It was a virtual final for Juventus as they needed at least not to lose & thus stay in touch in the Champions League tournament, while Real Madrid needed at least a draw to assure virtually their presence in the next phase. The local atmosphere was ripe for Juventus & the first half was theirs as the Italians went from cold to hot, putting Real Madrid on the back foot as the first half went on. Juventus was more intense & managed to bring out the "defensive disorganization" that Real Madrid has been suffering the last few games. Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas had to make a few very important saves to keep his team alive. However, Juventus managed to get their prize when Real Madrid defender Varane fould Pogba in the penalty area. Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal fired home for goal in the 42nd min.
The second half started with Real Madrid more concentrated & a terrible mistake by Juventus defender Caceres allowed Cristiano Ronaldo to rob the ball & that was enough for the Portuguese star to brilliantly put in the equalizer in the 52nd min. This lifted Real Madrid as Juventus was now on the ropes & Xabi Alonso hit the cross-bar in the 55th min. Soon after Cristiano Ronaldo again robbed the ball & run away this time finding Gareth Bale on the right flank who controlled & fired in their second goal in the 60th min.
Juventus needed at least a point to stay alive in Champions & they bravely reacted to find the equalizer in the 65th min when Spanish International Fernando Llorente headed in the equalizer. From here both sides attempted the winner but as time ran out they settled for the draw.
Juventus would have preferred the win but the draw keeps them alive in Group B. Real Madrid managed the objective but again did not convince fully with their play & especially in defence.
Real Sociedad drew 0 - 0 with Manchester United & basically puts them out of the next stage of Champions League. The Spanish club will now have to look to secure third place of Group A to think about the Europa League. The match was fairly even with moments to Manchester United which could have sealed the victory. It was a even first half with the second half full of action. Manchester United forward Van Persie hit the post in the 65th min & then failed to convert a penalty in the 70th min. Real Sociedad tried hard in the latter part of the game but could not break through the Manchester United set up that allowed the English team to create their own chances as Real Sociedad left spaces in their attacks. Manchester United player Fellaini received a red card in the 90th min but the Spanish team could not take the numerical advantage as time had run out.
Tomorrow more Champions League action with Spanish Football Clubs Atletico de Madrid & FC Barcelona up for their Group duties.
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