- | UEFA Champions League Thread | - 2015 -

[dronte]

Time for the build-up!

All the relevant information can be found here (injuries updated daily, etc):

http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2015/matches/round=2000549/match=2014418/prematch/background/index.html

Hopefully Barzagli can fully recover in time. I'm not actually sure which formation we should use, but I'd probably go with the same tactics as at the home game (without Pirlo).

Dortmund's great run of results ended last weekend when they lost to Augsburg away (1-0)


Interesting interview, and I think Sahin totally nailed this:

Nuri Sahin feels BVB would have had a better chance to get a good result had the experienced midfielder not been forced off

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Nuri Sahin believes the Bundesliga side would not have lost the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie with Juventus had Andrea Pirlo not gotten injured.

Jurgen Klopp's men were beaten 2-1 at Juventus Stadium on February 24, with Pirlo being forced to leave the pitch after 37 minutes of play due to injury with the score at 1-1.

Sahin has revealed Dortmund had a clear plan to eliminate the experienced playmaker and struggled to deal with Juventus' plan B after Pirlo's exit.

"I do not want to be disrespectful in any way, but I would have preferred it had Pirlo not gotten injured," Sahin was quoted as saying by Kicker.

"Pirlo's free kicks are superb, his corner kicks are as dangerous as a normal shot on target and he can find space behind the opposition's defence. He is of brutal quality.

"But we had come up with a clear plan on how we were going to fight a team containing Pirlo. And this plan worked superbly until he was forced off.

"Maybe we somehow thought Juventus would not find an answer to our gameplan any more after Pirlo was gone. They had to come up with a solution without Pirlo and that paid off for them.

"Pirlo is a true great, though, and will forever remain a legend."

Dortmund will be looking to turn around their first-leg defeat in the return at Signal Iduna Park on March 18.

[DeviAngel]

Sokratis has Juve warning


Sokratis Papastathopoulos warned Juventus that Borussia Dortmund “are very strong on home turf.”

The Champions League Round of 16 first leg ended 2-1 in Turin, so the Bianconeri have a slender advantage going into Germany next week.

“If we play as Borussia Dortmund should, then it’s tough for any team to beat us,” ex-Genoa defender Sokratis told Ruhr Nachrichten.

“I am not saying we are the best, but it is difficult for any side to win against us. We saw against Juve in the first leg that we played well, despite two injuries in the first half.

“We now have to play on our home turf and everyone knows we are very strong here. We must remain concentrated from start to finish and give 200 per cent to win this game.

“I think all the lads are warriors and we must make it a spectacular night for our fans too, as this year we’ve disappointed them.”

[salmano9]

We have to be cautious in this game, but we have Palermo to worry about first. We need a boost in confidence by winning the rosanero.

[salmano9]

19:38 - AL 99% Pirlo AGAINST BORUSSIA THERE WILL - Juventus, tomorrow, will be in the field to train for the race against Palermo. Against rosanero Allegri could make some changes especially in midfield ahead of Borussia. In addition, Saturday will Pogba disqualified. For the challenge of Champions at 99%, according to Sky Sports, there will be Andrea Pirlo.

15:03 - Saturday will Pogba - Saturday Massimiliano Allegri will be without Paul Pogba who was warned yesterday in the match against Sassuolo is booked. Against Palermo coach Livorno could make some changes ahead of the clash on Wednesday in the Champions League.

[dronte]

Worry about Palermo? No way, hopefully Allegri will send out our bench team (reports saying that he is). Couldn't care less if we lose it, just rest the players and concentrate on Dortmund game.

[salmano9]

Worry about Palermo? No way, hopefully Allegri will send out our bench team (reports saying that he is). Couldn't care less if we lose it, just rest the players and concentrate on Dortmund game.

Hahahahaha, could the line up get any worse vs palermo?

[DeviAngel]

Pirlo faces Dortmund fitness test


Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo will undergo a fitness test ahead of his side’s Champions League return leg with Borussia Dortmund.

The playmaker has been sidelined since the first leg with a calf injury, and former Bianconero Mauro Camoranesi today said it would be ‘key’ to get him back for the return in Germany.

It seems that Massimiliano Allegri agrees, as Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the Italian international will undergo a fitness test after the Palermo game on Saturday evening.

The newspaper reports that medical staff are urging caution, but are quietly optimistic about Pirlo’s chances of playing at least some part in the match.

[DeviAngel]

‘Pirlo key for Dortmund game’


Mauro Camoranesi says it would be ‘key’ for Juventus if Andrea Pirlo were to recover in time for the Champions League second leg.

