UEFA Champions League
Carlo Ancelotti has been working with his players for two years and he will have a clear idea of how Real Madrid can turn their tie against Juventus around on Wednesday.
Juventus came out strongly in Turin. Later, Madrid levelled and found their balance. In the second half, Juve then played an excellent 45 minutes and they take an advantage into the second match.
Madrid are just a goal away from reaching the final, but if Juventus score at the Bernabeu, Real will need two. The tie is 50-50 between two teams with great squads and fantastic footballers. And as I always say, it is likely to be decided by small details.
Gareth Bale is coming back from an injury and Karim Benzema is available again. Chicharito has played his part in important moments for Real recently, but it is clear that the presence of Bale and Benzema gives Madrid more options. They are important footballers who are used to playing these type of games.Meanwhile, Ancelotti has been criticised for playing Sergio Ramos in midfield. But if the coach decides to do that it is because he feels that is his best option in order to compete in that given situation. No coach does anything to deliberately damage his team.
When it worked against Atletico Madrid and against Sevilla, playing Ramos in midfield was seen as a great decision. When it doesn’t work and the team loses, there is criticism and I don’t think that’s fair. As coaches, we live with post-match criticism – but Ancelotti is experienced and he will stick to what he believes can win him the tie.
Juventus are a team that work well especially in defence, but also in the way they attack from midfield. They have great midfield players alongside Andrea Pirlo. And if Paul Pogba is back, his return will strengthen their team in midfield and going forward.
They are quick in attack and any time Madrid lose the ball, Carlos Tevez will be a threat because he moves so dangerously between the lines. He is so unpredictable and difficult to mark. And if Fernando Llorente plays, he holds the ball up well with his back to goal.For Juventus, hopes rest on how quickly they can move the ball forward after winning it back. If they do that well, they can cause problems for Madrid.
Juventus have already won Serie A, but Madrid had a tough game against Valencia on Saturday. Nevertheless, I always believe that when you are competing in your local league, you also compete better in Europe.
While the team are playing, they are also competing and that can help – just like last season at Atletico when we played our league decider in Barcelona one weekend and then met Real Madrid in the Champions League final the following weekend.
So I don’t think tiredness will be an issue for Madrid on Wednesday. However, if the game finishes 2-1 and goes to extra time and Madrid are forced to play for another 30 minutes, the extra rest for one team over the other can have an effect. Over the 90 minutes, though, I don’t believe it will have any influence.
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