Cristiano Ronaldo‘s brace, including arguably his best-ever goal, led Real Madrid to a stunning 3-0 away win over Juventus in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.
The scoreline may be harsh but Madrid had the best chances, hitting the woodwork twice and passing up other opportunities.
Ronaldo’s bicycle kick for Madrid’s second was the standout moment, but manager Zinedine Zidane won the tactical battle over counterpart Massimiliano Allegri as well.
STATS
JUVENTUS
Goals – 0
Shots – 12
Possession – 44%
Tackles – 16
Dribbles won – 14
REAL MADRID
Goals – 3
Shots – 14
Possession – 56%
Tackles – 13
Dribbles won – 9
30-SECOND REPORT
Allegri
Allegri ditched his usual 4-3-3 for a 4-4-2, with left-back Kwadwo Asamoah drafted in as a left winger to play in front of fellow left-back Alex Sandro. It was a move designed to offer more defensive solidity, but the scoreline is ample evidence that it back-fired.
Juve lacked a killer instinct as they failed to convert their dominant spells into any clear-cut chances, while getting picked off on the counter.
Zidane
Zidane picked the same XI that started the Champions League final against Juventus last season, recalling Isco to the lineup and setting up his side in a 4-4-2 diamond.
The Spaniard was in top form and set up an early goal that gave Madrid control of the match, as they weathered a storm before scoring twice more to put the tie to bed. It was a classic European away performance.
Real Madrid are the first away team to beat Juventus in European competition since Bayern Munich in April, 2013.
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 3, 2018
The Old Lady’s 27-game unbeaten run at home comes to an end. pic.twitter.com/5ZF6HDCjUS
TACTICAL TALKING POINTS
Allegri
TWO LEFT-BACKS LEAVE JUVE LOPSIDED
Allegri’s decision to play both Sandro and Asamoah on the left came off the back of the tactic having paid dividends in the previous round. Asamoah’s introduction as a substitute playing in front of Sandro turned the second leg around against Spurs.
On Tuesday, however, it led to Juve’s attack being lopsided and lacking in creativity down that side, giving Dani Carvajal the freedom to go forward and press high. It didn’t pay off defensively, either, as Madrid’s first two goals both came from that flank.
Zidane
ISCO GAMBLE PAYS OFF
Isco hasn’t been in the best form this season, despite having starred in last year’s Champions League final and looking like he was ready to take on the world. His relationship with Zidane has suffered after being dropped from the starting XI, so being picked from the start here raised eyebrows.
It was an inspired selection as the Spaniard was nearly as unplayable as he’d been last June. He popped up all over the pitch, and bagged an assist as well, setting up the opener.
100% - Isco managed to complete all of his 54 passes in the game v Juventus, the highest faultless tally in a CL knockout game for a midfielder since Xavi v Atlético de Madrid in April 9, 2014 (95). Special. pic.twitter.com/reBAUUd9U7
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) April 3, 2018
VERDICT
Allegri
Allegri’s one big call, changing his formation to include both Sandro and Asamoah, failed in spectacular fashion. A Juventus side known for its defensive prowess, especially at home, gave up three goals, which was unthinkable even considering the opposition. This loss is on the manager.
Rating – 4/10
Zidane
In many ways this was a classic Zidane-era performance by Madrid. There were times when Madrid were unconvincing, but ultimately, they not only got the job done but did so in style. The decision to recall Isco should earn Zidane plenty of plaudits.
Rating – 10/10
