Champions League Preview: Juventus v Atletico Madrid

Juventus

Although they remain undefeated in Serie A, the Champions League has thrown different obstacles at Max Allegri’s side. Having lost to Manchester United in the group stages, their invincible status was gone early on into the competition. Like Paris Saint-Germain, the Italian giants have been dreaming about Champions League glory this season after purchasing Ronaldo.

The Old Lady will need to rely on their star summer signing if they want to go through. Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 22 times against Atletico. He’s only scored more against Sevilla and Getafe in his phenomenal goal-scoring career.

Atletico Madrid

For teams who win their first home leg by 2-0, the omens look good. 81% of teams to win by that scoreline have gone through. However, as last week would show, nothing should be taken for granted in the Champions League. Recent history shows that three of the last four teams to be winning 2-0 have been knocked out.

Under Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid remains unbeaten against Italian sides. If he can stop Ronaldo and co remains to be unknown but with the defence, he has available to him it can certainly happen.

What to Expect

With the two-goal advantage to Atletico Madrid, you can expect this to be one of those special Champions League nights. Juventus cannot sit back if they want to score three goals against the first leg scorers Gimenez and Godin.

With Juventus pressing on for goals, the game could play perfectly into Simeone’s hands. Just like the first leg, Atletico will be happy to absorb Juventus’ pressure and allow them to keep the ball.

The game’s result will be decided on whether Atletico Madrid can finish Juventus off after defending for most of the game. While Juventus will hope the likes of Ronaldo, Dybala and Mandzukic are in top form.

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