Juventus v Atlético preview: all you need to know
Monday, March 11, 2019
Article summary
Juventus must overturn a 2-0 deficit but Cristiano Ronaldo is no stranger to scoring against Atlético Madrid.
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Article body
- FOLLOW LIVE BUILD-UP FROM TURIN
- Atlético triumphed 2-0 in first leg
- Juve have won six of nine round of 16 ties
- Atleti unbeaten in four matches at Italian clubs
- Ronaldo has 22 goals in 32 games against Atlético
Reporter's view (Paolo Menicucci, UEFA.com): Last week reminded us that nothing is impossible in the UEFA Champions League. However, to score three without reply against this Atlético side, you really do need something special. Cristiano Ronaldo, perhaps? CR7 has hit ten or more goals in each of his last eight Champions League campaigns, but he has just one to his name so far in 2018/19. Whether it's Ronaldo or not, Juve must strike early.
Possible line-ups
Juventus: Szczęsny; Cancelo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Spinazzola; Can, Pjanić, Matuidi; Bernardeschi, Mandžukić, Ronaldo
Out: Khedira (heart), Alex Sandro (suspended), Barzagli (thigh), De Sciglio (thigh), Douglas Costa (thigh)
Misses next game if booked: Matuidi
Atlético Madrid: Oblak; Arias, Giménez, Godín, Juanfran; Koke, Rodrigo, Ñíguez, Lemar; Griezmann, Morata
Out: Diego Costa (suspended), Hernández (knee), Filipe Luís (calf), Partey (suspended)
Misses next game if booked: Ángel Correa, Filipe Luís, Giménez, Griezmann
Key battle
Ronaldo v Godín: Frequent adversaries down the years, Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Godín resume their rivalry in Turin. The Portuguese has come out on top more often than not – as 22 goals in 32 appearances against Atlético testify – yet the Uruguayan had the upper hand in the first leg, silencing Ronaldo and scoring himself. Repeat those feats and Atlético will be well on their way to a last-eight berth.
Where to watch
Fans can find their local UEFA Champions League broadcast partner(s) here.
Form guide
Juventus
Last game: Juventus 4-1 Udinese (08/03)
Form: WWWLWWDLWW
Atlético
Last game: Atlético 1-0 Leganés (09/03)
Form: WWWWWLLWDW
Massimiliano Allegri, Juventus coach
We believe in our chances. Things like 110% do not exist. Everybody will have to be at their best so we will don't have regrets at the final whistle, be that after 90 or 120 minutes. We will have to be intelligent and avoid mistakes. It will be a great game and we will be ready for it.
I don’t think the playing system can impact the result, we just need to play more vertical with more pace. Ronaldo has so many goals in his feet that it always feels good to have him with us for these kinds of games.
Diego Simeone, Atlético coach
Tomorrow will be a game between two strong teams. We have to take advantage of any space that we get as we know we'll be afforded much less than in the first leg. Juve are a very strong side, with very experienced players that are good not just in attack but also in defence. We will have to be very careful.
The first leg is one thing, the return is totally different. There are small details which can be very difficult to explain and can make the difference; this is why football is fantastic.
