Dream comes true. Juventus, after the success of the first leg, also repeats itself at home and conquers the final in Cardiff on 3 June. Against whom will we see (tonight's second semifinal between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, starting from 0-3 in the first leg), in the meantime, however, the first major goal of the season has been achieved.
Of course, at this point the final is no longer enough: the Juve world wants that Cup that has been missing since 1996, without ifs and buts. Also because, compared to the last time (2015), this milestone is definitely more deserved. The Lady made an almost clear run and the 2-1 over Monaco, after the 0-2 in the first leg, sanctioned a superiority that was never really in question.
“We have many chances to win this Cup – commented Massimiliano Allegri – In the meantime we will have a month to improve some situations and to deal with two more in Italy, we will never have to pull the plug. We'll probably find Real Madrid and we'll need important tactical solutions, it's more difficult in one-off matches but we'll be ready."
The coach is already trying to keep his feet on the ground but the enthusiasm of the Juve world is almost total. The bianconeri can make the treble and, above all, conquer the Champions League which is over 20 years away and which too many times has escaped right from the last act. However, the general belief is that this could be the right time, if only because the numbers say so: with only 3 goals conceded, Buffon has the best defense in Europe, certified by the umpteenth record achieved in his extraordinary career (690 ' goalless, surpassed Milan in 2005 with 642').
In short, Mbappé's goal (69') turned out to be completely irrelevant, also because Juve had already closed every qualifying speech in a big way. After an initial shiver (Mbappé's post) which could have put everything back into play, the bianconeri crushed the French and found the net with Mandzukic (33'), moreover after wasting two clear chances. The 2-0 came in the 44th minute through Dani Alves, a symbol of this European season finale: the Brazilian, who had been missing for many months, woke up precisely for the decisive matches of the Champions League, those for which, moreover, he had been purchased.
In the second half, Monaco stood out above all for the goal by Mpabbé and a foul by Glik on Higuain: many boos (the Pole, moreover, is the former captain of Torino), just as much fear (Pipita remained on the sideline for a few minutes) and a big, huge sigh of relief (eventually he came back and played the rest of the game). In short, Juventus in Cardiff, and this time without any awe.
Even in the event of a final against Real Madrid, we'll start on an equal footing, just like in the golden years. And certainly not to finish second, but to bring to Turin a Cup that has been missing for too long.
