Matuidi praises Old Lady’s warrior spirit
JUVENTUS relied on their warrior instincts, according to midfielder Blaise Matuidi, as they stunned Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 to reach the Champions League quarterfinals 4-3 on aggregate at Wembley yesterday.
“We weren’t in a great position after the 2-2 at home. We knew we could score here, we did that,” 30-year-old Frenchman Matuidi, who missed the first leg, told reporters.
“We were up against a very very good team that has super players and plays good football. They finished top of their group.
“It was a challenge, one that we faced with heart and a warrior spirit and that made the difference.”
No one typifies that more than 36-year-old Andrea Barzagli, a rugged no-nonsense pillar in a back four with more than 170 Champions League appearances between them.
When Tottenham threw everything at Juve in a desperate late assault to salvage their dream, he along with Giorgio Chiellini, Medhi Benatia and Alex Sandro stood firm in the storm.
Barzagli believes it is their kindred spirit that will make Juve feared quarterfinal opponents.
“We can really achieve anything with this great character, we played badly for over one hour and than turned everything around with two great goals,” he said.
“We were also lucky, but I think you deserve luck when you are ready to fight and sacrifice as we did tonight.”
Chiellini said a calmness under pressure had allowed Juve to reach the quarterfinal for the third time in their last five appearances in the competition.
“At halftime we told ourselves that we had to remain calm despite suffering so much because our chances would come,” he said.
“Tottenham proved to be a great team, I think they are missing very little in becoming one of the best teams in Europe, maybe some experience.
“A few years ago we were in the same place, and reaching two finals in the last three seasons helped us to better handle these kinds of games.”
Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri said Tottenham’s inability to maintain their high tempo was a crucial factor, as was Juventus’s vast Champions League experience.
“I thought there was a bit of a dip in the physicality of the Spurs players in the second half,” he said.
“We are used to playing these games. We can go in with a clear head and being calm.
“We are part of the history of this competition. We are improving as a team in Europe and a performance like this proves that.
“We are having a good season so far. Who knows, anything can happen in the Champions League.
“We are in the last eight. You look around and there are teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich who could do some damage.
“That’s not to say we can’t compete with these teams.” - Reuters/AFP