Juventus captain Gigi Buffon said “the important thing was to prove we could play Real Madrid on level terms.”
The Bianconeri won the first leg of the Champions League semi-final 2-1 in Turin.
“We could’ve won 3-1 and they could’ve equalised for 2-2, so with a clear head – which I don’t have right now! – we are happy,” the goalkeeper told Sky Sport Italia.
Juventus captain Gigi Buffon said “the important thing was to prove we could play Real Madrid on level terms.”
The Bianconeri won the first leg of the Champions League semi-final 2-1 in Turin.
“We could’ve won 3-1 and they could’ve equalised for 2-2, so with a clear head – which I don’t have right now! – we are happy,” the goalkeeper told Sky Sport Italia.
“The important thing tonight was to prove we could play the Champions of Europe on level terms. I think even 1-1 would’ve been acceptable.
“It was a bit like a boxing match, we took turns hitting each other, and I expect the second leg will be similar.
“Real Madrid are a great team, but at this level even though on paper they are stronger than us, we can challenge them in terms of hunger, enthusiasm and athleticism.
“The great thing about football is that the strongest don’t always win. In the short term the best on the night win, in the long-term it’s the strongest overall who win.”
Buffon performed an important early save on Toni Kroos, as it bounced right in front of him.
“It was a save that let’s say had an elevated level of difficulty,” he smiled.
When Carlos Tevez took the spot-kick, Buffon had his back turned.
“I’ve been doing that since the 2006 World Cup Final. I just focused on a single Italy fan and when he got up, I knew we’d scored!”