Socrates 7971 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 130798 messaggi Inviato June 3, 2017 JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID FINAL Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CETMillennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales) Referee: Felix Brych (Germany) Sport: 'Forza Juve!' http://www.football-italia.net/103569/sport-forza-juve Jun 2, 2017 Catalan newspaper Sport is actively cheering on Juventus against Real Madrid in tomorrow’s Champions League Final. The front page of tomorrow’s edition has the Italian term: ‘Forza, Juve!’ as its main headline. “The Italian team continues to build its dreams going into the Champions League Final. “Allegri gives the title of favourites to a Real Madrid side that is looking for its 12thedition.” This front page follows on from complaints that a Catalan television station aired an advert for the big game which seemed to back Juve for the victory. Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 7971 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 130798 messaggi Inviato June 3, 2017 JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID FINAL Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CETMillennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales) Referee: Felix Brych (Germany) CL: Juventus run to the Final http://www.football-italia.net/103578/cl-juventus-run-final Jun 3, 2017 Juventus face Real Madrid in the Champions League Final tonight, as they look to win the trophy for the first time since 1996. The Bianconeri are in their second Final in three years, having been beaten by Barcelona in Berlin two years ago. Ahead of the match, we look back at the run the Old Lady took to the Final. Group Stage Massimiliano Allegri’s side were handed a tough group, drawn against Sevilla, Lyon and Dinamo Zagreb in Group H. The first matchday brought a 0-0 with the Spaniards in Turin, before a comfortable 4-0 win in Croatia. Matchday Three saw a trip to face Lyon in France, and things looked back for the Bianconeri when Mario Lemina was sent-off after 54 minutes. Gianluigi Buffon was forced into a series of saves, but Juan Cuadrado’s wonder strike after 74 minutes secured all three points. The return game saw the Turin giants frustrated though, Corentin Tolisso securing a 1-1 draw after Gonzalo Higuain’s early penalty. That left Juve needing a win in Seville to leave their fate in their own hands, but Nicolas Pareja scored in the ninth-minute to put the hosts ahead. The Andalusians were dominant, but Franco Vazquez was dismissed for a second booking on 36 minutes. Claudio Marchisio equalised with a penalty on the stroke of half-time, and late goals from Leonardo Bonucci and Mario Mandzukic secured the Old Lady’s place in the Last 16. A routine 2-0 win over Dinamo in the final game assured top spot. Last 16 Juventus were drawn against Porto in the Last 16, and the Liga Nos side shot themselves in the foot in both games. At the Estadio Dragao, former Inter full-back Alex Telles was sent-off for two bookings in 72 seconds. The Bianconeri were dominant in possession but labouring, until two quick goals from Marko Pjaca and Dani Alves put them firmly in the driving seat in the tie. Any hopes the Portuguese side may have had of overturning the result in Turin were dashed just before half-time, as Maxi Pereira deliberately blocked Gonzalo Higuain’s goal-bound shot with his hand and was sent-off. Paulo Dybala stepped-up to give the Italian champions a 3-0 aggregate win. Quarter-Finals The Last Eight brought a tough tie against Barcelona, who had come back from 4-0 down to beat Paris Saint-Germain in the previous round. A Paulo Dybala masterclass gave Allegri’s men a 3-0 win in the first leg, with the Argentine hitting brace and Giorgio Chiellini scoring a header from a corner. After what had happened in the previous round, Barça held out hope of a comeback at Camp Nou, but a brilliant defensive display from Juve meant Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar couldn’t find a way through and it ended goalless. Semi-Finals Free-scoring Monaco awaited in the semis, with the Ligue 1 side having scored 12 times in the previous two rounds as they beat Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund. They couldn’t find their way past the BBC at Stade Louis II though, with Higuain scoring twice either side of half-time. Goals from Mandzukic and a Dani Alves stunner put the tie to bed in Turin, before Kylian Mbappé’s late consolation, which was just the third goal Juve had conceded in the tournament. The Old Lady will look to complete the job tonight against the holders, who they lost to in the 1998 final. Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 7971 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 130798 messaggi Inviato June 3, 2017 JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID FINAL Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CETMillennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales) Referee: Felix Brych (Germany) All for one The Champions League Final is when we must all put petty club rivalry aside and cheer on the Italian team, writes Susy Campanale. http://www.football-italia.net/103579/all-one Jun 3, 2017 Tonight’s the night. Juventus take on Real Madrid to decide who lifts the Champions League trophy in Cardiff. The world is watching and suddenly club rivalry feels very small. At least it should, but some still feel this need to drag everything down into the pettiest of details. This isn’t just Juve who is playing. The team is representing Italian football in its entirety. We want to see the Bianconeri emerge triumphant because it would silence some of those remaining naysayers who think Calcio is boring, defensive and not competitive on a grand scale. It would prove that Italian teams have progressed beyond the old cliché of Catenaccio and show some of their most important players also make their mark for the Azzurri: Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Claudio Marchisio. I know we’ve already come so far, because I actually remember the night before the 2003 Champions League semi-final. British channel ITV showed a trailer for the game with all the various Galacticos – not a single Bianconeri player – and as a final insult, the fixture read REAL MADRID in huge letters, Juventus much smaller. All of us who love Serie A should want, indeed demand, equal billing. Neutrals will get a chance to see two great teams go head-to-head and many of them won’t have seen much Italian football. This is an advert for the League we defend against the usual snide comments from friends, co-workers and idiots on Twitter. Do you really hate Juventus that much to wish a defeat in those circumstances? Let’s not forget, dear fans of Roma, Napoli, Inter, Milan and the rest who have their ‘Hala Madrid’ flags at the ready, this is an opportunity to prove you’re miles behind the best team in Europe. Surely that’s better than being utterly dominated over the last six Serie A seasons by a side that isn’t even that good? It’s not a good reflection on you otherwise, is it? They say Serie A is not competitive, that Juventus have absolutely no decent challengers for the title. If the Bianconeri lose the Champions League Final, it’ll suggest that theory is correct. Nobody wants that, do they? It’d also be a wonderful boost for the Nazionale ahead of September’s decisive World Cup qualifier in Spain. The Spanish hegemony in European football is coming to an end, both at club level and internationally. Juventus beating Real Madrid would give Italy the confidence to fight it out for a great result and first place in that group – automatic qualification. Like it or not, Juventus will be representing all the fans of Serie A in Cardiff. Next year you might be able to cheer on your own side in Europe – well, in two years if you support Inter or Fiorentina – but for now, this is all we’ve got. So suck it up and say Forza Juve! Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 7971 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 130798 messaggi Inviato June 3, 2017 JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID FINAL Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CETMillennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales) Referee: Felix Brych (Germany) JUVENTUS VS REAL MADRID PREVIEW: PROBABLE LINEUPS, PREDICTION, TACTICS AND KEY STATS | UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE http://www.thehardtackle.com/round-up/2017/06/03/juventus-vs-real-madrid- preview-probable-lineups-prediction-tactics-and-key-stats-uefa-champions-league/ Jun 3, 2017 Juventus and Real Madrid are set to take the field in Cardiff on Saturday with the eyes on the glorious UEFA Champions League trophy. Italian football has somewhat taken a backseat, of sorts, in recent times, with several giants like AC Milan and Inter Milan not being able to stamp their authority in Europe. However, Juventus have been carrying the mantle alone in the Champions League, impressing everyone with their structure. Real Madrid, on the other hand, have seen their local rivals surge towards the top and challenge them in Europe as well. However, Los Blancos have also taken it up a notch, with this being the third UEFA Champions League final in four years. Juventus should win this to boost the hopes of a glittering Italian club football in the future while Real Madrid can create history on the night by becoming the first side to defend the Champions League crown – a feat that would not have been possible without Zinedine Zidane. Only one team, though, will be able to leave Cardiff as champions on the night as we take a closer look at the fixture. Team News & Tactics Juventus Massimiliano Allegri has almost the whole squad at his disposal with Marko Pjaca the only casualty prior to the game. The back four of Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini are perhaps the best in world football right now and have been at the top for at least the last half-decade, if not more. There will be added emotion to the pressure of Champions League final as Sami Khedira squares up against his former club while Dani Alves aims to add another feather to his already beautifully concocted cap while he is unlikely to forget the rivalry he had with the players on the other side during his time at Barcelona. Allegri is likely to stick with the Brazilian duo of Dani Alves and Alex Sandro on either flank, who have been indestructible every time they take to the field. The onus will be though, on the front three of Mandzukic, Dybala and Higuain, who will also be going up against his former club on Saturday. Even though Juventus usually play compact football, the game is likely to be an open one with Real Madrid trying to carve out chances and pushing high while Juventus aim to hit their opponent on counters and release their front three to do the damage. Probable Lineup ( 3-4-3 ): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Alves, Pjanic, Khedira, Sandro; Dybala, Higuain, Mandzukic Real Madrid Zinedine Zidane, too, does not have much selection headaches going into the final. The major point for Los Blancos in the lead-up to the game was the fitness of Gareth Bale, who himself has admitted that he is far from 100% and is likely to find a place on the bench for Saturday. However, this is unlikely to come as a relief for Juventus, with Isco taking up the mantle and the Spaniard has been nothing short of magical in the last few matches for Real. Isco’s presence in the lineup will push Cristiano Ronaldo upfront to partner Karim Benzema. The Portuguese icon has shown that despite not being the regular threat he was, his finishing ability makes him a predator who can change games in the blink of an eye – the evidence in point being the hat-tricks against Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich. It will be interesting to see though, as to what effect Casemiro is able to have on the match. The player has become a vital cog in Zidane’s side and will be crucial once again as he mops up the passes while providing Modric and Kroos the license to venture forward. Probable Lineup ( 4-3-1-2 ): Navas; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Isco; Ronaldo, Benzema Key Stats 1. Gianluigi Buffon is yet to add a single Champions League to his glittering career and a triumph on Saturday could complete his trophy cabinet. 2. There has been at least 2 goals in each of the last six matches played between the two sides. 3. Cristiano Ronaldo looks ominous, with as many as eight goals in his last four Champions League fixtures this season. The Portuguese enigma also has a potent record against Juventus, with 5 goals and an assist in 4 appearances against the Italian giants in the elite competition. 4. Juventus have never trailed in the knockout phase of the present Champions League campaign while Real Madrid have conceded the lead in five matches out of six. Los Blancos, though, have scored in every Champions league match this season. 5. The present campaign has been the most productive Champions League campaign for Gonzalo Higuain, with 5 goals so far. Player to Watch Gianluigi Buffon Game face ON! (Picture Courtesy – AFP/Getty Images) The Juventus stopper is widely regarded as a legend and the only major triumph left to add to his trophy cabinet, which also includes the World Cup, is the Champions League. The veteran has a chance to alleviate the statistic on Saturday and is likely to be forced into action multiple times, given the quality of oppositions’ attack. Buffon has conceded just once in the knockout phase up until now and with the able support of the trio of Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini, the Italian will have to produce another magical performance to lead his side to the Champions League trophy. Prediction Juventus 2 – 1 Real Madrid While Real Madrid may be favourites going into the match, no side has been able to defend the Champions League crown and it is likely to remain the same. Real Madrid will surely push on to etch their name in the history books. The unstoppable force meets the immovable object – sounds cliche, right? Well it is the case in point in the Champions League final and we are tipping the immovable object to derail the unstoppable force, only narrowly. Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 7971 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 130798 messaggi Inviato June 3, 2017 JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID FINAL Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CETMillennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales) Referee: Felix Brych (Germany) Spanish papers cheer on Juventus http://www.football-italia.net/103581/spanish-papers-cheer-juventus Jun 3, 2017 While Marca play on the Juventus Champions League motto ‘It’s Time’ for their Real Madrid cover, Mundo Deportivo and Sport openly cheer on the Bianconeri. The Champions League Final kicks off tonight in Cardiff at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT). Click over to our sister site Football-Espana.net for a full rundown of the Spanish sports headlines in English. The Spanish newspapers have taken a mixed approach to the showdown, as the Madrid-based media back the Merengues to make it their 12th European Cup trophy, whereas the Catalan papers have no qualms about supporting Juve. Mundo Deportivo try to at least balance it out by assuring they are there for one of their ex-stars, noting: ‘Forza Alves’ Sport, on the other hand, make no secret that they are cheering on the Bianconeri and the front page declares: ‘Forza Juve!’ As claim they can ‘intimidate Juve with a photo that contains 17 Champions League winners’ in Cardiff. Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 7971 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 130798 messaggi Inviato June 3, 2017 JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID FINAL Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CETMillennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales) Referee: Felix Brych (Germany) Juventus-Real Madrid penalty takers http://www.football-italia.net/103583/juventus-real-madrid-penalty-takers Jun 3, 2017 If Juventus and Real Madrid go to penalties in tonight’s Champions League Final, who would take a spot-kick? The showdown is at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT). If the result is not decided by the end of 90 minutes or extra time, then it’ll go to a penalty shoot-out. Italian media predict Juventus would certainly call upon Paulo Dybala, Miralem Pjanic and Leonardo Bonucci, who after all converted a spot-kick in Italy’s Euro 2016 quarter-final against Germany. Sami Khedira and Dani Alves are also expected to take on the responsibility, as Gonzalo Higuain has a very bad history with decisive penalties at club and international level. As for Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Luka Modric are guarantees from the spot. Should Gareth Bale feature by that stage, then he’d take one, but otherwise Marcelo and Sergio Ramos are options. Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 7971 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 130798 messaggi Inviato June 3, 2017 JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID FINAL Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CETMillennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales) Referee: Felix Brych (Germany) Pirlo: 'Expect Juve victory' http://www.football-italia.net/103585/pirlo-expect-juve-victory Jun 3, 2017 Andrea Pirlo “expected nothing other than” Juventus winning the Champions League against Real Madrid and helping Gigi Buffon get the Ballon d’Or. His final match in a Bianconeri jersey was the 3-1 Final defeat to Barcelona in 2015, followed by his transfer to New York City FC. “What to say? We’re here: Juve-Real, the Champions League Final,” wrote Pirlo in La Stampa newspaper. “I say ‘we’ because – even if this time I won’t be on the pitch – I will be your Number One Fan. Today I play in New York, so I’ll watch once the game has started, but between keeping an eye on my phone and running home, I won’t miss it. “Every now and then I think back to that night two years ago in Berlin, because when you lose a Final, it comes back into your thoughts and you’d love to play it again. Unfortunately for me, I can’t do that, but I am happy for them. “And I am happy for Gigi: he’s been waiting a lifetime to lift this Cup. I hope he wins it, after coming so close at other times. I say this as a friend and a former teammate, someone who knows him well – he deserves it. This is the only thing he’s missing. “I read that he could win the Ballon d’Or: he hasn’t surprised me, not even in this extraordinary season. Because when he truly believes in something, and has that objective in his head, he’ll do anything to reach it. “Similarly, I was not surprised by Juve, even if it’s not easy to win everything, as I knew this season they were targeting the Champions League. I expected nothing other than this. “I remember in December, when I went back to Turin and had dinner with Gigi, chatting also to other ex-teammates, they were convinced they had a great squad and could go all the way. “There was that confidence and hunger, which I too have known. A Final is not yet the end and Real are a great team: there’s reason to fear, but that’s true of all opponents at this level. “If Juve face this test the way they know how, they’ve got a big chance of winning. At the end of the day, this season they never got it wrong in the games that matter. “I know that in July you will come to play round these parts and I’ll go visit. I’d happily say hello to the Cup.” Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 7971 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 130798 messaggi Inviato June 3, 2017 JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID FINAL Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CETMillennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales) Referee: Felix Brych (Germany) The stats that show Buffon is Juventus's key man against Real Madrid The defensive strength of the Italian champions has been integral to their run to the showpiece, with the 39-year-old immaculate for them in goal http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/7118/opta/2017/06/03/36064132/- Jun 3, 2017 Gianluigi Buffon goes into Saturday’s clash against Real Madrid looking to win his first Champions League crown. The Juventus goalkeeper has won every other major prize the game has to offer and will be the player the Italians look to inspire them to glory in the European decider in Cardiff. The 39-year-old has enjoyed another stellar campaign and his importance has been especially evident on European nights when Juve’s defence has looked impregnable at times. While he works behind a world-class back line, much of Juve’s formidable defensive record is due to their goalkeeper, as the Opta's xG model demonstrates. This measures how likely a particular shot is to be scored based on distance to the goal, angle to the goal, assist type, whether or not it was headed and a variety of other factors. This assigns an xG value between 0 and 1 that reflects how likely the shot is to be scored. So, for example, 0.3 xG means a shot will typically be scored 30% of the time. The overriding team statistic to note is that Juventus' xG Against figure, the number that shows how many goals they would expect to have conceded at this juncture, is a little short of 11, yet they have conceded just three. That difference of eight is a big margin, as highlighted by Real Madrid’s numbers. Their xG Against total is also smaller than the actual figure, but only by a factor of less than two. Further highlighting the abilities of Max Allegri’s defence is the xG statistic, which shows how strong each side is offensively by calculating how many goals they can expect to score in a game. Of the teams that reached the last 16 stage, Juve were ranked 12th with 1.41, nearly a whole goal down on Madrid, who were fourth with 2.22. The Italian champions, therefore, have to shine at the back to make up for the shortfall and conceded just 0.91 xG per game – the second-lowest tally. It is, however, the Keeping Goals Prevented (kGP) statistic that really highlights Buffon’s contribution to the cause. This figure looks at the quality of the on target shots that a goalkeeper faces and compares that to the goals he’s conceded. kGP uses Opta’s Expected Goals On Target (xGOT) model – which takes into account the xG value of the shot and its angle and placement within the goalmouth. The veteran has prevented nearly six goals in the Champions League already this season and ranks first among goalkeepers in this competition in that regard. On the other hand, Keylor Navas, who will start for Madrid, is rated 20th. If Zinedine Zidane, the boss of the reigning champions, is looking for a route to break his former side then he may target set pieces, which is an area in which Los Blancos have been strong this season. They have scored 0.61 goals per game from dead balls - joint highest in Europe with Monaco - and a solid xG figure in this regard appears more sustainable than Juve’s xG Against tally. As a result, this could be their best hope. All they need to do now, is get past Buffon. Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 7971 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 130798 messaggi Inviato June 3, 2017 JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID FINAL Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CETMillennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales) Referee: Felix Brych (Germany) Alves: Juve have been promised Ferraris for Champions League win! The Italian side face Real Madrid in the final in Cardiff on Saturday and the Brazilian claims they have been promised a reward for victory http://www.goal.com/en/news/1716/champions-league/2017/06/03/36065812/- Jun 3, 2017 Dani Alves has joked that Juventus players have been promised a Ferrari each if they defeat Real Madrid in the Champions League final on Saturday evening. The Italian side will face Zinedine Zidane’s men in the showpiece game in Cardiff, having vanquished Monaco in the semi-finals. Juve are well-known for their defensive solidity, and that has been aided by Alves’ stoic performances at right-back, while he has also chipped in with three goals at the other end. And the Brazil star – formerly of Real’s bitter rivals Barcelona – has claimed that the club’s president has promised him and his team-mates a brand new supercar each if they emerge victorious. “The only additional motivation is that the president [Andrea Agnelli] has promised us a Ferrari," he told reporters. "I hope the president will keep his word." Juve last won the Champions League in 1996. Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 7971 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 130798 messaggi Inviato June 3, 2017 JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID FINAL Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CETMillennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales) Referee: Felix Brych (Germany) Lippi: 'It's time for Juventus' http://www.football-italia.net/103599/lippi-its-time-juventus Jun 3, 2017 Marcello Lippi assures this Juventus side “have the credentials to win the Champions League” tonight. “Attack is all Real Madrid have.” The Final kicks off in Cardiff at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) and they’re hoping to be the first Bianconeri players to lift this trophy since Lippi’s men in 1996. “In Berlin in 2015, Juve were coming off the reconstruction of their squad,” Lippi told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “They had won the Scudetto and then reached the Final, so it seemed almost a fluke. Instead over the last two years there has been planned growth amplified by absolute conviction in their own strength. “One mustn’t underestimate the self-belief that comes with winning six consecutive Serie A titles, a simply exceptional result. “After losing the Final 3-1 to Barcelona, they realised that it was important to improve the technical quality in the squad, so they brought in champions like Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala and the experience of Sami Khedira. “I think this time we can safely say that Juventus have the credentials to win the Champions League. This season they put three goals past Barcelona and did not concede any, which was an extraordinary achievement. “Juventus have reached the level of belief, strength and ability to win the Champions League.” Lippi’s Bianconeri beat Ajax on penalties in 1996 after a 1-1 draw in Rome. You can look back on the previous Juventus European Cup Finals here. “I think Allegri has already shown he doesn’t need advice from anyone, as he has shown extraordinary wisdom in leading Juventus. It’s true that Real Madrid have exceptional attacking qualities, as did Barcelona, but that’s all they’ve got. “Real Madrid don’t know how to defend and they always allow their opponents plenty of chances. I will also add that no team in the world can boast the defensive quality that Juventus have, but now in addition to that, they also have good forwards. “Real Madrid will certainly cause problems for Juventus with such talent in attack, but I am also just as sure that Juve will cause many issues for the Madrid defence. We’ll see which of the two teams comes out on top.” Lippi was asked who will be the decisive figure in Cardiff this evening. “It’s easy to say Higuain, Cristiano Ronaldo, Toni Kroos or Paulo Dybala, but the big clashes are often decided not by the main actors, but those who do their work behind the scenes. I am thinking of a Khedira change of pace, a sudden movement that slices the opposition defence in two.” The Champions League is the one major trophy that Buffon has yet to add to his career and it’s rumoured a victory could make him the favourite for the Ballon d’Or. “I am very fond of Buffon and we speak often,” continued Lippi. “I consider him to be world class and not just as a player. At the age of 39, he’s still the best in the world. He’s world class in his playing, the way he communicates through the media, as he always knows how to say the right thing at the right time. “He never tries to dodge a question and always gives his opinion on any issue. He’s an extraordinary guy. I really hope that Juventus win the Champions League for many reasons, but above all because it could be the right time for Buffon to take the Ballon d’Or. “He deserves it, for spending his whole life as a champion.” Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 7971 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 130798 messaggi Inviato June 3, 2017 JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID FINAL Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CETMillennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales) Referee: Felix Brych (Germany) Capello: 'I'm cheering on Juve' http://www.football-italia.net/103601/capello-im-cheering-juve Jun 3, 2017 Fabio Capello had success at both Juventus and Real Madrid, but admits he’s “cheering on” the Italians in the Champions League Final. It kicks off in Cardiff at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) this evening. “I am cheering on Juventus tonight,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia. “In truth, I ought to be torn 50-50, but there’s the Italian flag in there too and that swings it. I support the Italian team.” Capello was on the Bianconeri bench from 2004-06 and won two Serie A titles, even if they were later revoked in the Calciopoli scandal. He also won La Liga during his one season at Real Madrid in 2006-07, which was his final club position before the England and Russia national teams. “Keylor Navas has grown so much as a goalkeeper recently and often rescued the result for Real Madrid this season. He plays almost as a sweeper and can see in advance what is going to happen. “Sergio Ramos is difficult to mark on corners, because he moves based on the various blocks, while Cristiano Ronaldo has to be watched before the ball. He always anticipates the movement when scoring a goal.” Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 7971 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 130798 messaggi Inviato June 3, 2017 JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID FINAL Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CETMillennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales) Referee: Felix Brych (Germany) CL Final: Kean and Bale on bench http://www.football-italia.net/103597/cl-final-kean-and-bale-bench Jun 3, 2017 17-year-old Moise Kean is expected to get a spot on the Juventus bench in the Champions League Final against Real Madrid tonight, while Isco gets the nod ahead of Gareth Bale. The Final kicks off in Cardiff at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT). Max Allegri’s starting XI seems to be set, with Andrea Barzagli acting as right-back/third defender in a mutating system that depends on how Real Madrid attack down the flanks. Juan Cuadrado will be on the bench and Dani Alves moved into a more advanced role, Alex Sandro mirroring him on the left. According to Calciomercato.it, there is a surprise on the touchline, as 17-year-old striker Kean should be given one of those precious seven spots. With Stefano Sturaro, Marko Pjaca and Daniele Rugani injured, this means sending Mario Lemina and Kwadwo Asamoah into the stands. Kean is effectively the only remaining attacking option, as Allegri changed system in January so he could use all his forwards simultaneously. Born in February 2000, he became the first man of the new Millennium to play in Serie A and the Champions League, also scoring against Bologna last weekend. Others on the bench ought to be goalkeeper Neto, defenders Medhi Benatia and Stephan Lichtsteiner, plus midfielders Claudio Marchisio and Tomas Rincon. As for Real Madrid, the only real concern here for Zinedine Zidane regards hometown boy Bale, who would love to play the Champions League Final in Cardiff, but has been out for several weeks with a calf strain. By his own admission, Bale is not 100 per cent fit, so Spanish sources claim Isco will get the nod in attack alongside Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo. Alvaro Morata will be on the bench and eager to make a difference against his former teammates. Juventus (probable): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Dani Alves, Pjanic, Khedira, Alex Sandro; Dybala, Higuain, Mandzukic Juventus bench: Neto, Benatia, Lichtsteiner, Marchisio, Rincon, Cuadrado, Kean Real Madrid (probable): Keylor; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Isco; Benzema, Ronaldo Real Madrid bench: Casilla, Danilo, Nacho, Kovacic, Bale, Asensio, Morata Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 7971 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 130798 messaggi Inviato June 3, 2017 JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID FINAL Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CETMillennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales) Referee: Felix Brych (Germany) Final Line-Ups: Juventus-Real Madrid http://www.football-italia.net/103609/final-line-ups-juventus-real-madrid Jun 3, 2017 Juventus start Andrea Barzagli and Dani Alves, while Real Madrid don’t risk not 100 per cent fit Gareth Bale in the Champions League Final. It kicks off in Cardiff at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT). The Bianconeri seek history with their first ever Treble, having lost their last four Champions League Finals since beating Ajax on penalties in 1996. Zinedine Zidane wants Madrid to become the first club to retain the trophy in its current format, since Arrigo Sacchi’s Milan in 1989-90. Max Allegri has Andrea Barzagli acting as right-back/third defender in a mutating system that depends on how Real Madrid attack down the flanks. Juan Cuadrado is on the bench and Dani Alves moved into a more advanced role, Alex Sandro mirroring him on the left. As for Real Madrid, the only real concern for Zidane was around hometown boy Bale, who is desperate to play the Champions League Final in Cardiff, but has been out since April 23 with a calf strain. He has made only 10 competitive appearances for his club in 2017 due to a variety of injury setbacks, so despite reports to the contrary, he is on the bench in favour of Isco. The strikers are Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo, but James Rodriguez is not even on the bench. Alvaro Morata will be eager to make a difference against his former teammates as a substitute. Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Dani Alves, Pjanic, Khedira, Alex Sandro; Dybala, Higuain, Mandzukic Juventus bench: Neto, Benatia, Lichtsteiner, Marchisio, Asamoah, Cuadrado, Lemina Real Madrid: Keylor Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Isco; Benzema, Ronaldo Real Madrid bench: Casilla, Danilo, Nacho, Kovacic, Bale, Asensio, Morata Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 7971 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 130798 messaggi Inviato June 3, 2017 JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID FINAL Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CETMillennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales) Referee: Felix Brych (Germany) HT 1-1: Unbelievable Mandzukic! http://www.football-italia.net/103612/ht-unbelievable-mandzukic Jun 3, 2017 A truly extraordinary Mario Mandzukic bicycle-kick cancelled out Cristiano Ronaldo’s opener, as Juventus hold Real Madrid at half-time in the Champions League Final. The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff hosted the Champions League Final, as Juve were looking to complete the Treble and win the first edition since 1996, having lost their last four Finals. Dani Alves (on his 100th Champions League appearance) and Andrea Barzagli started in a shifting 4-2-3-1 that moved into 3-4-3, while Gareth Bale was not fully fit after a calf strain, so Isco partnered Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo. Real Madrid wanted to be the first club to retain the trophy since it moved to the Champions League format. In their previous meetings, there were eight wins each and two draws, including the 1998 Final decided by an offside Predrag Mijatovic goal. The Bianconeri had the more aggressive start, both Gonzalo Higuain and Miralem Pjanic testing Keylor Navas from outside the box, the Bosnian forcing his low one-handed save at the near bottom corner in the opening seven minutes. However, it was Real Madrid who scored against the run of play with their first attempt. Cristiano Ronaldo surged forward, completed a give-and-go with Dani Carvajal on the right and his low drive from the edge of the area took a decisive deflection off Leonardo Bonucci to go beyond Gigi Buffon into the far bottom corner. The Ballon d’Or winner became the first player to score in three different Champions League Finals. However, Juve got back on level terms with perhaps the best goal ever seen in the Final. Alex Sandro’s cross was knocked