Juventus coach Max Allegri praised his team’s performance against Real Madrid declaring the win ‘the right reward that they deserved.’
Speaking after his sides 2-1 victory against the current title holders, Allegri gave credit to his players while discussing his change in tactics.
“I am very happy with what the lads did. This is the right reward that they deserved, as it’s not easy to reach the Champions League semi-final and especially to play against Real Madrid,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“We played with great intensity and allowed Real Madrid very little, but could’ve done better in the pace of creating our play in the first half.
“It’s a shame, as we could’ve done better with the Llorente chance, but I’d have been happy beforehand to get a win over Real Madrid.
“Now we can prepare for a week and can fight it out in Madrid.”
Allegri began the game with 4-3-1-2 but switched to a 3-5-2 after Juve went ahead and he was asked which system he would use in Madrid.
“You’re asking too much! The game just ended! I think tonight the lads defended very well with four, though it was not easy to leave Andrea out. I had to make a choice and he did great coming off the bench.
“With Bonucci booked, I had to take fewer risks and have another defender near him.”
Perhaps the surprise of the night was Stefano Sturaro who was handed his first Champions League start at just 22 years-old.
“I made this choice because, Pereyra can change the game off the bench and Sturaro was in good shape. I needed someone with legs to help the defence.
“The lads did very well to defend with four in midfield and then to take turns blocking Sergio Ramos.
“The players know I am very demanding on control and the passage of play, so I feel we could’ve done better in the first half to pass it around quickly and get the ball between the Real Madrid midfielders.
“That doesn’t take away from the fact they did very well and I am very happy with what they are doing.
“We started the Champions League in a certain way and it’s different to Serie A, we need to face these games with more calm and maturity. It’s practically impossible to press a team for 90 minutes and they can score in 10.
“It’s important to read the game, know when it’s time to slow down, time to step up the pace and change gear. The team has definitely improved on that.”
