Juventus moved up to second place in Group A of the Champions League after grinding out a 2-0 win over Swedish champions FC Malmo.
Malmo started the brighter of the two sides with Thelin forcing a save from Gianluigi Buffon but Juve quickly took control of the game and began to dominate possession and chances. Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo both forced saves from Olsen while Claudio Marchisio’s effort was straight at the keeper. Stephan Lichtsteiner shot just wide of the far post before Marchisio’s volley was pushed over the crossbar.
It was Fernando Llorente who broke the deadlock after the second half, shotting low past Olsen from Marchisio’s assist. Juve piled on the pressure and Paul Pogba played in Carlos Tevez who fired in a right-footed shot to make the result secure.
Do you agree with our ratings ? Share yours below.
Gianluigi Buffon
Not an easy night by any means for the’veteran’ keeper. Made a string of fine saves to deny Rosenberg and Adu and was alert to all threats throughout the night. Exceptional.
7.0
Stephan Lichtsteiner
Pushed down the right side all night and got forward to support every attack when possible. Made some wayward crosses but was solid overall.
6.5
Giorgio Chiellini
A very strong display against a constantly threatening Malmo side. Marshalled Thelin well for most of the night and made some important clearances. Solid
7.0
Leonardo Bonucci
A few wobbles here and there but tracked back well when Malmo broke. Effective if not exceptional.
6.5
Simone Padoin
Another game at left back and well earned. Didn’t get forward as much in the first half but kept Eriksson fairly quiet and provided some width down the left in the second.
6.5
Claudio Marchisio
Deserved at least 2 goals. A long night made all the longer by his personal duel with Olsen. Provided the perfect assist for Llorentes opener and was exceptional throughout with his movement.
8.0
Andrea Pirlo
Looked leggy at times but still provided plenty of threat from his free kicks. Had one shot saved by Olsen and failed to track back at least once which could have cost Juve.
6.5
Paul Pogba
Showed both sides of his game tonight with lots of pace and energy in the final third while tracking back to break up Malmo attacks. Provided a delicious assist for second Juve goal.
7.5
Arturo Vidal
Starting to return to the player he was last season. Had a great effort saved in the first half and broke up the Malmo attacks at the game progressed. Improving.
6.5
Carlos Tevez – MOM
Didn’t stop running tonight, played pass after pass and tried to create chances all on his own. Scored Juve’s second and could have set up Morata for a third. Incredible.
8.0
Fernando Llorente
A tough first half where he barely had a look at the ball before finally making the difference in the second. A composed finish to put Juve in the lead. Held up the ball well in the second half and a solid performance overall.
7.5
Substitutions
Alvaro Morata
Should have scored Juve’s third with the goal at his mercy but managed to hit the upright when it was easier to score !
How do you come up with the numbers?
I always feel these kind of ratings are just shouts as: “Well, he was about 6, no more.” I was wondering if you have any system behind it.
IMO: Lichsteiner was really good, I felt he was definitelly better than Padoin, (though I was very sleepy) I would give him more points. Also, how can a striker who played for only 20 minutes, got carded and missed a sitter get only .5 less than Vidal?
I think Vidal was good, but far from his best – 6.5 is above average without being exceptional.
Morata created a decent opportunity through his own movement and pace and he offered Juve something more in the final moments of the game, hence the 6.0 rating
Lichtsteiner was great last night with his runs and getting forward, but defensively, his positioning was really poor at times. he let himself get pulled around. Also his deliveries in the final third weren’t great.
We can;t all agree as we all assess the players and performance differently
Great ratings. I agree with all.
I don’t know why but I wasn’t able to see the ratings. Could someone write them for me please?