Juventus midfielder Emre Can says the experience of beating Atletico Madrid was something he had never experienced before.
The German international was a key part of the team that won 3-0, switching from the midfield to the defence, a new approach for both the player and the manager.
“Tactically I’d never played like that before,” Can told Bild.
“We kept going from a back three to a back four. It was a clever move by Allegri, who acted like a chess player, and his plan was completely successful.
“For the first time in the club’s history, we overturned a 2-0 deficit in the Champions League.
“At the end of the game, there was pure emotion in the dressing room, like I’d rarely experienced before.
“From the outside it’s difficult to understand how much pressure there was on us after the first leg.
“Between the two matches there was a sense of tension in the city. Not many believed in us, but we wanted to send a signal to the world and let everyone know we were still there.
“Ronaldo? I don’t want to assess his gesture, but after Simeone’s one in the first leg, it must be said that someone like Ronaldo, given his performance, was allowed to respond and celebrate as he liked.
“Everyone in the stadium knew who the celebration was addressed to. I feel great with him, I was delighted with his hat-trick because it wasn’t easy for him in the first leg.
“He had to swallow several bitter mouthfuls and wanted to give an answer. The way he did, with that hat-trick, was incredible.
“I can say that Ronaldo’s the very quiet type, with both feet on the ground. He doesn’t show off his star status and he’s impressed me a lot.
“He’s the first to say ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’ for anything. He doesn’t act like this with only us mates, but also all the masseurs, coaches…
“People would be surprised if they saw how normal he was.”
[Translation from Football Italia]