UEFA Champions League: Juventus vs Real Madrid preview

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May 4th, 2015
Back UEFA Champions League: Juventus vs Real Madrid preview

Juventus play host to mighty Real Madrid on Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. The two clubs have undeniable European pedigree as they have played no less than 20 continental cup finals between them. The two sides have met 16 times on previous occasions, there was just one draw, eight wins for Real and 7 for Juve. Last season they met during the group stage and Real Madrid got four points out of the two encounters.

Juventus have not reached this stage of the competition since 2003, when they lost the final to fellow Italian side AC Milan. That time they had faced none other than Real Madrid in the semi-finals and managed to prevail 4-3 on aggregate. Massimiliano Allegri and his team have secured the Serie A title last weekend, their fourth consecutive crown and the 31st in club history. The Italians have been strong in defence in this season's Champions League, with just five goals conceded in ten matches. They are also unbeaten in their last 12 European matches at home. Juventus will have to do without star midfielder Paul Pogba due to a hamstring injury while Martin Caceres is also out.

Real Madrid, last season's Champions League winners, are looking to become the first club to successfully defend the coveted trophy. Such a success might be the only thing that would secure Carlo Ancelotti's job, especially if they lose the Primera Liga title to Barcelona. Real Madrid have a good record in their previous Champions League away matches, they lost just one of their last eleven and won eight. However, they haven't won any of their previous seven matches in Italy. Real will be without Karim Benzema and Luka Modric, but Gareth Bale should be available after a calf injury.

Probable line-ups:

Juventus: Buffon - Lichsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra - Pirlo, Vidal, Marchisio - Tevez, Llorente

Real Madrid: Casillas - Carvajal, Varane, Pepe, Marcelo - Ramos, Kroos, James - Bale, Ronaldo, Hernandez

My prediction: 0-0 draw.

Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:

Juventus win - 3.00 Draw - 3.25 Real Madrid win - 2.60

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