Juventus endured a frustrating first half before Gonzalo Higuain came off the bench to play a part in both goals as the Bianconeri saw off Olympiacos in the Champions League.
Player Ratings
Gigi Buffon: Tested on a few occasions and made two straight forward saves while tipping one effort over the bar. Also looked in control.. 6.5/10
Stefano Sturaro: A straightforward performance from the midfielder-cum-right-back. Good enough in defence, ventured forward a handful of times and played a cross or two. Average . 5.5/10
Giorgio Chiellini: Kept Emenike quiet for much of the game and looked formidable at the back. Dominant in the air, winning 5/5 of aerials and 100% of his tackles. King Kong. 6.5/10
Andrea Barzagli: Completed over 100 passes from the back which is impressive as he played out from the back. Made some valuable interceptions and never looked troubled. 6.5/10
Alex Sandro: Another performance that showed more of the Sandro of last season – Great runs and overall understanding with Costa on the left – Delivered some perfect crosses that deserved better finishing. 6.5/10
Juan Cuadrado: Frustrating – Made a few good dribbles and his passing was on point but there was no penetration in the final third. 5.5/10
Rodrigo Bentancur: Star of the show – A measured, controlled and tidy performance in the heart of the midfield. Brilliant tackles, a good range of passing on display. End to end, turning defence into attack in a few strides. A real talent. 7.5/10
Blaise Matuidi: Energetic performance but nothing of note on the night. Good passing but not his usual, imposing self. 6.0/10
Paulo Dybala: Tried to create from set-pieces but was kept well guarded by the Olympiacos midfield and defence who sat deep. 6.0/10
Mario Mandzukic: Excellent in the air, spurning a few good chances before sealing the result late on, being in the right place at the right time. Just as effective up front as on the right 6.5/10
Douglas Costa: Another good display but there’s a way to go until he’s at his best – Made some good runs down the right, cut in well, good passing but more needed to break into the starting XI . 6.5/10
Substitutes
Gonzalo Higuain: Came on early in the second half and turned the game on its head, scoring the first goal and providing the pass that opened up Olympiacos for the second. Back. 7.0/10
Federico Bernardeschi: Only played 10 mins and never had a chance to make an impact. N/A
Medhi Benatia: Subbed on at the end to hold up the defence. N/A
Allegri is a joke.
Never understood the hate he gets. We are really not as strong as some powerhouses we usually outplay in Europe. Did better than Conte, who proved to be quite an A-hole after leaving the club
Sturaro is so bad in one-in-one defending, got exposed a few times against not-so-good Olympiacos players, and provides nothing offensively, oh stubborn Max! sigh!
Dybala disappears in some games and failed to add creativity. Higuain’s killer instinct and his direct drive force bailed us out!
My take aways from last night:
1: MoM Olympiacos keeper, who made a possible tennis match into a frustrating night for our team.
2: Chiellini was unbeatable
3: The relieve in Higuains celebrations showed us the real struggles of this guy, but this might be the goal and confidence he needed.
3: Costa is settling in, but the dynamic and understanding between Mandzukic an Sandro creates better chances (last night a goal)
4: Bentancur has settled so damn well and shows glimpse of Pjanic-brilliance; the goal which Higuain almost scored.
5: Cuadrado will soon be benched and slowly fall down the ranking for the wing position.
spot on dude… especially no 5, looks like pressure of competition on the right is getting to him. Plus his final third product was always dreadful. Decisive passing is not his thing
Ben-tan-cur is fan-tas-tic!! He’s a real joy to watch.
Given Higuain’s goal-scoring return, I was expecting to see “Fatman Returns” memes, but the internet has disappointed.