Juventus took one step further toward the pinnacle of European soccer after scoring a narrow 1-0 advantage in the first leg of their quarterfinal matchup against Monaco. The Bianconeri now take to the road in an attempt to reach the Champions League semifinals. But the hosts remain dangerous, especially considering their improbable upset over Arsenal in the previous round.
Can Monaco defy the odds once again? Read on for everything you need to know heading into this pressure-filled fixture.
Due to their one-goal win at home, Juventus advance to the semifinals with any form of draw. Things aren’t as easy for hosts Monaco, who need to win by at least two goals to advance.
Betting on Monaco
A contentious penalty put Monaco on the hot seat ahead of the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal matchup against Juventus. Central defender Ricardo Carvalho appeared to trip Juve’s Alvaro Morata right outside the penalty area. The ensuing penalty resulted in a 1-0 hole for Monaco to bring back to Stade Louis II.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]Monaco have given up majority of possession in their last three Champions League matches, two of which were losses. But despite ceding possession, Monaco doesn’t need to control the ball to score crucial goals. They excel on the counter-attack as evidenced by their shellacking of Arsenal on the road. Les Rouges et Blancs scored three goals to one despite controlling possession for just 43.1 percent of the match.
Forward Dimitar Berbatov and midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia were instrumental in Monaco’s upset of Arsenal, each scoring a critical away goal. Substitute Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco also netted a goal against Arsenal. But aside from that match, the three are yet to find the back of the net in a Champions League fixture.
Monaco would do so much better if Anthony Martial, tied with Berbatov for a team-high seven goals, could find the back of the net in the Champions League. Martial has just one assist in six appearances thus far. But getting on the score sheet against Juventus may be more challenging. Juventus have allowed just two goals in four away matches in the Champions League.
Monaco have not scored in five of their nine Champions League matches this season.
Betting on Juventus
Arturo Vidal netted the winning goal from the spot, his first since January 11 to give the Serie A leaders a narrow lead to protect when they make their way to Stade Louis II. Vidal’s penalty would not have been possible without the passing brilliance of Andrea Pirlo. The excellent Juve midfielder launched a 70-yard pass to forward Alvaro Morata, who was fouled in/near the penalty box.
Pirlo was making a return after missing seven weeks due to a calf injury. But it didn’t appear to slow him down at home against Monaco. Pirlo put on a passing masterclass, connecting on 90.1 percent of his passes and making 81 touches. Having a midfield mastermind like Pirlo should help Juventus keep possession, thus limiting Monaco’s shot attempts.
Juventus attack was unspectacular despite their crucial home win. Vidal, Carlos Tevez and Morata were all inefficient in front of goal, failing to convert on 10 of Juve’s 13 shots. But they shouldn’t be too concerned considering their excellent away form. Juventus had been undefeated in 13 straight away matches across all competitions before falling 1-0 against Parma.
Considering Juventus need at least a draw to advance to the semfinals, a more conservative approach may be expected against Monaco’s less-than-stellar attack. The Juve defense has also been amazing, conceding just six goals in 14 away matches.
Writer’s Prediction
A scoreless draw sends Juventus to the semifinals. Create a betting account now and cash in on Europe’s top soccer clubs.