on by Higuain, Mandzukic chested it down from 14 yards out and hit an astounding overhead kick that looped into the far top corner. It was simply unstoppable and extraordinary from the Croatia international. Cristiano Ronaldo turned his diving header well wide from a good position and the Pjanic volley was charged down, but Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal went into the book in the first half. Juventus 1-1 Real Madrid (Half-Time) Cristiano Ronaldo 20 (RM), Mandzukic 27 (J) Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Pjanic, Khedira; Dani Alves, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain Real Madrid: Keylor Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Isco; Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo Ref: Brych (GER) Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 7971 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 130798 messaggi Inviato June 4, 2017 JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID 1-4 Cristiano Ronaldo 20' Mario Mandzukic 27' Casemiro 61' Cristiano Ronaldo 64' Marco Asensio 90' FINAL Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CETMillennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales) Referee: Felix Brych (Germany) Juventus 1 Real Madrid 4: Ronaldo double seals historic Champions League triumph Real Madrid won a record 12th Champions League/European Cup trophy courtesy of Cristiano Ronaldo's double against Juventus. http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-real-madrid/2443330/report Jun 3, 2017 Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid defeated 10-man Juventus 4-1 in Cardiff to retain their Champions League crown. Madrid became the first team in the Champions League era to successfully defend the trophy with their sixth triumph in the competition - and 12th when you include it in its former guise of the European Cup - three of those victories coming in the last four years. A thrilling first half saw Ronaldo put Madrid ahead, becoming the first player to score in three different Champions League finals in the process. Mario Mandzukic equalised for Juventus with a spectacular overhead kick that will live long in the memory. But Madrid dominated the second half as Juve collapsed, Casemiro scoring with the help of a huge deflection before Ronaldo made sure of the victory from close-range, ensuring he finishes above Lionel Messi as the competition's top scorer this season. Any hopes of a Juventus comeback were ended when substitute Juan Cuadrado was sent off 18 minutes after coming on, the winger receiving a second yellow card for a clash with Sergio Ramos, before Madrid substitute Marco Asensio put the icing on the cake in the last minute. Having also secured LaLiga glory, the win seals a famous double for Zinedine Zidane in his first full season at the helm, with Madrid the first side since AC Milan in 1990 to win back-to-back European crowns. Juventus, who had been seeking a treble after winning Serie A and the Coppa Italia, have now lost five straight finals since last tasting continental success back in 1996, including two of the last three, having also lost to Barcelona in Berlin two years ago. View image on Twitter Follow OptaJoe ✔@OptaJoe 600 – Cristiano Ronaldo has scored his 600th goal in all competitions for club and country. Legendary. 10:11 PM - 3 Jun 2017 2,7532,753 Retweets 1,7881,788 likes Twitter Ads info and privacy Former Madrid star Gonzalo Higuain tested Keylor Navas early on with a 25-yard drive, before the goalkeeper had to make a terrific one-handed save to keep out a powerful Miralem Pjanic strike from a similar distance. It was Madrid, though, who opened the scoring after 20 minutes, Ronaldo capping a slick passing move. Karim Benzema and Ronaldo were both involved in the build-up before Dani Carvajal's cut-back led to the Portugal international producing an impressive first-time finish, finding the far corner from the edge of the area with the help of a slight deflection off Leonardo Bonucci. The lead lasted just seven minutes before Juve hit back in magnificent fashion. Bonucci's pass from defence was helped on by both Alex Sandro and Higuain – the ball not leaving the ground throughout – to set up Mandzukic and the Croatia international took one touch and unleashed a magnificent overhead kick into the top corner, with Navas not close to it. Follow JuventusFC ✔@juventusfc IMMENSO @MarioMandzukic9 #UCLFinal #ItsTime 9:31 PM - 3 Jun 2017 856856 Retweets 1,5401,540 likes Twitter Ads info and privacy Ronaldo had a chance to hit back, but he misjudged an attempted diving header from Isco's cross as an entertaining first half ended level. Luka Modric tested Gianluigi Buffon with a left-footed strike from outside the box as Madrid made a faster start to the second half. And Zidane's men retook the lead just after the hour mark when Toni Kroos had a shot blocked and Casemiro latched on to the loose ball 35 yards out, firing in a shot which took a huge deflection off Sami Khedira to deceive Buffon. With Juve shell-shocked, Madrid struck again just three minutes later. Modric played a one-two with Carvajal, latching on to the full-back's return pass down the right and digging out a superb cross, allowing Ronaldo to nip ahead of a stationary Bonucci and prod in from inside the six-yard box. Juve brought on Cuadrado, Mario Lemina and Claudio Marchisio as they attempted to reverse the momentum, while Gareth Bale was introduced for Madrid in his home city. The Italian champions needed a superb intervention from Bonucci to stop Bale from tapping in a Ronaldo cross, before coming close themselves when Alex Sandro's glancing header fell just wide from Dani Alves' free-kick. A miserable night for Juve got worse with six minutes to go when Cuadrado, already booked for a late challenge on Ronaldo, saw red after Ramos went down dramatically, the Colombia international having lightly pushed him and made minimal contact with his foot. Madrid wrapped up a famous triumph in the final minute when Asensio – eight minutes after coming on - slotted in left-footed from eight yards after superb work from Marcelo down the left in an emphatic triumph for Zidane. Key Opta stats: - Real Madrid have won their last six European Cup finals, last losing one in 1981 versus Liverpool. - Mario Mandzukic (Bayern Munich, Juventus) became the third player to score in a European Cup/Champions League final for two different teams after Velibor Vasovic (Partizan Belgrade, Ajax) & Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd, Real Madrid). - Ronaldo has now scored at least twice as many Champions League goals as any other player in the quarter-final stage (20), semi-final stage (13) and final of the competition (4). - Ronaldo made his fifth European Cup/Champions League final appearance - only Paolo Maldini, Paco Gento (8) and Alfredo Di Stefano (7) have played in more. - Juan Cuadrado became the third player to be sent off in a Champions League final, after Jens Lehmann (2006) and Didier Drogba (2008). - Gianluigi Buffon was the third oldest player to feature in a European Cup final (39y 126d) after Dino Zoff and Edwin van der Sar. - Juventus (4) conceded more goals in this game as they had in the rest of the campaign (3). 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Socrates 7971 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 130798 messaggi Inviato June 4, 2017 JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID 1-4 Cristiano Ronaldo 20' Mario Mandzukic 27' Casemiro 61' Cristiano Ronaldo 64' Marco Asensio 90' FINAL Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CETMillennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales) Referee: Felix Brych (Germany) Juventus 1 - Real Madrid 4: Initial reaction and random observations http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/6/3/15735166/juventus-real- madrid-2017-champions-league-final-final-score-result-initial-reaction Jun 3, 2017 Nobody wanted a repeat of 2015. At least, nobody who was on this side of the Champions League final where Juventus was again playing one of La Liga’s two true giants. We didn’t want to see another loss in a European final happen. Not by a long shot. It didn’t matter how it happened, just avoid another crushing defeat on the biggest of European stages. And yet, it did. For the second Champions League final in the last three years, Juventus finished on the wrong side of the final scoreline. Instead of seeing Gigi Buffon lift the Champions League trophy for the first time in his career, we were left to see our legendary captain fight back his emotions as Real Madrid scored a pair of second-half goals to take the lead for good. The Juventus from the first half wasn’t there coming out of the break. It’s as simple as that. Juve were arguably the better side in the opening 45 minutes. In the second half? Not even close to the same team. What the hell happened to Juventus at halftime? I sure as hell would like to know because I’m struggling to figure it out. Things looked so good to open the game. So, so good. And that’s even with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring his 500th Champions League goal this season to give Real Madrid the lead. Then Mario Mandzukic scored one of the best goals you’ll ever see in a Champions League final