Higuain defies critics with brace
Juve forward says he had faith in his hard work after ending his sevengame drought in knockouts
Two-goal hero Gonzalo Higuain urged his Juventus teammates to keep their feet on the ground after a brilliant 2-0 win in Monaco on Wednesday that left them on the brink of the Champions League final.
Argentine striker Higuain was set up by Dani Alves to open the scoring in the 29th minute and then converted an Alves cross just before the hour as Juve claimed a seemingly decisive victory in the semifinal first leg at the Stade Louis II.
The Italian champions have the final in Cardiff on June 3 in their sights, with a showdown against holders Real Madrid, Higuain’s former side, looking probable. “The dream we have been pursuing since August has been to get to Cardiff and we are just one step away,” said Higuain, who was applauded off by the home support in Monaco.
He now has 31 goals this season following his €90 million transfer from Napoli, helping Juve close on a potential treble.
Higuain, who ended a sevengame run without scoring in the Champions League knockout stages, added: “We have not won anything yet, so we mustn’t get carried away. I always kept calm. I knew everyone had faith in me and that hard work is always rewarded in the end.”
Juventus were immense in all areas against a Monaco side who have lit up Europe this season with their brand of attacking football. The hosts found the Juve defence to be impermeable, with Gianluigi Buffon majestic as ever in goal. The 39-year-old, making his 149th European appearance, denied Kylian Mbappe and Radamel Falcao in the first half and produced a stunning fingertip stop from Valere Germain late on.
Buffon praised coach Massimiliano Allegri for his decision to bring Andrea Barzagli into a three-man defence, thwarting Monaco’s attack and allowing Dani Alves to wreak havoc down the right.
“Gigi showed that he is still a great goalkeeper. He always does it in big games, and Higuain scored two lovely goals,” said Allegri.