Juve underwhelmed as Willian takes heart

FC Shakhtar Donetsk came close to beating Italian champions Juventus but Brazilian midfielder Willian was all smiles as he spoke to UEFA.com after the 1-1 draw in Turin which leaves the Ukranian side top of UEFA Champions League Group E alongside their next opponents Chelsea FC. Juventus goalscorer Leonardo Bonucci was disappointed that his team failed to win their first European match at their new home stadium, amping up the pressure for their next two games against FC Nordsjælland.

Leonardo Bonucci, Juventus defender
We expected more from this game. We wanted to win. It was important but we also we knew we were facing a great team who play good football. In the first 25 minutes we didn't see the real Juve. Then we started to play like the real Juve and we proved that we can perform at this level. However we have to improve, especially that initial approach. We were not as hungry for success as we usually are in the first 25 minutes. Then we lacked some luck in defending and in attacking.

[My goal] was a move we had worked on many times in training and it worked well. I went close to scoring another with a header – I did my best but their goalkeeper did well to save it. Scoring two goals would have been wonderful but unfortunately I couldn't manage it.

We knew this group was complicated from the start. In Europe, you cannot underestimate any team. Now we have these two games against Nordsjælland which will measure how far this Juve side can go in Europe.

Giorgio Chiellini, Juventus defender
Obviously we were hoping to win but we knew it was a difficult one. It certainly wasn't the best Juve performance of the season. As I said yesterday in the press conference, we needed to see the best Juve today to win this game. Having said that, we also have to give credit to our opponents, who gave us a few troubles tonight. Still, we earned a point and more experience.

The next two games will be crucial for us. I'm sure this experience will help us. There is still a long way to go in the group and we are still in a good position. Shakhtar play with attacking players who are fast and difficult to control. They were good on the counterattack and they tested us with their system. We had two spells, one in the first half and another in the second, in which we managed to trouble them but, honestly, they were more dangerous than us tonight.

Willian, Shakhtar midfielder
It was a difficult game but we played well and created chances. The result is positive for us. A draw here is good as we knew it was a difficult game, but we certainly deserved what we got. Juventus are a very good side with great players, especially [Andrea] Pirlo in midfield who's a wonderful player. However, Shakhtar managed to get a great result here and we are happy. I went close to scoring the winner in added time [striking the crossbar]. I was unlucky but that's OK. I hope I will score next time.