Alex Sandro, Mario Mandzukic and Stefano Sturaro were contendors for man of the match in Juve’s 1-0 victory over Man City.
Juventus went into this penultimate Champions League group knowing that a win would see them into the last 16. It was a cagey start but Juve played the better football early on and took a deserved lead when Alex Sandro floated in a perfect cross for Mario Mandzukic to fire home. Juve continued to miss a host of well created chances while City had opportunities of their own to get back into the game but thankfully the Bianconeri held on for a valuable 3 points.
Do you agree with our ratings ? Have your say below.
Gigi Buffon
Exceptional. Came out off his line to close down Aguero when Marchisio’s back pass was poorly placed. Denied Toure with a truly world-class save and was his usual super-self throughout.
7.0 / 10
Stephan Lichtsteiner
Had a great chance to seal the resuly when clean through but was denied by Hart. Tracked back well and kept Navas/De Bruyne quiet throughout the game.
6.0 / 10
Giorgio Chiellini
One of his best recent performances, despite some poor passing at the back. Came into the game as it went on and kept Aguero in his pocket for much of the night.
6.0 / 10
Andrea Barzagli
Kept things steady at the back with a solid defensive display, marking De Bruyne and making some vital interceptions.
6.5 / 10
Leonardo Bonucci
Back to his brilliant best, marking Sergio Aguero and limiting his chances. Superb.
6.5 / 10
Claudio Marchisio
One wayward pass aside, he was at his best, probing the City defence, trying to carve out chances. Tested Hart from distance more than once and kept the midfield ticking over.
6.5 / 10
Stefano Sturaro
An exceptional display from a young player who is maturing more with the big games he plays in. Bossed the midfield and broke down attacks while almost scoring a second goal for Juve.
6.5 / 10
Paul Pogba
One of his best displays in a while, dominating the midfield, covering the pitch and keeping Toure busy. Created a beautiful chance for Dybala and made some great runs into the final third.
7.0 / 10
Alex Sandro
Pushed Sagna back and was a constant thorn in the side of City for the whole game. Provided the deftest of crosses for Mandzukic to open the scoring.
7.0 / 10
Mario Mandzukic
Another player who turned in a much improved performance. Far more mobile, tracking back when he could, put pressure on the defence and took his goal with a great finish. Could easily have scored a second but for a great save from Hart.
6.5 / 10
Paulo Dybala
Wasted a good early opportunity, made good runs with great vision but the end product wasn;t there, in part, due to the physical treatment he got from City.
6.0 / 10
Substitutes
Alvaro Morata
An infuriating display from the striker who should have passed at least twice to better positioned players to seal the result.
6.0 /10
Juan Cuadrado
A brief cameo role with the game already won.
N/A
Patrice Evra
A brief cameo role with the game already won.
6 Comments
Hopefully morata isnt becoming desperate for goals to lock his place back in the team.. He is being used badly, the options are playing in a role that doesnt suit him or not play at all
Morata is by far our most natural goal scorer. No matter where you place him his number one aim is to get sight of goal and shoot. He thrives on goals. So…to have placed him out side for some games this season and now to deprive him of the one competition where last season he proved himself immense is going to affect his head. There is a hint of suggestion in my mind that Real Madrid have already indicated – to Morata – that they will sign him next Summer. And the striker is now hesitating over signing a new contract which would remove the buy-back clause. If the club are aware of this, it is possible that his position moves him down the pecking order. On one hand we want to make use of the most talented players we have, yet on the other, if we have failed to persuade him to stick with juve, to commit to Juve and his head is slightly in Madrid already, then can he be as useful to our cause this season?
If his attitude is in question, I understand why he is presently overlooked for the starting XI. Other than which, it is nonsense to omit our most natural goalscorer, also likely our paciest forward.
We do not know how he fares in training, how he is behaving towards the other players and management or his present contract situation. Certainly worth pondering though, when wondering why our star of last season is presently in the shadows.
Yup, this is the scary bit, we fans just dont know what happens inside the club. Morata did say multiple times he wants Juve and not Madrid, but is it the truth or is it winning the fans?
It would be logical for him to want to live in Madrid, but they didn’t treat him nicely when he was there, so who knows. If he is to leave, would Berardi and Dybala be a good duo?
Not as good as the Berardi Morata Dybala trio :3
Indeed, he is not going to say ‘my heart is in madrid’ whilst playing for Juve. Its impossible to say or know what is going on in his head and behind the scenes with Real contact and agents up to their usual tricks.
At the same time, if his poor form continues then will Madrid even want him? Depends who else is shining at the time I assume. Yet Morata could well see the move inclusive of a buy back clause, as a modern loan, for his ‘parent club’ clearly did not want to lose him completely, which will have made him feel warm and wanted in some way.
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