Real Madrid 1-0 Juventus (García). Through to the quarter-finals. Here is my immediate reaction. More coverage: Player ratings, all the interviews and a post game podcast.
The knock-out phase had already conjured some upsets, and Juventus would be no dark horse in the biggest game of the competition yet. Kylian Mbappé was back, but would start life on the bench behind man of the tournament Gonzalo García. Antonio Rüdiger took his place in defence, in a largely similar side to the group fixtures. Fede Valverde led the team out once more.
Juventus had Real Madrid for the majority of the first half, and began the game looking sharper and more intelligent than the galacticos. They hit the roof of the net early on, and Thibaut Courtois was on hand to shut them out on various other occasions. Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde had the only sniffs at goal for Madrid in the first 45, with both barely testing the goalkeeper. 0-0 at half-time.
Madrid would improve in the second half, gaining the first two chances as Jude Bellingham came close, and Dean Huijsen almost scored a ridiculous goal from far outside of the area against his former side. They would take the lead, of course through Gonzalo García – whose header from a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross continues to all but confirm his place as a first team player full time next season. Juventus was try to bounce back immediately, but Thibaut Courtois pulled off another great low save. Fede Valverde then tried the bicycle kick, but it took a great save at the other end to stop the spectacular. Madrid started to look more and more positive, and as Kylian Mbappé was introduced – Arda Güler almost ended the game with his powerful effort, which was parried away. Aurélien Tchouaméni then had a go, only to be thwarted by the keeper once more. Full time: 1-0 Real Madrid, who go through to the quarter finals against either Borussia Dortmund or Monterrey. What were your takeaways from the game?
