but football is cyclical and luck can either desert you or stand right beside you in nervy moments.

Lady luck abandoned Italy in the 2002 World Cup and as if remorseful, she sought out the Azzurri in 2006. She came through in that match against Australia and Marcello Lippi’s squad will never forget the joy of lifting that coveted trophy in Germany. She looked down upon Chelsea that fateful night in 2009, allowing Barcelona to steal the show but repaid the London boys when she awarded them an iron goal frame that saw so many thunderous Barca shots bounce off it in 2012. She guided them along to their first ever Champions League trophy. Juventus hardly suffered the same bad luck this season, but they deserved more and it’s only a matter of time before they will celebrate their next achievement.

The final note belongs to Conte. There is absolutely no shame in exiting the competition as Juventus did tonight, against experienced and determined opponents. The blog has often criticised him for his perceived snobbery but tonight he played his best team, attempted every change he could to encourage more but lost. Tonight they were just not enough. To try and to lose shows courage and slowly it will come together as they learn from their mistakes.

Tonight he made his fans proud -- proud to have a coach who is truly attempting to raise his boys into footballing heroes. We expect more because we always expect more, it’s part of Juve’s DNA. To be pleased with defeat is to surrender to mediocrity thus criticism is vital for their development and his ideas going forward. Under his guiding hand and bottle throwing tantrums, one has no doubt the Bianconeri will grow into a formidable team that will have their say in Europe and for that, Turin and Italy are grateful.

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‘Juve must improve in Europe’

May 2, 2014

Former Juventus player Mark Iuliano believes the Old Lady must concentrate on performing better in Europe in the future.

Antonio Conte’s side exited the Europa League at the semi-final stage last night, having failed to break down Portuguese champions Benfica.

Despite feeling that the Bianconeri were hard done by in their 2-1 aggregate defeat, the 40-year-old now expects the club to have a clear plan moving forward.

“If you consider both legs, home and away, Juventus did show they were stronger than Benfica,” Iuliano said to CalcioNews24.

“But you need to applaud Benfica and say well done. They defended well and they managed to go through without even scoring.

“The first leg result turned out to be very damaging. I am sorry both for my old team and for the Italian League’s UEFA ranking, which is going down. It is a shame.

“They had a lot of chances to get into the final, but they also need to think about improving now.

“I’m talking about on a European level. Domestically Juventus have dominated.

“I think that the Juve board of directors and Coach have a clear idea of what to do. From next season the players will have more experience in Europe, which has come from this year.

“In the transfer market they need to strengthen in terms of numbers. Maybe at this stage of the season some of the players are tired because they have been starting matches so often.”

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Juventus vs. Benfica: Lessons to Be
Learned for Antonio Conte's Men

May 2, 2014

The idea of playing in a European final in their own stadium had further motivated Juventus, determined to lift the trophy in familiar surroundings and deliver some long-overdue continental silverware. Not since their Champions League triumph in 1996 had they managed such a feat, despite finishing as runners-up three times in the intervening years.

While they will lament their elimination at the hands of Benfica, the thought that 2013-14 has been anything other than a success for the Bianconeri is almost laughable. Roma need to take all three points against Catania on Sunday to prevent the Turin giants from winning the league title, and even if they do they will only be prolonging Juventus' inevitable league triumph.

Victory over Atalanta on Monday will secure the Serie A crown, Juve lifting it for a third consecutive time, a feat they have only managed once in their history. That was way back in the 1930s, meaning Antonio Conte will have already achieved something neither Giovanni Trapattoni nor Marcello Lippi managed during their trophy-laden years with the club.

With three matches remaining, Juventus are also just five points short of setting a new record on the peninsula, aiming to top the 97 won by Roberto Mancini’s Inter in 2006-07. The team has continued to evolve under the current coach, the players available to him now vastly improved from his first season in charge.

Supporters and observers demand and expect La Madama to contest the latter stages of European football’s elite competition, but it must be remembered that this is only his third year in the job. Even more important is that it is only the second campaign of his career where he has needed to balance domestic and continental obligations.

That Conte has followed last season’s Champions League quarter final exit with a European semi-final this time around shows he too is improving. Questions remain over his choice of formation, with the 3-5-2 decried as unsuited to facing the differing styles across Europe, yet it is hard to blame the shape of the team for Thursday night’s 0-0 draw.

His post-match press conference was littered with complaints, but Conte did make one extremely salient point after the final whistle. “They have international experience and showed it tonight,” he told reporters (h/t Football Italia), a nod to the fact Benfica finished runners-up in this competition last season.

Juventus will enter next season with similar insight into what is required of them at the highest level, and they will rightly be expected to contend much longer in the Champions League. This year’s group-stage exit was—no matter the circumstances—hugely disappointing, with this all-conquering side expected to exert similar dominance outside of Italy.