The Italian international limped out of the first leg against Borussia Dortmund with a calf injury, and was later confirmed to be facing three weeks on the sidelines.

The Bianconeri went on to win 2-1, but former winger Mauro Camoranesi says they’ll need Pirlo back if they’re to complete the job next week.

“It’s hard to pick a favourite,” Camoranesi mused as he discussed the match with Tuttosport.

“It’s one of the most balanced Last 16 ties, the 2-1 at [Juventus] Stadium means everything is open.

“Juve are a great team, but Borussia are very tough to deal with, I wouldn’t set much store by the problems they’ve had in the League.

“The atmosphere is red-hot in Dortmund, but it’s the players who win the games.

“Pirlo? Andrea is unique, and to have him back for Dortmund would be essential. Having him on the pitch shifts the balance.

“Sometimes I hear criticism against him and I laugh. Pirlo can never be a problem, he solves problems.

“I was convinced that Pirlo could play until he’s 40, but given the current level of Italian football he can play until he’s 50 or 53. I don’t see anyone around with his quality or intelligence.”

The former Italian international also had praise for Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri, saying he’s always admired him.

“He’s a Coach I’ve always liked, but of course it’s easy to say that now given the results. Compared to the standard Juventus Coach, his teams play in a more relaxed way.

“There are fewer systems and diagrams, and more freedom for individual players to make decisions.”

[salmano9]

19:33 - LLORENTE SHOULD PLAY AGAINST PALERMO - Juventus, today, she trained for the race against Palermo. In view of the challenge on Saturday Massimiliano Allegri could make some lineup changes. In attack could meet again from the first minute Fernando Llorente, but you have to keep an eye on the name of Coman. French today he trained well with peers and Saturday could combine the Lion King, but this is only a hypothesis. While Tevez is expected a turn off. In midfield, however, Marchisio could do overtime and maybe in during the game could take over Padoin, will certainly holder Pereyra. The Argentine will replace Pogba disqualified. The number 6 Juventus, today, was on leave and will return tomorrow in Vinovo.

17:47 - BUFFON IN GYM - Today, Gigi Buffon has been training in the gym after the influence it has had in recent days. The number 1 Juventus Saturday will be on court.

17:23 - ROMULO IN BRAZIL - Juventus, through its official website, provided the details of today's meeting: 'It started the march towards Palermo. Juventus was found this morning in Vinovo to begin preparing the challenge against rosanero after Tuesday granted free by Allegri at the end of the match against Sassuolo. Absent Paul Pogba, who will be disqualified for the race of the Renzo Barbera and has thus benefited from an extra day of rest, and Romulo, who has traveled to Brazil for a checkup after surgery which was submitted last December. The team took to the field at around 12:00 and has argued before a demanding athletic part, focused on aerobic work-based repeated on different distances, so it is dedicated to the outstanding ball tactics and ended the session with a practice match a reduced field, watched from the sidelines even President Andrea Agnelli and Fabio Guild. Tomorrow, two days before the game, the team will still be in the field in the morning. "Read on Juventus.com.

15:44 - TRAINING COMPLETED - Juventus have finished your training ahead of the match against Palermo. Continues its recovery work Andrea Pirlo that hardly will recover for the Champions. Saturday there will be a bit 'turn-over and perhaps in defense will meet again Ogbonna and Padoin. While attacking play Llorente.

===
@Devi: Do you want to make a new thread for the Palermo match to post this in, or shall we combine the 2 matches together in this thread?

[salmano9]

17:20 - Pirlo OUT AGAINST BORUSSIA - Juventus, this morning, she trained in the rain. For the game against Borussia - reports Sky Sports - it is highly likely that Andrea Pirlo is in action on Wednesday. For this is not to be excluded that Allegri still deploy the 3-5-2. In defense of the coach from Livorno will have to decide whether to confirm Barzagli that he's fine now. In attack we will certainly Tevez although yesterday suffered a blow to the foot.

[dronte]

These injuries seriously need to stop. We could have used Pirlo this time as we will be playing for the draw.

He is still amazing in keeping possession.

By the way, Dortmund played a draw at the weekend.
Fun fact: Aubameyang scored an insane Maradona-esque handball goal, too bad the referee saw it

[salmano9]

These injuries seriously need to stop. We could have used Pirlo this time as we will be playing for the draw.

He is still amazing in keeping possession.