and you’re thinking so many happy thoughts. Then it just all fell apart. Another deflected goal. Another Ronaldo goal. And then Max Allegri subs off Paulo Dybala for Mario Lemina and the white flag is basically raised. It was a second half Juventus would like to forget almost immediately, one where they looked like a shell of the team we saw for a good portion of the Champions League knockout rounds and then the opening half in Cardiff. Instead, this will be a second half that nobody will forget simply because of how bad it turned out being. So, so, so bad. The final score reads 4-1 in favor of Real Madrid, the first team to repeat as champions since the Champions League became the Champions League. But with how the first half went and then how the second half went, it feels so much worse than that. Finishing the season with a domestic double isn’t a bad thing. But having to settle for two titles just feels so disappointing knowing how Juventus had a chance to take home all three trophies they were playing for this season. Can we re-do that second half? I sure would like to re-do that second half. It was time for Juventus to win their first Champions League trophy in 21 years. It was time to win the treble. And then, poof, it wasn’t. This stinks. RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS Gigi Buffon deserves none of this. Nobody deserves the kind of terrible luck he’s had in Champions League finals. I hurt so much for him. Buffon’s 5.3 WhoScored rating is the biggest crime in the history of WhoScored ratings. Mario Mandzukic’s goal. Seriously. I still can’t believe that goal. I’m sorry, but it was just so good it deserves more bullet points. The three previous bullet points were typed at halftime when I was in a good mood. The people who will say Gonzalo Higuain was basically a no-show need to ask this question as well: What the hell happened to Juventus’ defense? They had allowed four goals in the Champions League entering Saturday night’s final. They had four dropped on them in the span of 90 or so minutes in Cardiff. I don’t get it. Paulo Dybala started out so well and then was subbed off for Mario Lemina in the second half. Speaking of Lemina, he was Juventus’ third and final sub of the night. Real Madrid’s third sub of the night was Alvaro Morata. I think we know what Juve needs to address in the summer transfer window. Sergio Ramos ... no comment. You get the good with Juan Cuadrado. You get the bad with Juan Cuadrado. He shouldn’t have been sent off for that, but doing it right in front of the assistant referee? Come on, man. What we doin’ out here, man? I’d write more on this, but I feel like it would just be incoherent ramblings of a disappointed Juventus fan. Then again, you could probably say that about the previous 700 or so words in this post, too. Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 7971 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 130798 messaggi Inviato June 4, 2017 JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID 1-4 Cristiano Ronaldo 20' Mario Mandzukic 27' Casemiro 61' Cristiano Ronaldo 64' Marco Asensio 90' FINAL Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CETMillennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales) Referee: Felix Brych (Germany) Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon: It all went wrong for us vs. Real http://www.espnfc.co.uk/juventus/story/3138414/juventus-goalkeeper -gianluigi-buffon-it-all-went-wrong-for-us-vs-real-madrid Jun 3, 2017 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon said he was hugely disappointed after his side crumbled in the second half to lose 4-1 to Real Madrid in the Champions League final. Buffon failed to beat Paolo Maldini's record as the oldest player to win the UEFA Champions League (39 years, 126 days old) as his side fell to defeat, thanks to a Cristiano Ronaldo brace. Juventus had conceded just three goals in 12 games before the final and were unlucky as two of Madrid's goals came from deflections. "It's a big disappointment, because we thought that we'd done everything necessary to play this final and finally win it," Buffon, who has never won the Champions League, told Mediaset Premium. "We had an excellent first half, where we caused Real Madrid huge problems, so it leaves you open-mouthed in shock that incidents never go our way. That's disappointing. Evidently in order to win a trophy like this, you need to be stronger than adversity. "I thought it was a great approach in the first half, not giving Madrid any more advantages, and we ran really hard. Perhaps we ran a bit too hard and didn't make the most of that advantage on the field. That's disappointing. "In the second half their class, strength and how accustomed they are to winning these games showed through. They won deservedly. "Naturally there are a few regrets, as in the incidents it all went wrong for us." FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who was in attendance, paid tribute to Buffon after the game. "Juventus played a great first half, then in the second Real Madrid were extraordinary. They were two excellent sides and in the end the best team won," Infantino told Mediaset Premium. "It was down to experience and other factors. It remains a very strong season for Juventus and for Gigi, as next year there's the World Cup too. I send a hug to Buffon, who is more than just a champion. He's immense." Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 7971 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 130798 messaggi Inviato June 4, 2017 JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID 1-4 Cristiano Ronaldo 20' Mario Mandzukic 27' Casemiro 61' Cristiano Ronaldo 64' Marco Asensio 90' FINAL Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CETMillennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales) Referee: Felix Brych (Germany) Agnelli: 'Proud of Juventus' http://www.football-italia.net/103619/agnelli-proud-juventus Jun 3, 2017 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli insists they can be “proud of this campaign, but if anyone thought we’d lose motivation, we’re magically recharged.” The Bianconeri had conceded only three goals throughout the Champions League, but lost the Final 4-1 to Real Madrid in Cardiff. “We feel pride at the last seven years, as we have become in totality a European top level club. I can only congratulate the lads and say we’ll be back even stronger next season,” Agnelli told Mediaset Premium. “We all want to get stronger, day by day, week by week, season by season. We know that we must do more to lift this trophy. “It is not my place to comment on what happens in one half or 20 minutes. It’s my place to comment on an overall campaign and I say it should make us all very proud. If someone thought we’d lose motivation, then magically we’re recharged and are ready to come back even more determined next year. “We have to get back on our feet and these are the moments when we need to reboot. It’s the time for me to reassure that I am proud of each and every one of them and as a group.” Juventus looked like a completely different team in the second half compared to the first. “This is not the time to micro-analyse the match, as I look at the overall year, which has been excellent and makes us all proud. I am sure there are those who can better evaluate the game. “It is my job to evaluate the squad, staff, behind the scenes as well as on the pitch, and I say we are all very proud. We will evaluate the situation calmly, as is natural after six consecutive Scudetti and three Coppa Italia trophies in a row. If this is a problem, then there are people who are a lot worse off.” A firework or a barrier that went down sparked a panic in Piazza San Carlo during the viewing party just after the third Real Madrid goal and several people were injured in the crush. There are reports of 30-40 minor injuries, most cuts and bruises. “I heard of rumours that there were some incidents in Turin and injuries. I’m not entirely sure what happened, but I want to send a message of solidarity for those hurt in what should’ve been a night of celebration and sport.” Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 7971 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 130798 messaggi Inviato June 4, 2017 JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID 1-4 Cristiano Ronaldo 20' Mario Mandzukic 27' Casemiro 61' Cristiano Ronaldo 64' Marco Asensio 90' FINAL Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CETMillennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales) Referee: Felix Brych (Germany) No fairy tale for Buffon & Juventus, just the same old sad story The Bianconeri were quietly confident of ending their 21-year wait for Champions League glory but they ended up losing their seventh of nine finals http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/683/main/2017/06/03/36082522/- Jun 3, 2017 Everywhere one looked at full-time at the Millennium Stadium, there were people clad in black and white in floods of tears, on the pitch and in the stands. This defeat hit hard, primarily because it was supposed to be different this time. Juventus were supposed to win this time. They didn't. They lost. Again. The seventh time in nine European Cup finals. The fifth in a row. Perhaps we shouldn't have been surprised by Real Madrid's 4-1 victory over the Bianconeri. After all, the side with the worst record in European Cup finals had gone up against the side with the best record in European Cup finals. Furthermore, Real were the defending champions, a side of superstars assembled at a cost of €638.2 million (€215.9m more than Juve). However, the Bianconeri had supposedly learned from their surprise appearance in the 2015 final, a 3-1 loss to Barcelona in Berlin. They had matured, they told us, and strengthened their squad in the interim, last summer's €90m signing of Gonzalo Higuain viewed as a sign that now they could not only compete with Europe's elite on the field but off it too. The signs were encouraging. Juve had reached the final undefeated, and having conceded just three goals in 12 games. On a demoralising night in Cardiff, they shipped four in 90 minutes. It was probably the most jarring statistic on a shocking night for Juve. "The approach from Real was the same," Dani Alves mused, "The difference was we didn’t defend as well as we usually do." They had started strongly, with Higuain testing Keylor Navas twice in the opening five minutes. After being rocked by a classic Cristiano Ronaldo counter-punch 20 minutes in - Real's first shot on target - they responded wonderfully. In fact, they responded like potential champions, with Mario Mandzukic beating Navas with an improvised overhead kick, after a majestic move in which the ball never touched the ground as it went from Leonardo Bonucci to Alex Sandro to Gonzalo Higuain and then the Croat. It was one of the greatest goals ever scored in any final and, at half-time, all the momentum appeared to be with the Italian champions. Yet, in truth, whatever belief they appeared to have completely disappeared during the interval. Juve went from dominant to dire in the space of 15 minutes. From hounding every Madrid player in possession, Juve were suddenly chasing shadows. Worse, some players - perhaps overcome by fatigue after a double-winning domestic campaign - stopped chasing altogether. “I thought it was a great approach in the first half, not giving Madrid any more advantages, and we ran really hard," captain Gianluigi Buffon mused. "Perhaps we ran a bit too hard... "It’s a big disappointment, because we thought that we had done everything necessary beforehand to play this final and finally win it." Cruelly for Buffon, the crucial second goal - an ambitious long-range strike from Casemiro - was, just like Ronaldo's opener, deflected. But, in truth, it had been coming. Juve needed to rise again after falling behind for a second time but they simply fell further off the pace and were ultimately left feeling frustrated, embarrassed and disconsolate by the time the full-time whistle mercifully blew. There will be an inquest - particularly into what exactly Massimiliano Allegri said to his side at half-time and why his side "dropped off, psychologically", as he put it - but only after another all-too-familiar painful period of dejection and defeatism. Thanks to what they have done off the field in recent years, Juve are now in a strong economic position and have the resources and leadership to return to the summit of European football. "We start again!" midfielder Claudio Marchisio defiantly declared, while Allegri stated, "We should’ve reacted to the second goal and defended for our lives, but this is another step we have to take in future to learn from this and mature." However, several members of the second-oldest side ever to play in a Champions League final might never get another chance to lift the trophy, chief among them Andrea Barzagli and Buffon. The latter had openly admitted before the game that some of his team-mates "have at least four or years of football ahead of them. I do not." Sadly, there was to be "no happy ending to the fairy tale" that the 39-year-old Buffon had spoken about on the eve of his third final appearance, just the same old sad story for both him and Juventus. Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 7971 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 130798 messaggi Inviato June 4, 2017 JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID 1-4 Cristiano Ronaldo 20' Mario Mandzukic 27' Casemiro 61' Cristiano Ronaldo 64' Marco Asensio 90' FINAL Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CETMillennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales) Referee: Felix Brych (Germany) Allegri: 'Juve let go psychologically' http://www.football-italia.net/103622/allegri-juve-let-go-psychologically Jun 3, 2017 Massimiliano Allegri admits Juventus “let go psychologically” after the second goal in their 4-1 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, but will try again next year. The Bianconeri lost their fifth consecutive European Final, despite being unbeaten throughout the tournament and conceding only three goals before Cardiff. “I am very proud of what the lads achieved this season. We came here to win the trophy and didn’t manage it,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium. “We played a really good first half and didn’t make the most of our chances. Pjanic had a knee problem, Real Madrid raised the tempo and we had a tough 15 minutes. “We conceded that goal with a deflection and then let go psychologically. We should’ve reacted and defended with nails and teeth, but this is another step we have to take in future to learn from this and mature.” It was 1-1 at the end of the first half, but Juventus seemed to disappear after the break and looked a completely different team. “Even if Real Madrid had a very good second half and have excellent players who can change the game at any moment, that second goal knocked the wind out of our sails. “We should’ve reacted, but you can’t do anything with ifs, buts and shoulds. Life gives us the opportunity to try again next year, so we must calmly analyse where we can improve as a team, in our football and in our mentality. “We used up a lot more energy in the first half than we should’ve done, because we were too rushed in possession and should’ve shown greater calm. That again is something we need to learn from and improve in future. “We had the chances to end the first half in the lead, but for the second we cannot complain, as Real Madrid had an excellent performance. “They raised the tempo, as we were the ones pushing Real Madrid back in the first half, but in the second we couldn’t play our way out of defence and they kept pushing us back. “At that moment, we should’ve taken out the extra energy to push hard and keep the game open, as we know Real Madrid leave you the chances to score at all times, but we conceded the third goal and that was really damaging. “We begin next season determined to have another great Champions League campaign, win the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia. We need to gather our thoughts, fire up our energy and fight back, because we can learn from this and improve.” Allegri had been linked with a move to Arsenal, but will he be on the Juventus bench next season? “This acts as further motivation to reach the Final again and hopefully win. The squad has everything it takes to do that, the club knows where we need to improve and adjust. “It’s natural that we started the season with one system and changed midway through, so we rarely had the chance to rest certain players and they had to keep us going for a long time.” Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 7971 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 130798 messaggi Inviato June 4, 2017 JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID 1-4 Cristiano Ronaldo 20' Mario Mandzukic 27' Casemiro 61' Cristiano Ronaldo 64' Marco Asensio 90' FINAL Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CETMillennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales) Referee: Felix Brych (Germany) Zidane: 'Juve made Madrid suffer' http://www.football-italia.net/103623/zidane-juve-made-madrid-suffer Jun 3, 2017 Zinedine Zidane admits Real Madrid “really suffered in the first half and Juventus had a great game too. They will always be in my heart.” The Merengues won the Champions League Final 4-1 in Cardiff after Mario Mandzukic had cancelled out a deflected Cristiano Ronaldo opener. They dominated the second half, as Ronaldo added another goal with Casemiro and late on Marcos Asensio. “We are happy, because nobody has ever done that before. We worked hard to achieve this Double of La Liga and the Champions League,” Zidane told Mediaset Premium. “When you are in this great club, with these players, we can work well and do amazing things. We played against a very strong Juve side and we really suffered in the first half, but in the second we were physically sharper, played the ball well and throughout the match deserved to win.” Zidane is the first Coach since Arrigo Sacchi in 1989-90 to retain the European Cup. “I wasn’t hopeless before and I am not a genius now. I am passionate about football, I work hard, but above all I am at a big club and can count on some incredible players. Will I stay? We need to rest, enjoy this night and then we’ll see. “Juventus had an extraordinary season, we both deserved to be in the Final. In the end we won, but they had a great game too, are a big club and will always be in my heart. I had five years at Juve and it’ll always be with me.” Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 7971 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 130798 messaggi Inviato June 4, 2017 JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID 1-4 Cristiano Ronaldo 20' Mario Mandzukic 27' Casemiro 61' Cristiano Ronaldo 64' Marco Asensio 90' FINAL Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CETMillennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales) Referee: Felix Brych (Germany) Fanzone: 'It was like Heysel' http://www.football-italia.net/103625/fanzone-it-was-heysel Jun 4, 2017 At least five people are in critical condition, including a four-year-old, and 600 injured after a crush in the Juventus Champions League Final fanzone. “It was like Heysel.” Real Madrid had just scored the third goal when a noise echoed around Piazza San Carlo in Turin, where 20,000 supporters were gathered to watch the game on giant screens. It’s not clear yet whether it was a firework or a metal gate falling on to the pavement with a thud, but so soon after the suicide bomber in Manchester, the noise sparked a panic. According to Tancredi Palmeri, who was at the scene, it was a metal gate that fell into a subway entrance on one side of the square, but the noise carried through to the opposite end of the subway and the people on that side didn't know what had caused it. People tried to run out of the square and around 600 were injured in the crush, although the figure seems to be rising all the time. There are at least five in critical condition, including a young woman with chest injuries and a four-year-old child with head and chest trauma. According to reports, paramedics were trying to resuscitate the child at the scene. “I’m in shock. It was like Heysel,” said one supporter as he left the scene in tears. “I was there. It was like Heysel.” Another told La Stampa “we heard shouting and suddenly thousands of people starting pushing to reach the exits. We were all crushed, there were children who lost contact with their parents and relatives. “It wasn’t a bomb, but it felt like there was, because it was just chaos.” Claudio Marchisio noted on Twitter that the Juventus squad “are following the incidents from here. Many of us had friends and relatives present at Piazza San Carlo.” A supporter told Juvenews.eu: "It was every man for himself. I had to almost clamber over people to get away." Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 7971 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 130798 messaggi Inviato June 4, 2017 JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID 1-4 Cristiano Ronaldo 20' Mario Mandzukic 27' Casemiro 61' Cristiano Ronaldo 64' Marco Asensio 90' FINAL Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CETMillennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales) Referee: Felix Brych (Germany) Bonucci: 'It was meant to be time' http://www.football-italia.net/103626/bonucci-it-was-meant-be-time Jun 4, 2017 Leonardo Bonucci and Claudio Marchisio expressed their disappointment at the Juventus Champions League Final defeat. “This was meant to be the right time.” The Bianconeri were beaten 4-1 by Real Madrid in Cardiff, the fifth consecutive Final lost by the Turin giants, the seventh out of nine overall. “The disappointment is there, it exists,” wrote Bonucci on Instagram. “We thought and believed that this was meant to be the right time. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be. Compliments to Real for their victory. “What remains is the pride of having been a part of this group. We brought home two titles, doing something truly unique. “A round of applause to you fans who were there for the Vecchia Signora, are still there and always will be there. In defeat and victory. To the end.” Marchisio came off the bench in the second half to replace Miralem Pjanic and also wrote a message for supporters on Instagram. “I won’t sit here describing the regret we’re feeling at this moment, just like all our fans who followed us to this point and to any spot in the world. “Our opponents deserve credit for their performance in the Final. We deserve applause for this season, full of emotion and strong moments, intense like tonight, even if it didn’t end the way WE hoped. “WE START AGAIN. This has to be the motto at this moment, start again to improve, to continue dreaming, to reach ever more important objectives. “To the end, Forza Juventus.” Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 7971 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 130798 messaggi Inviato June 4, 2017 JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID 1-4 Cristiano Ronaldo 20' Mario Mandzukic 27' Casemiro 61' Cristiano Ronaldo 64' Marco Asensio 90' FINAL Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CETMillennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales) Referee: Felix Brych (Germany) Allegri: 'Not end of Juve era' http://www.football-italia.net/103628/allegri-not-end-juve-era Jun 4, 2017 Massimiliano Allegri maintains “the important thing is playing in a Champions League Final” and defeat to Real Madrid doesn’t mark the end of an era. The Bianconeri had been unbeaten in the tournament this season and were on track to complete the Treble, but collapsed in the second half and lost 4-1. “We are first of all sad to hear what happened with our fans in Turin and want to send our love to all those affected by it,” said the Coach at the start of his Press conference. There was a stampede in a Juventus fanzone in Piazza San Carlo during the Final, with 600 injured, at least five seriously and a four-year-old child in critical condition. This was Juve’s second Champions League Final defeat in three years and they still haven’t won the trophy since 1996. “I compliment the lads for what they’ve done up until now. The important thing is playing in a Champions League Final, then we can only hope it’ll be third time lucky. “Real stepped up the pace and then football is an unpredictable game. Miralem Pjanic’s shot was saved in the first half, not dissimilar to the one that went in for Madrid. “In the days before the Final, people started acting as if Juve were the big favourites and Real were almost there as a fluke, but that was never the case. “There were some situations we did not evaluate properly during the game. After going 2-1 down, we should’ve stayed in the match, because there was always going to be the opportunity for more scoring opportunities.” Allegri was asked why some of his most representative players, such as Dani Alves, Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala, did not do more. “It wasn’t an easy task. It was the first Champions League Final for Paulo and Sergio Ramos did a great job marking him. Our first half was excellent, but this is football. You must know how to speed up and slow down at the right times. “I didn’t say anything to Cuadrado, even if it’s important that games are always ended with all 11 men on the field.” The Coach was irritated when asked if this defeat marked the end of an era for the Old Lady. “We have absolutely not closed any era. Gigi Buffon will still be the Juventus goalkeeper and Andrea Barzagli one of our players. The club knows how and where it needs to intervene in order to improve. “After a small rest, we will have fresh motivation. Life gives you the opportunity to get back on your feet and try again.” Juventus had conceded only three goals in the entire tournament, with just one in the six knockout matches, but let in four in one go. “That’s football. Real Madrid didn’t surprise me, they surprised all those who assumed Juventus would win. Real stepped up the pressure and to play against sides like this you cannot defend too deep. “Miralem Pjanic had to come off, as he had a knee problem. Every Final has its own story. Real Madrid have remarkable quality, but next year Juve can have another great Champions League tournament.” Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 7971 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 130798 messaggi Inviato June 4, 2017 JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID 1-4 Cristiano Ronaldo 20' Mario Mandzukic 27' Casemiro 61' Cristiano Ronaldo 64' Marco Asensio 90' FINAL Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CETMillennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales) Referee: Felix Brych (Germany) Dani Alves: 'Madrid played better' http://www.football-italia.net/103629/dani-alves-madrid-played-better Jun 4, 2017 Dani Alves admits “Real Madrid simply played better” in the 4-1 Champions League victory over Juventus. “We didn’t defend as well as usual.” It was 1-1 at the break and the Bianconeri seemed to have the upper hand, including a sensational Mario Mandzukic bicycle kick, but fell apart in the second half. “We had managed to score the equaliser, but in the second half Real Madrid simply played better,” the Brazilian told Mediaset Premium. “I think it was the approach we expected from them. The difference was we didn’t defend as well as we usually do. “If we don’t keep the concentration and intensity levels at the top all the way through, Real Madrid can hurt you straight away with the talent at their disposal.” Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
