Mortgaged eighths. The victories of Juventus and Roma are worth 3 very heavy points and, consequently, a step forward towards overcoming the group, albeit with the necessary differences. Because if the Giallorossi's victory over CSKA Moscow is worth second place in the standings, that of the Bianconeri in Manchester allows an almost decisive extension to the lead and the almost, obviously, is linked only to mathematics.
Let's put it this way: if Allegri were to lose all three remaining games then perhaps, but only perhaps, the round of XNUMX could escape. Difficult eventuality to take into consideration and not only because third-placed Valencia also drew against the Swiss side of Young Boys: the truth is that Juve are an army destined to do great things and the visit to Old Tafford only confirm it.
The 1-0 final was even tight in the light of what was seen on the pitch, with the Bianconeri as absolute masters and Mourinho's Red Devils acting as sparring partners. The only regret lies in the final score, too small compared to the amount of play and the chances created, especially as the balance-breaking goal had already arrived in the 17th minute (Dybala after a good action by Ronaldo on the right), foreshadowing the start of a goleada. But maybe it's better this way: in Allegri, you know, too round victories are almost scary.
“The boys put in a good performance – commented the coach with satisfaction – Sometimes we should have moved the ball faster and we made mistakes every now and then but that's okay, the team played well and deserved the win. We had already moved with authority in Valencia, we are growing steadily".
Much satisfaction for a deserved and convincing success, which further increases the consideration of the whole of Europe towards the Lady.
To say the same about Roma would be an exaggeration, however yesterday's victory could represent a good starting point for a fluctuating team, yet full of quality. The 3-0 win over CSKA shouldn't deceive: without Olsen's two saves at the start of the match, perhaps we would be commenting on another result. But then Edin Dzeko took the chair, again in the Champions League version: the hardships of the championship, in fact, go away as soon as he hears the tune. After the 3 goals against Viktoria Plzen yesterday's brace (30' and 43') broke the backs of the Russians, before Under rounded up the result with a nice left foot under seven (50').
Victory that is worth overtaking CSKA and, all in all, a good qualifying piece: repeating itself in Moscow on November 7th would do the rest.
“I'm happy but woe to relax – sighed Di Francesco. – There is always something to improve and we have to work hard, so far we have lacked continuity and that can only be found with results. In any case, I'm also happy for Dzeko, he's extraordinary when he's in the evening. I almost have the feeling that he likes to play more in the evening…”.
We don't know if it's true, he certainly had fun yesterday and with him all of Rome, not to mention Juventus: in short, this Champions League is starting to give satisfaction.