By the way, Dortmund played a draw at the weekend.
Fun fact: Aubameyang scored an insane Maradona-esque handball goal, too bad the referee saw it

LOL , so if he can't score with his legs/head, he will use his hands? Naah won't work against us

Meh, idc what they do in the Bundesliga, cuz its really different for them. Their performance in the CL and the league is totally different

[salmano9]

There is a high probability that we play 352

[DeviAngel]

Agnelli: ‘Dortmund not decisive’


President Andrea Agnelli insists Wednesday’s clash with Borussia Dortmund will not define Juventus’ season.

The Bianconeri will travel to Germany looking to hold on to a 2-1 advantage and qualify for the Quarter Finals of the competition, but the patron has played down the importance of the game.

“You can’t define a season by one game,” Agnelli told reporters at a Press to launch Italy v England at Juventus Stadium.

“If in Spring you’re competitive on all fronts then you’re doing well.”

The President also welcomed the return of Antonio Conte, who returns in his role as Italy CT after leaving the Old Lady this summer.

“It’s always nice to have Antonio Conte at the Stadium, hopefully he’ll always come back as CT, not as an opponent.”

[DeviAngel]

Conte: ‘At home in Turin’


Antonio Conte describes the ‘thrill’ of returning to Juventus Stadium as he looks forward to the friendly with England in Turin.

Conte’s Italy side will take on Roy Hodgson’s men on 31 March, in the stadium where Conte helped the Bianconeri to three consecutive Scudetti.

“I’ll be playing at home, because I was adopted by Turin,” Conte said at a Press conference to preview the match.

“For 24 years I’ve lived in this city, it’s my home, regardless of where I work. To be back at Juventus Stadium is a great thrill, it’s better to do it with the national team that with an opponent.

“We will honour every game in the Azzurri shirt, especially against England, and in the city of Turin.”

[DeviAngel]

Mazic assigned to Juventus game


Serbian referee Milorad Mazic will be the man in charge of Juventus’ crucial Champions League tie on Wednesday.

The Bianconeri face Borussia Dortmund at Westfalenstadion in the second leg of their Champions League Last 16 tie, trying to hold onto a 2-1 win in Turin.

UEFA has announced the officials for the tie, with Mazic heading-up an all-Serbian team of officials.

The Old Lady will not have happy memories of the 41-year-old, who was in charge as they lost 1-0 to Olimpiacos in October.

Mazic will be supported in Germany by assistant referees Milovan Ristic and Dalibor Djurdjevic, goal-line officials Danilo Grujic and Dejan Filipovic and fourth official Dejan Petrovic.

[DeviAngel]

Lippi: ‘Juventus need luck’


Marcello Lippi believes Juventus are better club than Borussia Dortmund, but warns you need luck in the Champions League.

The former Bianconeri Coach guided the side to four Champions League finals, but only won once, losing the last on penalties to Milan in 2003.

“I’m still convinced that, overall, Juve are stronger,” Lippi told La Stampa.

“But we should also be aware that this is not the Dortmund of two or three months ago.

“It takes luck to get to the end, but also a lot of other things. It’s hard to see anyone outside of Bayern [Munich] Barcelona or Real [Madrid] winning it this year.

“Juve have completely dominated in Italy for four years, they must try to continue their international growth, with two or three great performances to make it to the Quarter Finals.”

The World Cup winner again spoke of his desire to Coach a national team, but says he won’t return to the Azzurri.

“I’ve already said that enough is enough with club football. If a national team with a good, ambitious project comes in I’d like that.

“Not Italy, I was already wrong to go back there once.”

[salmano9]

NOTHING Pirlo!
03/16/2015 18:20 Massimo Pavan
article read 2222 times

There will be Andrea Pirlo in Dortmund, this is the bad news today for the Juventus fans. Tests have shown that the situation is evolving positive but not yet to make the film available for the trip to Germany. Make a virtue of necessity, Allegri and probably will field three defense with Barzagli, Chiellini and Bonucci, consequently midfield three with Vidal, Pogba and Marchisio and attack with Tevez and Morata. The absence of Pirlo removes phosphorus and ideas to Juventus but adds competitive spirit and intensity, something that could also be crucial. The absence of the director leaves Brescia happy Jurgen Klopp who feared much the conclusions of the world champion. A major loss but could make a possible next round an even more important.

[salmano9]

So no pirlo, vidal pogba and marchisio as CMs, lichtsteiner and evra as wingbacks. I think that we will only play like this if barzagli is fit for the game(352), otherwise 4312 with pereyra in.

[salmano9]

16:40 - DOUBT 3-5-2 or 4-3-1-2 - Juventus, in the morning, she trained for the race against Borussia Dortmund. For the Champions League is possible that Massimiliano Allegri deploy the 3-5-2, but not be ruled out even the option 4-3-1-2. Tomorrow morning in training, the technician will dissolve the last doubts. At the end of the session for Dortmund and Juventus will start at 18:20 there will be the words in Cosatti press conference Allegri and Buffon.
===
And yes, pirlo is officially out...

