Juventus were lucky to snag a cheeky penalty kick in Turin and will bring a one-goal advantage with them to Monaco.
Report by Madi Williamson
Juventus 1-0 AS Monaco
Juventus made quick work of Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16 while Monaco ousted Arsenal on away goals. The two sides were a perfect combination and played out an entertaining game in Turin. Juventus were the first to come out swinging.
Alvaro Morata was gifted a golden chance just four minutes in but opted to volley the ball over the top of the bar rather than tap it into the middle of the box where Juve had numbers prowling. Carlos Tevez was also a hazard when given a crack at goal. Monaco’s defense looked scattered early on. The visitors collected their composure, however, and started to possess and put together speedy and organized charges at goal.
Buffon was forced into action when Carrasco was found wide open in the middle of the box and had an easy shot but was denied by the Italian. Monaco’s organized pushes forward tested the home side’s defense and by the twentieth minute the tables had turned and the visitors were dominating the possession and leading charges at Buffon’s goal. Juventus were quick to adapt and made the most of their time on the ball with quick counter-attacks through Vidal, Tevez and Morata.
Monaco’s defense, however, proved to be just as organized as their attack and the home side’s pushes forward were rapidly dissipated. Just before the half, Vidal had the chance of the game when Tevez sent a perfectly placed pass through Monaco’s scrambling back line but the shot was sent high.
Much like the first half, both sides looked confident and steady coming out of the break. Neither side made any inspired attempts to push forward. It looked as though they would be satisfied to draw. Not even the visitors were making a big push for the desired away goal.
Five minutes into the second half, Tevez forced a save from Subasic that seemed to bring some life into the game. Monaco were quick to counter and to call upon Buffon at the opposite end of the pitch. The next push forward from Juventus caught Monaco off guard and Carvalho was caught on the wrong side of Morata as they both fought to bring down the ball. After consulting with his linesman, the referee awarded a controversial penalty to the home side.
Vidal stepped up and fired an unstoppable penalty home, sending Subasic the wrong way and slamming the ball into the upper V. For the remainder of the match, Juventus were in control. Monaco failed to bring on the heat in spite of being a goal down and keeping their organization. They lacked the urgency going forward that they needed to break down Juventus’ defense and send a shot past the legendary Buffon. History repeated itself as Monaco still have yet to win on Italian soil in any European competition. Juve take the vital one-goal advantage with them to the second leg next week.
Both of Tuesday’s matches lacked the spark and the magic that European football fans long for in the big fixtures. Both of Wednesday’s fixtures boasted all of the elements for thrilling Champions League action. Barcelona were clinical against Paris Saint-Germain while a stunning Porto upset the mighty Bayern Munich on their home turf in Portugal.
