Atletico de Madrid started with the above 11 team, it included the return of midfielder Koke & forward Diego Costa.
Juventus FC went into this game with the above starting 11 missing Khedira who stayed in Turin undergoing medical check over a heart complaint detected a few days back.
The first half was even with few goal opportunities to note, except a long range Cristiano Ronaldo free kick stopped by Oblak & a Griezmann free kick stopped by Juventus goalie Szczesny. The match swayed between both teams as Atletico started strong & later Juve regained the upper hand. The game was intense with Atletico showing their habitual physical approach to their Football & while Juve was solid in their defending.
The second half was all Atletico de Madrid which decided to go after the game leaving aside some of the tactical discipline. The goal opportunities came early with DIEGO COSTA on his own missing a sitter, that was followed few minutes later with GRIEZMANN hitting the bar.
Atletico de Madrid Coach Simeone decided to make some changes that surprised by there offensive nature. Alvaro Morata came on for Costa, Lemar came on for Tomas & later Correa for Koke...all 3 are forwards.
Atletico was putting Juventus FC on the back foot & in the 70th min MORATA headed in a goal that was later cancelled by a VAR decision, it seemed he pushed Chellini before heading. But the signs were there that more was to come. It did, in the 78th min when Atletico defender GIMENEZ scoped a loose ball in the little square to score the opener. The second goal would come in 84th min when another defender GODIN shot to goal getting a deflection off Cristiano Ronaldo that went into the net.
The Italians attempted a late reaction to at least try for an away goal but Atletico goal Oblak made an outstanding save from a Bernardeschi attempt, & Ronaldo failed a header a half chance towards to end.
FINAL RESULT: ATLETICO DE MADRID 2 - JUVENTUS FC 0
Finish off with a mention about the grand perform by Atletico defender GODIN who was outstanding tonight in defence & showing his leadership qualities.
Now it's back to Turin for the second leg match which could be a cliffhanger as Juventus attempts to turn things around. However, Atletico has a healthy & well earned advantage.
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