[salmano9]

11:41 - JUVENTUS IN CAMPO - Juventus is in training camp and Stano also Pogba and Tevez who yesterday had accused some ailments. Even Barzagli is working and tomorrow is a candidate for a jersey holder. Are training together to Juventus three boys of spring Tello, Vitale and Roussos. Among the recovered there is also Coman who is working regularly with classmates. Tomorrow Allegri, just for absences in midfield could go back to 3-5-2. In the middle will certainly holders Vidal, Marchisio and Pogba. Tevez will play in attack and Morata. Even Juventus, via Twitter, he shared a few moments of the session in progress: "After heating, the menu also includes morning finishing the ball #BvBJuve http://t.co/7ugLAGRvZr," wrote the white club that has also posted some photos of the workout.

11:09 - SOON JUVE IN FIELD - Soon, Juventus take the field for training on the eve of the game against Borussia. At the end of the session the team will have lunch at Vinovo and then in the early afternoon departure for Dortmund. For tomorrow's race, given the absence of Pirlo is getting stronger hypothesis 3-5-2, because if Allegri chose the 4-3-1-2 would have no midfield role on the bench. Yesterday Pogba suffered a slight muscle problem, but tomorrow, according to Sky Sports, will be on court. As Tevez who will lead the attack and Juventus will have at his side Morata.

[salmano9]

15:56 - GOES TOWARDS 4-3-1-2 - Juventus are traveling to Dortmund. Ahead of tomorrow's race, according to Sky Sports, the feeling is that Massimiliano Allegri resurface the 4-3-1-2, even if the 3-5-2 is an alternative: the goal will be Buffon. In defense on the wings act Lichtsteiner and Evra, amid play Bonucci and Chellini. In midfield, it's up to Vidal, Marchisio and Pogba. While Pereyra will act in support of Tevez and Morata.


Juventus (4-3-1-2): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra; Tevez, Morata.

[juvealbanian]

Good to see Pereyra is starting, he performs well on that position and Pogba,Vidal will be on their usual positions.
Morata looks in good form and Tevez is still on good shape so we should not have any problem to score and knock them out.
I'm positive for this match and hope we go with 4-3-1-2 as I don't want to see us playing 352 with Barzagli who hasn't played lately...if we sit deep and defend they will eventually score so we must keep the pressure away from our defense,control the midfield and counter attack with speedy Morata.
We will pass this test, I'm sure EuroMaxi can do it

[salmano9]

Good to see Pereyra is starting, he performs well on that position and Pogba,Vidal will be on their usual positions.
Morata looks in good form and Tevez is still on good shape so we should not have any problem to score and knock them out.
I'm positive for this match and hope we go with 4-3-1-2 as I don't want to see us playing 352 with Barzagli who hasn't played lately...if we sit deep and defend they will eventually score so we must keep the pressure away from our defense,control the midfield and counter attack with speedy Morata.
We will pass this test, I'm sure EuroMaxi can do it

Yes, this is absolutely true. We can't just sit back with 352 to defend. We must do it like last game, play on the counter. We have to score first. Their defence is weak apart from hummels.

[DeviAngel]

‘Juventus strong, not unbeatable’


Borussia Dortmund Coach Jurgen Klopp says Juventus are ‘not unbeatable’ ahead of their Champions League show-down.

The Bianconeri take on Klopp’s men in Germany tomorrow night, holding a 2-1 advantage from the first leg, but the opposition Coach is confident.

“It’s a challenge to beat an Italian team for whom a draw is enough,” Klopp admitted in his pre-match Press conference.

“We’re ready for anything, but we must remain calm, as we conceded a goal on the break in the first leg.

“Juve are not unbeatable, [but] we’ll have to make sure we don’t repeat the mistakes we made two weeks ago.

“We’ll have to do special things in a special atmosphere.

“Are Juve tough in tackles? I don’t remember that from the first leg, apart from a foul on [Lukas] Piszczek.

“They’re a team that plays football, ok they might be tough too, but in that situation the referee will intervene.

“I don’t have any particular desires tomorrow. Many remember May 28, 1997 [when Dortmund beat Juventus 3-1 in the Champions League final], it was a beautiful moment, but it won’t help tomorrow.

“We have to create a beautiful harmony, we know how to be dangerous and we’ll have to do it right.

“We don’t want to concede goals.”

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