CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Real Madrid 0 Juventus 2

Real Madrid’s season is going from bad to worse. Madrid were very unconvincing and Juventus took full advantage.

Alessandro Del Piero scored early on with a very well taken goal. A bad pass by Guti in midfield saw Juve advance on Madrid’s goal and from outside the area Del Piero scored with a left foot shot. As has been evident this season, Madrid lacked cutting edge and struggled to get going. Juve were very well organised and had numbers back. They threatened a few times but were more concerned with protecting their lead. The second half was similar but Madrid did have a few good periods of pressure. A free kick outside Madrid’s area gave Juve another chance to extend their lead. Casillas lined up his wall but it was not good enough to keep out Del Piero’s free kick. The game was effectively finished after this goal.

Thoughts

Very bad performance and Schuster has to take the blame. Madrid were very poor and although Juve have picked up form recently, a victory for the home team was expected.

There is no cohesion in the team and Robinho’s presence is missed. His creativity and goals was the difference last season and there is no-one else capable of taking on his role. The summer transfer policy is looking more disastrous by the minute.

 

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Juventus 2 Real Madrid 1

A disappointing performance and result in the match against Juventus in Turin.

Real Madrid went to Turin hoping for a positive result against a home side who were missing some key players. The match started badly after the Italians took an early lead after a majestic goal by Alessandro Del Piero. Del Piero combined well with a team mate to make space and score from outside of the penalty area. Casillas could do nothing but watch the ball hit the net. The Italians were well organised and there was no fluidity to the Madrid game which has been evident in recent games.

The second half did not start well for the visitors as after 4 minutes, Juventus doubled their lead through Amauri. Nedved from the wing was able to make space and his excellent cross was met by a powerful header which Casillas could do nothing about. Schuster reacted by sending on Robben for Higuain and Madrid were starting to look more dangerous. The Italians were happy to defend and counter although they had no choice at times as Madrid dominated. The pressure finally paid off when van Nistelrooy pulled one back to make it 2-1 on 66 minutes. Madrid pushed but there was no last minute equaliser or winner this time round.

Thoughts

Very disappointed with the perfomance and with Schuster who must shoulder a lot of the blame. His tactics were wrong and I have doubts he can take us far in this competition let alone win it. Things can change later in the season but I’m not hopeful right now.

No fluidity to our game. No invention or anyone pulling this team along. A lot of times the forwards are isolated with little or no support. Schuster played 433 in a very attacking lineup but this was a mistake. Sissoko their destroyer was influential and Diarra was missed in this game. A more conservative but solid approach would have fared better in my opinion.