HE’S DANI BOYO!
Stunning Alves volley sends Juve to Cardiff
THE objective had long since been secured but, on the touchline, Max Allegri was blazing. Arms waving, head shaking, his fury unmistakable.
Juventus, four goals up on aggregate and heading inexorably to their date with destiny, switched off for one moment and Kylian Mbappe nipped in to score. It was little more than a consolation but, to Juve boss Allegri, it seemed like the world had ended.
The Champions League is an obsession for Juventus and their pursuit of that shimmering trophy is accompanied by a pursuit of perfection. Imagine Allegri’s dismay, then, when what had been a faultless defensive record in the knockout stages was been ruined.
‘The coach cares so much, when we do something he doesn’t like he gets so angry,’ admitted Paulo Dybala, the Juve striker.
Monaco had been Europe’s free scorers this season, but, having lost the first leg 2-0, reaching next month’s final in Cardiff was a step too far against a team who had not conceded a Champions League goal since November 22.
This, however, was not a throwback to days when an Italian team would man the barricades for 90 minutes to protect a lead. Juve’s attack can rival anything in the business and they continually cut their opponents to ribbons.
Danijel Subasic in Monaco’s goal stopped it becoming a rout, but Mario Mandzukic killed off any lingering Monaco hopes when, at the second attempt, he made sure a magnificent cross from Dani Alves got the finish it deserved. Alves was superb and, just before half-time, thrashed a volley in from 25 yards after Subasic had failed to clear with a punch. Not for the first time, you questioned Barcelona’s wisdom in letting him go last summer.
‘What can I teach Dani Alves?’ Allegri asked afterwards. ‘He has won 29 trophies.’
Alves may collect No 30 in Rome on Sunday, with the Serie A title nearly in Juventus’ hands, and it was perhaps inevitable in the second half their tempo dropped and they let in Mbappe.
‘Getting to the final doesn’t mean anything,’ said Gianluigi Buffon, the 39- year- old Juve keeper who has won almost everything but the Champions League. ‘But you have to keep believing in your dreams.’