'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Juventus will go to the Santiago Bernabeu with a slim lead after narrowly edging Real Madrid 2-1. The Bianconeri’s positive start paid off as Morata converted the rebound after Casillas saved a Tevez shot for an early lead. Real got back in the first half through a header from Cristiano Ronaldo. Immediately after that, James Rodriguez missed a sitter as the visitors finished the half stronger.
But, it was Juventus who came out all guns blazing in the second half and won an early penalty from which Tevez scored to put the Italian champions back in front. With no more goals, the match finished 2-1 to the Turin side. Real will have to overcome the deficit in a week's time if they want to defend their crown.
Let us look at how the players performed on the night:
Juventus
Gianluigi Buffon - 6.5/10
The Italian keeper had a good game in between the sticks. He was upto the task anything which Real attackers put at him. Could not be blamed for the goal that Juventus conceded.
Leonardo Bonucci - 7/10
He had a solid game in defence and helped bring the ball out from the back. Bonucci kept his discipline well after getting booked in the 5th minute.
Giorgio Chiellini - 7.5/10
He was a real leader at the back of Juventus defence and cleared anything that was thrown at him. His ability to lead the defence and keep them ready all through the night was brilliant and he was a rock at the back.
Stephen Leichsteiner - 6.5/10
He was composed in defence as he did well to limit Real's attack on his side. He also surged forward regularly to help his attackers well.
Patrice Evra - 6.5/10
Evra was available to go forward at every possible occasion. He put in some dangerous crosses and was good defensively as well.
Andrea Pirlo - 7/10
Most of Juve's passing move went through Pirlo. His distribution was impeccable at times. He also closed down his opponents well and defended decently. He covered a lot of ground for a man who is almost 36.
Claudio Marchisio - 7/10
He defended admirably to help his team maintain the slim lead. He also popped up occasionally to trouble Casillas's goal.
Stefano Sturaro - 6.5/10
He supported his teammates well every time they had the ball without making a notable contribution. His work-rate on the night was magnificent.
Arturo Vidal - 7/10
It was a lively performance by the Chilean. He provided a tireless performance and was at the heart of many things Juve did well on the night.
Alvaro Morata - 7.5/10
Morata scored the opener against his former side. He looked lively throughout the night and kept the Real defenders on their toes for most of the game.
Carlos Tevez - 8/10 (Man of the Match)
Tevez played crucial role in the both the goals Juve scored on the night. It was from his rebound shot Morata scored the opener. He won the penalty for the second and cooly converted it.
Substitutes
Andrea Barzagli (64') - 6/10
Barzagli was brought in to hold on to the lead and he did just that, as his calm demeanour and great coverage helped his team.
Fernando Llorente (78') - 4/10
In the limited time he got, he twice found himself in great positions but failed to find a teammate after rounding Casillas on one occasion and on the other, he mistimed a great headed opportunity in stoppage time.
Roberto Pereyra (86') - N/A
Hardly had any time to make an impact.
Real Madrid
Iker Casillas - 5.5/10
His clearances and distribution at times was not up to his usual standard. Casillas made a good stop from a Tevez shot, but could not save the Morata rebound. He was not at fault for the second goal as well. Late on in the game, the southpaw did well to narrow the angle when Llorente was through on goal. It was a decent performance from Spain’s number 1.
Dani Carvajal - 4/10
He surged forward regularly without putting in a decent cross. However, he played a crucial part in Ronaldo's goal. It was from his blunder that Juventus got their second as Carvajal brought Tevez down in the box. He was booked later on as well.
Pepe - 6/10
He was bullied off the ball easily by Morata in the first half to have a crack at Casillas's goa, but was able to defend well otherwise.
Raphael Varane - 5/10
His positioning for the first goal was questionable. Varane's poor control in the second half almost allowed Llorente to add another goal. He missed a great chance to score when his header went over the crossbar.
Marcelo - 3/10 (Flop of the Match)
His positioning was poor for the opening goal. He was caught out of position quite often throughout the game and the Juve players got past him easily. He was also wasteful in the attacking third as well, with his passing and crossing being wayward.
Sergio Ramos - 4/10
Playing Ramos yet again in the midfield backfired as Ramos had a poor night. His passing was mediocre and his positioning too was iffy. He gave away the ball far too many times.
Toni Kroos - 6/10
He tried his best to dictate the tempo of the game, but the pressing by Juventus ensured that he couldn't do much to change his team’s fortune on the night.
James Rodriguez - 7/10
Rodriguez played a crucial role for Real's only goal on the night as it was from his cross that Ronaldo scored the goal. However, he missed a sitter in the first half to seal the game. His crossing was impressive throughout the match.
Isco - 6/10
His performance was a mixed bag, as he was lively in some parts while inconspicuous in others. He kept things moving well with his neat distribution. He set up Ronaldo and Rodriguez with great chances which they both failed to take.
Gareth Bale - 3.5/10
Bale was anonymous for most parts of the game. He hardly got involved in the match and didn't do much with the ball too when he had it.
Cristiano Ronaldo - 7.5/10
Ronaldo was unable to do much to break the deadlock before he scored the equaliser from point-blank range with his head. He also played a crucial part in many counter attacks Real had.
Substitutes
Javier Hernandez (63') - 5/10
From his flick, Ronaldo almost got the equaliser in the second half. He otherwise couldn't do much to change the outcome of the game.
Jesse Rodriguez (86') - N/A
Hardly got any time to make an impact.
