Atlético Madrid have no big problems with Juventus and win over 2-0. Cristiano Ronaldo dives at his first big test.
Juventus want to win the Champions League. This is the declared seasonal goal, but Cristiano Ronaldo was signed in the summer, the Italian championship has Juve finally brought in the past seven years without the superstar. The Atlético Madrid fixture was anything but ready for the title, Juventus lost 0-2, Ronaldo was completely deregistered. The first knockout round first leg has probably already prematurely ended the title mission.
In Madrid Ronaldo had to pass his first major test in the Juventus jersey. Meanwhile the best action came from the 34-year-old Portuguese in the eighth minute: Accompanied by the constant boos of the Atlético fans – Ronaldo had scored 22 goals against the city rivals for Real Madrid – he hammered a free kick from about 30 meters away in the direction of Atlético goal, that even Jan Oblak, one of the currently best goalie in the world, could only steer the ball over the crossbar.
Whether Ronaldo’s remarkable record against Atlético had been written by the Spanish press about the return of the “man-eater” to Madrid, but the five-time world footballer remained toothless. In the limelight, he stood only: After he had caught Atlético’s frills Juanfran foot, he writhed in pain on the ground.
As expected, Juventus played more matches against Diego Simeone’s defensive specialists. Nevertheless, this is just the strength of the Madrilenians, Diego Costa would have to make it 1-0 (50th), world champion Antoine Griezmann hit only the crossbar (53rd). And a goal by Álvaro Morata (70th) was denied thanks to the video evidence. A double strike brought the decision: The central defenders José María Giménez (78) and Diego Godín (82) met each after standard situations – 2:0. Ronaldo is required in the second leg.
Off the field, there was good news for Juventus. Sami Khedira’s surgery for heart problems has gone well. “I’ll be able to get back to work after a short break,” said the 31-year-old on Wednesday night.
Champions League eighth finals:
Atlético Madrid – Juventus 2:0, Schalke-Manchester City 2:3.
Return matches on 12th March.