Champions League

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Champions League | Group Stage

Dec 9, 2014 at 7.45pm UK

Juventus
0-0
Atletico Atletico Madrid

Match Analysis: Juventus 0-0 Atletico Madrid

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 09 December 2014

Sports Mole dissects the action as Juventus qualify for the knockout round of the Champions League with a goalless draw against Atletico Madrid.

Juventus secured their spot in the knockout stage of the Champions League with a goalless draw against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

Both sides had chances during the Group B clash, but neither could make the breakthrough in Turin.

Juve qualified in second spot, while Atletico, who were already through, secured top spot with their point.

Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two European rivals.

Match statistics

JUVENTUS
Shots: 11
On target: 4
Possession: 68%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 13

ATLETICO
Shots: 6
On target: 4
Possession: 32%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 15

Was the result fair?

In truth, both sides will be content with a goalless draw. Juve dominated possession in the first period and had some good opportunities, but Atletico also had chances of their own on the counter-attack. There is no question that both teams put a lot into the first 45 minutes, but there was a general acceptance in the latter stages that a goalless draw was going to be played out. Ultimately, Atletico only needed a point to top the group, while Juve needed a point to book their spot in the next round. Juve just about shaded the match overall, but neither really did enough to deserve to secure all three points.

Juve's performance

The Italian outfit really came out the traps in the first 20 minutes, with Paul Pogba at the forefront of their strong start to the match. Carlos Tevez also showed bits and pieces in the early moments, but the opportunities that Juve created were more half-chances than clear chances to open the scoring. Atletico really struggled to pose an attacking threat, especially in the second period, and Juve must be credited for their solid defensive performance.

A point would have been enough to qualify second, but it was an adventurous XI, with Pogba, Arturo Vidal, Tevez and Fernando Llorente all named in the side. Their attacking players had some bright moments, but found it extremely difficult to break through Atletico's stern defence. The fact that a draw was enough for the Italian champions certainly altered their mindset and they were not as adventurous in the second period as they might have been on another occasion. Overall, however, the job was done.

Atletico's performance

Diego Simeone's side have become the masters at securing positive results at difficult grounds. As touched upon, Juve started on the front foot and tested Atletico with a series of dangerous crosses, but the Spanish champions were in their element. It was the type of away performance that they produced on their way to the Champions League final last season and in this form, they will again be a match for any team in the competition. It was not pretty, but it was certainly effective.

Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez were both sensational at the heart of the defence, but it was not really a match for attackers, with Mario Mandzukic and Raul Garcia both struggling to influence the game. Simeone needed hard work from his team, especially in the first period, and Koke and Mario Suarez both answered the call with energetic performances. It is not a match that will live long in the memory, but it certainly showed Atletico's credentials in this competition once again.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Jose Gimenez: The award could easily have gone to Godin, but Gimenez just shades his Atletico defensive partner. The centre-back is just 19 years of age, but he had the look of an experienced professional against some difficult opposition. The Uruguay international dealt with everything that was thrown into the box, while he was also calm and composed in possession of the ball. Can Simeone really drop the youngster when Miranda returns to fitness?

Biggest gaffe

Juventus midfielder Vidal was extremely lucky to remain on the pitch in the first period. The Chilean international picked up the first booking of the match after 22 minutes and he took a big risk later in the half when he made a rash challenge on Arda Turan. On another day, the referee would have produced a red and made Juve's task much, much harder.

Referee performance

William Collum can be pleased with his overall performance in Turin. The 35-year-old might have sent Vidal from the field in the first period, but that was the only real piece of controversy throughout the match. The Scot issued just three yellow cards as he gave players the benefit of the doubt, while he did not become involved unless it was absolutely necessary. It was a big night for the inexperienced official, but he certainly passed the test in Italy.

What next?

Juve: The Italian champions return to domestic action this weekend with a home match against Sampdoria.

Atletico: Simeone's side welcome in-form Villarreal to the Vicente Calderon in La Liga on Sunday evening.