The UEFA Champions League quarterfinals action began in Madrid and Turin but some top-class goalkeeping ensured that only one goal was scored in the two respective ties.
Jan Oblak was at his best when it mattered as he stopped the superstar Real Madrid lineup from netting a crucial away goal. Real were at their best, creating several chances and Oblak denied Bale with a point-blank save in the 3rd minute and another fine stop in the 30th minute from a long-range effort. In the 35th minute, James Rodriguez produced a moment of brilliance when he controlled the ball at the edge of the box and curled in a shot with the outside of the boot and the Columbian was visibly distraught when Oblak scrambled to make a save. Atletico failed to create any threatening chances on target and other than Griezzmann’s effort which was well saved by Casillas, the Spaniard had an easy first-half. It was a legendary evening for the goalkeeper as he surpassed Xavi to record the highest appearances in the Champions League.
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Given the fact that this match was derby, tempers flared and Mandzukic was let bloodied after Ramos supposedly elbowed him. Carvajal was also accused by the Croatian, this time for biting and punching and as video replays later showed, it did seem as if the right-back sunk his teeth into Mandzukic’s arm. The game was rugged and chances were few and far between as both sides failed to create any meaningful chances. Diego Simeone’s men were well-organised and ensured that the game remained goalless. The Argentine coach wasn’t too displeased as his side didn’t concede an away goal while Carlo Ancelotti was impressed with side’s display, especially in the first-half.
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Surprise entrants Monaco visited the Juventus stadium to play against a side low on confidence, after Juventus’ shock defeat to bottom-club Parma. Carrasco fluffed a clear chance in the first-half while Tevez volleyed the ball right into the hands of Subasic. Subasic also denied Marchisio from long-range and ‘keepers from both sides were on top of their game.
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In the second-half, Juventus were awarded a penalty after Ricardo Carvalho tipped Morata just outside the box and it was a harsh decision by referee Pavel Kravolec. Arturo Vidal stepped to take the spot-kick and rifled the ball into the top-left corner to give the Italians the lead. Dimitar Berbatov scoffed a late headed chance to make it level but Juventus’ impressive backline kept the principality side at bay. Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim was furious after the result and claimed that the result was a ‘big injustice’ and the penalty awarded was ‘nonexistent’. Despite the 1-0 deficit, Monaco still have a chance to reach the semifinals as they host Juventus at the Stade Louis II in the second leg.
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In the Premier League, Liverpool eased past Newcastle to stay in the race for Champions League qualification. Raheem Sterling’s opener and a rare goal by Joe Allen ensured that the Reds are on the tails of Manchester City. Manchester was painted red after United defeated City 4-2 in an exciting derby. Goals from Young, Fellaini, Mata and Smalling ensured that City stayed on 4th place while United enjoyed 3rd spot. Aguero opened the scoring but then somehow City lost all control over the game and Aguero’s late goal proved to be nothing more than consolation.
Tags: Atletico Juventus pip Monaco Real Madrid
