Champions League 2016/17 – Juventus to go all the way
Champions League is slowly coming to an end, with only the best four teams remaining, who will battle it out for the title and a name in the history books. Today we will take a look at one of the biggest favorites to win the title, and that team is Juventus.
Italian team formed back in 1897 is currently holding the most trophies in Serie A; 32 league titles and 11 Italian Cups. However, they have only won 2 UEFA Champions League titles and that could easily change this year. On their road to semi-finals, Juventus have been in a superb form. The fact that they have not lost a match and only conceived 2 goals makes them much bigger
On their road to semi-finals, Juventus have been in a superb form. The fact that they have not lost a match and only conceived 2 goals makes them much bigger favorite as it seems at first. Juventus started their 2017 Champions League journey in Group H with Sevilla, Lyon and Dinamo Zagreb and came out on top with a 4-2-0 record. Surprisingly enough, they have played 2 draws at home against Sevilla (0:0) and Lyon (1:1), but managed to win every road game. With a ticket to 1/8 finals, Juventus was paired with FC Porto, who was no match for the “Old Lady”, who won both legs (0:2) and (1:0). In quarter-finals, Juventus got a well-known opponent, with whom they had unfinished business from 2015 Champions League finals. That was no other than Barcelona.It was expected to be a close match and without the doubt one that should not be missed, but despite the anticipations, it turned out to be rather one-sided.
It was expected to be a close match and without the doubt one that should not be missed, but despite the anticipations, it turned out to be rather one-sided. The first match was played in Torino, where Juventus dominated the Spanish team with 2 quick goals by Dybala (7′, 22′), which left Barcelona in a very bad position. Despite Barcelona holding the ball for most of the match, they were unable to produce a goal, but instead suffered another goal in 55′ by Chiellini. With 3 goals advantage before going into the second leg, Juventus had a huge advantage and Barcelona had a very tough job in front of them. Prior to the second leg, many people assumed the story from PSG-Barcelona can repeat itself, but it did not turn out so well for Barcelona, who were unable to produce anything in front of their fans. Surprisingly they only managed to shot once towards Buffon, which only proves how strong Juventus can be. With performances like that you start to think, where can Juventus go this year. Far, the answer is far.
With only four teams remaining, Juventus will face Monaco in the semi-finals. Monaco has been playing very good so far and are where they are because of that. They started off in Group E, where they have proven to be better than Bayer Leverkusen, Tottenham and CSKA Moscow.In 1/8 finals, they were paired with Manchester City whom they defeated due to away goals (6:6). Next up was Dortmund, who crashed and burned in front of talented Monaco (6:3).
In 1/8 finals, they were paired with Manchester City whom they defeated due to away goals (6:6). Next up was Dortmund, who crashed and burned in front of talented Monaco (6:3).
There is no denying Monaco is a talented team and they have already proven that to us, but the real test is ahead. Will they be able to defeat Juventus? To be fair, not likely. Juventus is a class above Monaco and I don’t expect Monaco to cause any huge problems for Italians. On the other
On the other side, we will see Real Madrid playing against a well-known opponent, Atletico Madrid. It will actually be a rematch from last year’s final match, however, the outcome is still unknown. Quite frankly any of the two can get through to the finals, where they will most likely face off against Juventus.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying Juventus was sent from god to show us how to play football, of course, there is a chance Juventus can fail, even against Monaco, but if they can produce the performances they have shown us thus far, they are more than capable of lifting the trophy. The key element for their success is to stay focused and not to underestimate their opponents. Juventus has great players in their squad, so it will all come down to mental strength. Up to now, they were concentrated, determined and played as one unit and that is why they came so far. If they can keep up with that I see no reason why they wouldn’t win their 3rd Champions League title.
Prediction: Juventus to win Champions League
Odds: 2.80 Betfair, 2.64 Bet365
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