To do so they may yet need one more big-name signing, with the idea of a pacey attacking player such as Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez perhaps at the forefront of that thinking. That would allow the coach to vary his tactics, finding gaps even against a team as resolute as Benfica were here in Turin.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Jeremy Menez has also been linked with the club, according to Football Italia, while their co-ownership in Sassuolo starlet Domenico Berardi hints at the club management seeing the need for that same type of player. Delivering one (or even two) of those should be Beppe Marotta’s main priority this summer, with the squad clearly strong in almost every other area.

They will also benefit from having their star forward enjoying a summer off, with Argentina continuing to ignore the claims of Carlos Tevez for a place in Brazil this summer. The No. 10 has been a revelation in his first season with the club, weighing in with 21 goals and eight assists in all competitions.

Strike partner Fernando Llorente struggled in the early part of the season, taking until November to earn a regular place in the Juventus side. But he has flourished since, adding 15 goals of his own and forming and excellent tandem with Tevez, which bodes well for next season.

Their Europa League exit may have been disappointing, but the experience, combined with having Tevez and Llorente together and another attacking option to come, should make 2014-15 year to remember for Juventus.

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Juventus Hard Done by Fate,
Referees in Fall to Benfica

May 2, 2014

Football is a game of inches. That was evident throughout the second leg of Thursday's Europa League semifinal between Juventus and Benfica.

Had Kwadwo Asamoah's cross in the first minute of first-half stoppage time been six inches farther ahead of Arturo Vidal, the Chilean could have powered his header past Jan Oblak instead of craning his neck to bounce it into the ground and see Luisao desperately clear the ball off the line. Three minutes earlier, a flick on from an Andrea Pirlo free-kick evaded Carlos Tevez's boot by the slightest of gaps. Pirlo's swerving 30-yard free-kick just after the hour just didn't knuckle enough to get by Oblak. Martin Caceres' header from a last-gasp corner was just too close to the Slovenian keeper to get by.

Most glaringly, Stephan Lichtsteiner's mishandling of a ball from Claudio Marchisio in the 80th minute when it looked easier to score could have changed the game and sent Juve to the final.

Yes, fate was a fickle lover for the Old Lady of Italian football Thursday night. The Bianconeri controlled the game and played like lions, but even at 10 and then nine men, Benfica could not be broken. If a team has to go out at this stage, that is the way fans want to see it.

There was, however, one element that did not live up to the quality of the game: the officiating.

I am not one who normally squeals about being hard-done by the officials. Having officiated sports games myself as a baseball umpire, I understand how difficult it is to do these things, especially at the highest levels of a fast-paced sport. But the way Mark Clattenburg handled Thursday's match was dreadful.

The Englishman is one of the more respected officials in the English Premier League, but he and his crew missed at least three legitimate penalty appeals from the hosts. The first came early in the first half after Paul Pogba was brought down in the box with the defender nowhere near the ball. The next two came on the same play, when Fernando Llorente was undercut while going up for a header and a Benfica defender handled the ensuing deflection.

Of course, judgement calls can always be criticized with the benefits of hindsight and six replay angles. One gets angry but eventually can forgive.

But Clattenburg's inability to deal with Benfica's time-wasting, especially in the late stages of the game, cannot be forgiven. He started chastising Oblak for slow play early in the game but did nothing substantial to speed things up when the Portuguese side began moving at a walking pace.

By the end of 90 minutes, it was taking 20 to 30 seconds for Benfica players to take throw-ins. Lazar Markovic took the better part of two minutes late on to be helped off the field by the training staff, but he was obviously sprightly enough to get into a fight with Mirko Vucinic on the touchline less than three minutes after he was withdrawn.

The only trick Benfica didn't pull was the shameful faked injury Brazilian defender Erika was guilty of in the 2011 Women's World Cup against the United States.

By the time Clattenburg was done sorting out the touchline fracas between Vucinic and Markovic and the legitimate injury suffered by Ezequiel Garay, it's arguable that at least 10 minutes should have been added to the game. The initial number on the board was six—a number likely sent in before so much time was lost due to those incidents—but to stop at eight was still not going far enough.

Simply put, his management of Benfica's blatant time-wasting and his subsequent management of stoppage time were, at best, subpar.

Clattenburg's performance was not the reason Juve did not go through to the final, but it certainly did not help—especially when Arturo Vidal could easily have stepped up to the spot more than once. His future European appointments should be selected with care—and maybe shouldn't be at such advanced stages.

In the end, heartbreaking as it was for Juve's fans, their team couldn't break Benfica down in either leg and paid for it. The team can now build for next year's European campaigns and hope to finally break through in the last phase of their post-Calciopoli rebuild—and fans will hope that they are much happier.