Italian giants Juventus overcame Monaco by two goals to nil in the first leg of their semi-final clash at the Stade Louis II in Monaco. Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri said it was a tough match for his team, against a formidable side who play direct football, making the pitch long, “We had to keep our defenders close to our midfielders and vice versa-it was important to stay compact,” said Allegri, adding that Monaco are a technically gifted side. Before the match began, many fans had tipped the principality side to score a
Before the match began, many fans had tipped the principality side to score a goal or two, given their formidable scoring run, but that wasn’t the case as the Turin side shut Monaco down, even though they had 14 shots to Juventus’ 10 throughout the match. Gonzalo Higuain scored the first goal, a perfect team flowing move, from Dani Alves’ assist in the first half, and the two combined again in the second half to place the tie firmly in Juventus’ hands. “We still have to play the return leg, they have nothing to lose so we’ll need to do a professional job once again,” said Allegri after the match.
Veteran keeper Gianluigi Buffon has his sights set on a Champions league crown, and the manager had nothing but praise for the Italian stopper, “It almost goes without saying when it comes to these big matches. Gigi is the best goalkeeper in the world and he’s shown that tonight,” said Allegri.
Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim said Buffon’s efforts contributed much to Juventus win, “Gianluigi Buffon produced some great saves. He produced two or three wonderful saves, Juventus didn’t concede a goal thanks to his efforts,” said Jardim. The second leg will be played on Tuesday, 9th May in Turin, Italy.
