It’s another marquee match in every sense of the word; both teams with illustrious histories currently lead their respective domestic leagues with neither side having lost since early December. It may not prove to be as free-flowing as the prior, but has a chance of being every-bit as much of an instant classic.
A final match day loss to Sevilla in the group stage has set up this difficult knock-out round match-up. Juventus is a methodical, difficult to breakdown team at home. They have only lost two of their last 34 Champions League home matches; both of the losses coming at the hands of Bayern Munich (’09, ’13). Juventus has only conceded six goals at home on the domestic season and didn’t give up any in three group stage games on home soil. That’s just the beginning, with the team unbeaten in their last 16 at Juventus Stadium. Even better, overall Juventus hasn’t conceded a goal in nine straight. Goal scoring is a true concern, only finding the back of the net six times in the group stage; the lowest total of an advancing team. Paul Pogba remains the engine and will be the most important player on the field Tuesday. His athleticism is unmatched in the middle of the park. Juventus will likely be without former Bayern striker Mario Mandzukic (thigh) and defender Giorgio Chiellini (calf).
With an eight point lead atop the Bundesliga, you would think Bayern would be more confident heading to Turin. That’s simply not the case. Bayern Munich comes in a much weaker side away from home, scoring 18 fewer goals away from the Allianz Arena domestically, and scoring nine fewer away during the group stage. It’s a much more composed, calculated approach on their travels which may have given reason for Juventus to believe they can dictate the play. Matters are further complicated with a number of defensive injuries plaguing the squad.
Pep Guardiola will have no natural centre-back at his disposal, with Javi Martinez, Jerome Boateng, Medhi Benatia and Holger Badstuber all set to miss out. The game could end up being much more open because of this, with Bayern deadly on the counter. Douglas Costa and Arjen Robben have incredible pace down the wings, providing the ideal complement to Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski, who have combined for 56 goals this season. Lewandowski is second in the competition with seven goals. How the Juventus full-backs deal with Bayern’s pace will be decisive in this one.
Source : tsn
0 comments
Post a Comment