Gigi Buffon hailed the ‘extraordinary’ 3-0 Juventus victory away to Barcelona and compared it to the infamous 3-1 result at Real Madrid.
The Bianconeri had already qualified for the Round of 16, but needed to win 3-0 or by two clear goals other than 2-0 to top the group.
They achieved it with a pair of Cristiano Ronaldo penalties and a Weston McKennie volley.
Gigi Buffon hailed the ‘extraordinary’ 3-0 Juventus victory away to Barcelona and compared it to the infamous 3-1 result at Real Madrid.
The Bianconeri had already qualified for the Round of 16, but needed to win 3-0 or by two clear goals other than 2-0 to top the group.
They achieved it with a pair of Cristiano Ronaldo penalties and a Weston McKennie volley.
“It is a confidence booster for us, one not to be underestimated, as we came here as underdogs and overturned the 2-0 first leg result to win 3-0. That’s extraordinary,” the goalkeeper told Sky Sport Italia.
“I believe in fate, so I think things don’t happen by fluke, I believe life compensates you. The last time we were winning 3-0 in Madrid and it ended 3-1. This time we were winning 3-0 and took that result home. I think this is a good position to be in.”
Buffon was referring to the infamous Champions League exit at the Bernabeu, when Juve had overturned a 2-0 first leg defeat in the Round of 16 and were 3-0 up until a controversial last-gasp penalty.
Buffon was sent off for dissent following that decision and Juve exited the tournament.
The man who turns 43 next month was also asked why Juventus only seem to raise their game against big clubs this season.
“There are going to be ups and downs in your journey, at times you need some performances that are below par in order to grow. Our objective must be to find a precise identity, a soul, because without soul, you can’t even win at table football.
“When we are able to express ourselves to the maximum of our capability, we are a truly strong team.”
Buffon was heard loudly shouting throughout the game, is there more leadership now than last season?
“It’s not right to make comparisons with the past. Every season is different and unique. Clearly, the talking is also trying to find that identity, as we do it to help teammates and in the end, that becomes contagious. If we can improve that communication, I think it’s getting through another step in the process.”