Atletico Madrid take 1st leg advantage to Italy for Juventus challenge

Juventus must turn around a 2-0 deficit against Atletico Madrid to qualify for the last eight of the UEFA Champions League.

The Italians have failed to win the European title since 1996 and could be forced to wait another year before attempting to end that dismal record after Jose Gimenez and Diego Godin put Atletico ahead in the first leg.

Diego Simeone’s side turned in an effortless performance in the Spanish capital and the Atletico boss will be keen for a similar show in Turin tomorrow night. The Spanish are certainly more than capable of defending a two goal lead, and boast the best defensive record in La Liga having conceded just 17 goals all season.

Team news

Diego Costa and Thomas Partey are both suspended for Atletico, while Diego Godin (thigh) and Filipe Luis (calf) are doubts.

Massimiliano Allegri will be without the suspended Alex Sandro. Full back Mattia De Sciglio (muscle) is a doubt along with Sami Khedira, Juan Cuadrado and Douglas Costa.

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return for the Italians, the Portuguese striker is Bianconeri’s top-scorer this season with 19 goals in all competitions but has scored just one in the Champions League.

From the dug-outs

Speaking ahead of kick-off Simeone admitted that despite his side’s first leg lead he expects a tough test.

“We will have to take advantage of the spaces that will be granted to us, Morata can be important in this sense. Godin will be fine and I think that he will be available.

“Juventus is a very strong team, with important strikers, not just Ronaldo. We will have to pay close attention to everyone and fight from the first minute.”

Meanwhile, Juve boss Allegri challenged his side to leave nothing behind as they take on “one of the strongest sides in Europe.”

“Tomorrow we have to be good at reading the moments in the game. Douglas Costa was almost there in the squad but today he had another setback.

“Atletico have won three Europa Leagues, as well as reaching two Champions League finals, and one of the strongest teams in Europe in recent years. Tomorrow we have to live up to this Last 16 tie, and we will.

“This isn’t the ‘Game of the Year’, because if we get through then we still have more rounds to face in the Champions League. We are thinking about putting in a great performance then we’ll worry about the rest of the season.

“We have to give something more tomorrow. Taking out the emotional side and not freezing in a moment of difficulty and giving 100%, so that we can come off the pitch at the end of the match with no regrets.”