From ecstasy to rage. Juventus says goodbye to the Champions League after coming close to a legendary feat, even superior to that of Roma on Tuesday. The Giallorossi fans don't want it but overturning Real Madrid at the Bernabeu after the 0-3 draw in the first leg would have been unique and the Bianconeri, up until the 93rd minute, really believed they could do it. Then came an episode destined to arouse slow motion players from all over Europe, the classic "fiscal" penalty that doesn't give you certainties even after ten replays.
In some it seems that Benatia touches the ball and not Lucas Vazquez, in others that the vehemence of the intervention prevents the Spaniard from kicking only in front of Buffon, in any case what matters most is that the referee Oliver indicated the spot and allowed Ronaldo to score the qualifying goal. From there, all of Juve's fury was unleashed, undoubtedly exacerbated by an enormous dose of frustration due to the mockery of leaving the Cup right at the most beautiful moment.
“It is clear that the introduction of the Var in Europe must be accelerated and I will try in every possible way – commented Andrea Agnelli – Some reflections on the designator (Collina, ed) and on his evident vanity should be made, such a figure should be changed more frequently. I watch the episodes of the Italian teams in Europe, I think of Milan, Roma, Lazio, there have been too many penalizing cases".
Harsh words those of the Juventus president, second only to those of Buffon. The captain, sent off for protesting immediately after the penalty, risks having ended his career in the Champions League with a red card, a fact that obviously didn't go down well.
“The referee had no personality in the face of a dubious episode – he attacked – If you are not able to stand at these levels then go to the stands to eat the chips, and then how bravely did he expel me? Didn't she know it was my last game? Instead of a heart he has a garbage can ”.
In short, the Juve world has been in turmoil since Oliver pointed to the penalty spot and Ronaldo, cold and ruthless as always, sent Real to the semifinals for the eighth time in a row. A real pity we end up talking only about this because a great football page had been written before, which came so close to becoming a legend.
A great Juve, perhaps boosted by Roma's feat, had attacked the blancos right from the start, immediately finding the game-breaking goal with Mandzukic (2') and doubling with the Croatian himself shortly after the half hour (37'). The Bernabeu had begun to tremble and then fell silent completely (Juventini aside, obviously) in the 60th minute, when Matuidi, taking advantage of a duck from Navas, scored the 3-0 which put everything back in perfect equality.
Sensational in Madrid, actually not. Because just when extra time seemed inevitable (and Allegri had two substitutions available), here was the offending contact between Benatia and Lucas Vazquez, the penalty from CR7 and the consequent final uproar.
“I don't feel like judging the referee's choice but it's clear that I'm very sorry – the coach's analysis – The lads had a great game, sorry to go out like this but now we'll have to be good at overcoming this episode and looking forward, things like that they fortify you.”
Some reflections remain to be made and in the next few days, with a cool head, there will be plenty of time. However, it is certain that the much criticized Italian football, in the space of two days, eliminated Barcelona and put Real Madrid on the ropes, as well as that, when in doubt, the European referees always whistle against. And that the much-criticized Var, after all, isn't that bad.
