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Juventus were blanked 2-0 by Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano in a frenetic encounter.
The game started off at breakneck speed with both sides biting into challenges. The first clear-cut chance fell to Leonardo Bonucci in the first half but the defender fired his header over the bar.
As the half progressed, the hosts started stringing attacking moves of their own with Antoine Griezmann drawing a sharp save from Wojciech Szczesny.
The second period too started off in frenzied fashion but was considerably higher on the goalmouth action quotient. Atletico were presented with a couple of gilt-edged opportunities early yet the home side contrived to spurn them. The hosts even had a goal dubiously disallowed by VAR.
Also See: Champions League Table | Champions League Fixtures | Champions League Final
However, they deservedly went ahead in the 78th minute when the ball fell kindly to Jose Gimenez. The Uruguayan made no mistake and slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
Minutes later, Atletico’s talismanic skipper, Diego Godin put the first leg beyond doubt after rippling the net from an acute angle.
The defeat leaves Juventus’ Champions League hopes hanging by the proverbial thread and the Italians would need a spectacular turnaround at the Allianz Stadium in a couple of weeks’ time.
Here is a look at the three reasons which contributed to Juventus’ loss:
#3 Juventus fail to cope with Atletico’s set-pieces
The game at the Wanda Metropolitano was never expected to be an open, end to end affair. Thus, both sides needed to be on their guard perpetually to deny their opponent an inch. However, the away side lost their concentration in the final quarter of the game to hand their Spanish counterparts the initiative.
The first goal was conceded after a penalty box scramble laid the ball on a plate for Gimenez. The corner, which was swung in adroitly by Thomas Lemar caught Juventus’ defence off guard. None of their illustrious defenders took charge of the situation and they ended up getting outmuscled.
As for the second goal, the Old Lady went to sleep on a set-piece from the right wing. Godin was accorded the freedom to pick his spot and the defender exploited it to the tee.
Normally, one would expect the Italian side deal with something as elementary as a free-kick or a corner. Yet, in the biggest match of their season, Juventus came unstuck. And courtesy their defensive frailties on the night, they now have a mountain to climb in Turin.
#2 Atletico Madrid produce a vintage display
Atletico arrived at the Wanda Metropolitano on the back of some patchy recent form. A Madrid Derby defeat was followed by a sketchy display against Rayo Vallecano at the weekend. Thus, many expected Juventus to get the better of Simeone’s men. Oh, how more wrong could they’ve been?
On Wednesday, Atletico turned back the clock and put up a prodigious display. Like the yesteryears, Los Rojiblancos scrapped for every loose ball against Juventus and trumped their rivals through sheer effort.
In midfield, the likes of Saul Niguez and Rodrigo barely allowed the Old Lady a moment’s peace. The defence too, was rock-solid and completely shut out Juventus’ much-vaunted attacking trio. Akin to similar performances over the years, they were rewarded for their dogged determination through set-plays.
Though it would be too harsh to call the Atletico victory a ‘smash and grab’, Simeone’s troops have made a living by keeping things tight at the back and nicking victories courtesy moments of brilliance.
And while Atletico’s displays may not make the average football fan jump out of his seat, not many of the Atletico faithful would particularly mind that as long as they keep winning.
#1 Juventus’ attack flatters to deceive
Massimiliano Allegri adopted a positive approach for the game in Spain as he fielded the trio of Dybala, Mandzukic and Ronaldo. However, the triumvirate, like most of the Juventus side, failed to inspire.
The Old Lady looked lethargic at times and couldn’t get past the hosts’ midfield. A lot of their play was concentrated on the flanks and with Atletico doubling up on the wings, the away side rarely profited.
Moreover, the lack of movement forced Juventus to adopt the long-ball approach. While Mandzukic is a handful aerially, the lobbed passes only played into Atletico’s hands on the night. Throughout the game, Juventus’ best chance came from a corner and when playing teams like Atletico, that just isn’t good enough.
Attacking has never been Juventus’ biggest strength over the years yet the display on Wednesday left a lot to be desired. After knocking on the Champions League door for the better part of this decade, many believed that Juventus could finally barge through this term.
Yet, ninety minutes of toothless football later, a Champions League triumph seems as distant a dream as it has ever been this decade.
