The big night has arrived. There Juventus, fresh from the scudetto, prepares for the first act of Champions League semifinals, against i reigning champions Real Madrid. A thrilling match, in every sense. For the opponent and for the stake, the highest for 12 years now. The last time in the Champions League "final four" dates back to May 14, 2003, moreover against the Spaniards. At the time it was simply a triumph: 3-0 with goals from Trezeguet, Del Piero and Nedved, the latter protagonist of the only stain of the evening, that booking which cost him the final against Milan and Juve, perhaps, the cup itself. Other times, for the Lady and for our football. No one would have imagined that it would take 12 years to see the Bianconeri in the semifinals, but that's how it happened. Fate then wanted to confront Real Madrid again, coached by Ancelotti, who in 2003 "blew" the Champions League right from Juventus. In short, we could go on and on looking for noteworthy topics, but there is only one reality: when the black and whites meet the boxing gloves, there are always some good ones.
"They are European champions and probably have a few more chances but in a game like this there are no favorites – he explained Allegri. – A great performance will be needed both in the defensive and offensive phase, I don't think the two matches will finish 0-0. I hear that we have nothing to lose but that's not the case: there is a final at stake…”. Strong words, from those who feel the feat is possible despite the fact that in front of them there is a real giant. “This is the Champions League, whoever has the most courage will pass – he retorted Ancelotti. – We have the dream of playing in another final, but woe to say that we are favourites. If Juve have come this far it means that they deserve it, we all have the same chance of winning." Right concepts, God forbid, but it's clear that, between the two, Real has to play for something more. Allegri knows this well as does Tevez, who showed up at the press conference with the sly look of someone who knows a lot. “When they took me, two years ago, they told me: come and we will win the Champions League – revealed the Apache. – I believe it, ours is a group that respects the shirt it wears”. The environment is charged, on and off the pitch. The Stadium, needless to say, will be completely sold out, ready to push the Lady as in the past. Because history speaks for itself: in the 7 previous games played in Turin, the Bianconeri won 5 times (the last one in 2007/08, 2-1), against a draw (2-2 last season) and 1 white victory (0-1 in 1961/62).
The cabal is also called upon to beat an objectively stronger opponent. There Juve he will be able to face him with the typical team, except for that Pogba who is still in contention for the return match. Allegri has decided to rely on 4-3-1-2, with Buffon in goal, Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini and Evra in defence, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio and Pereyra in midfield, Tevez and Morata in attack. A few more problems for Ancelotti, forced to give up Modric and Benzema. His Real Madrid will play with an atypical 4-3-3 (which could become 4-4-2 in defense): Casillas in goal, Carvajal, Pepe, Varane and Marcelo in defense, Sergio Ramos, Kroos and Isco in midfield, James Rodriguez, Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo in attack. Many stars on the field, on both sides. With only one big goal: getting closer to the final in Berlin.
