As Juventus switch to 4-4-2 against Real Madrid, could Max Allegri be surrendering the midfield battle?
Words: Elio Salerno
Champions League ties between Juventus and Real Madrid rarely disappoint and tonight’s first-leg in Turin will be no different.
We take a look at few key areas of the game prior to kick-off.
As Juventus switch to 4-4-2 against Real Madrid, could Max Allegri be surrendering the midfield battle?
Words: Elio Salerno
Champions League ties between Juventus and Real Madrid rarely disappoint and tonight’s first-leg in Turin will be no different.
We take a look at few key areas of the game prior to kick-off.
Seven defeats in 42 Champions League games for Juventus under the stewardship of Max Allegri, the Italian champion’s biggest weapon is arguably one that will not cross the white line tonight. In Allegri, Juve have an astute tactician that is capable of changing games in his sides favour. We this is as recently as Saturday evening in the Bianconeri’s win over Milan, his side adopted a 3-5-2 that morphed into a 4-4-2 before the introductions of second half subs Douglas Costa and
Juan Cuadrado see Juve finish in a 4-2-3-1. It has become somewhat of a trademark for Mister Allegri, his ability to recognise the need for a change in the midst of a developing game is the sign of a highly intelligent football mind. We see this in full force during their win over Spurs in the last round and The Old Lady will need more of Max’s magic tonight.
In that fateful second half in Cardiff at the end of last season Juventus were dominated in midfield by their opponents, so it’s a surprise to see Allegri opt for a new 4-4-2 system. Luka Modric was given free reign in the second half of that final, so a key aspect could be how well Sami Khedira and Rodrigo Bentancur can stifle Los Merengues’ midfield trio.
All eyes will be on the talented Bentancur, who will deputise for maestro Miralem Pjanic. It’s a huge occasion for the Uruguayan midfield player to step into but he has poise and a confident aura about him. Sami Khedira will have to be at his best against his former side restricting the time and space their opposite numbers in midfield have to play. Expect to see Allegri’s men use a range of tactics without the ball; from a high press to a defensive block, the midfield will play an equally important part in both. Juventus cannot afford to give an inch away and must be faultless with their positional play in and out of possession, especially with a man fewer.
In the opposite dugout Zinedine Zidane has proven to be no slouch when it comes to adapting to the game’s needs. The standard 4-3-3 with Real Madrid’s very own “BBC” is no longer a given, but the Frenchman has opted for the same XI which thrashed the Bianconeri in Cardiff.
However, Los Blancos have been able to switch to 4-4-2 at times this season.
The scene is set for Paulo Dybala to make his mark on the football world, but while the noise has been built around the Juventus number 10 it is Douglas Costa that could swoop in and be the hero. The Brazillian winger’s influence has become increasingly noticeable over the course of the season and it would be no surprise if he was the man that produced the moment of quality needed in attack. Between Dybala and Douglas Costa they must find a way to shake the defensive stability that Casemiro offers his side, if they can find pockets of space around him in midfield areas they will cause their opponents real problems.
Numerical superiority in that central space will be a key battle to look out for throughout the 90 minutes, controlling these areas will be the difference.
The last 30 minutes will be the most important period of the game. Juventus have been boosted this season by a better squad depth, in last season’s final they looked to Mario Lemina to help them get back in the game. On this occasion the Juve boss can look behind him and see Mario Mandzukic or Juan Cuadrado for a helping hand. Both players offer different physical qualities and will be used to work the Real Madrid defence deep into the game.
Neither side will want to give much away, Juventus will want to go to the Bernabeau firmly in the tie while Real Madrid will believe they will beat any team at home and overturn any potential deficit. So a draw suits both and will leave everything open for the second-leg