Evening European football fans.
Celtic and
Juventus resume hostilities tonight in the
Champions League after a feisty first leg three weeks ago. The Bhoys need a minor miracle to progress after being picked apart on the counter 3-0 by
Antonio Conte's side last month.
Sports Mole will bring you every kick from the Juventus Arena as Celtic attempt their own version of
The Italian Job tonight!
A 3-0 defeat scarcely reflected a competitive game at Celtic Park last month, with the Bhoys ultimately punished for a series of fatal defensive errors.
Neil Lennon's primary objective tonight will be for his side to restore pride with an improved display in Turin.
Celtic have shown a considerable improvement away from home in Europe this season. After years of indifferent form on the continent, impressive performances at Spartak Moscow and most memorably the Camp Nou ultimately helped the Glasgow giants qualify for the last 16. Lennon's men will need to find an extra gear to deny Juve a routine passage to the quarter-finals tonight, that is for sure.
As mentioned above, Juventus are unbeaten in Europe for just under three years. Who were last team to beat the Serie A champions in a continental competition I hear you ask? Well that was Fulham, who recorded a quite incredible 4-1 win in the Europa League at Craven Cottage. Conte's current crop are vastly improved but a repeat of that scoreline this evening would be enough to overhaul the first-leg deficit!
British fans got a taste of just how hard it is to play at the Juve Arena in the group stages, where Chelsea were comprehensively brushed aside by the Old Lady. Mistakes are ruthlessly punished in Turin, which Roberto Di Matteo found out in a defeat which ultimately cost him his job. Lennon's side must start with focus and drive tonight to give themselves a chance of recording an unlikely win.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS! A huge boost for Celtic tonight is the return of
Georgios Samaras. The Greek striker has been an important outlet in the Champions League this season, but missed the first leg with a persistent knee injury. He returns tonight, with Kris Commons also recalled to the starting XI.
We will bring you a complete look at tonight's starting lineups shortly. Juve have as expected taken the chance to rest a number of key players following a bruising 1-1 draw with title rivals Napoli last Friday.
JUVENTUS: Buffon, Barzagli, Marrone, Bonucci, Padoin, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Peluso, Matri, Quagliarella
CELTIC: Forster, Matthews, Wilson, Wanyama, Izaguirre, Samaras, Kayal, Ledley, Mulgrew, Commons, Hooper
Samaras and Commons aside there are a few tweaks to Celtic's starting XI that are worth mentioning. Victor Wanyama looks to have been switched to the centre of defence at the expense of
Efe Ambrose, who pays the price for a horror show in the first leg. He will partner Kelvin Wilson in a crucial area for the Hoops this evening.
Lennon has also opted to switch his midfield, with Beram Kayal and Charlie Mulgrew both back in from the start.
Scott Brown has not played since the first leg and continues to be sidelined by a troublesome hip problem. Mikael Lustig also suffered a thigh strain in that match and did not travel to Turin, with Tony Watt also out through injury.
With a three-goal advantage to defend, Juventus boss Conte has taken the chance to rest a few key players.
Georgio Chiellini was back in action on Friday and scored against Napoli, but the towering defender is left in reserve this evening. Youngster Luca Marrone comes in to partner Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci in a three-man defence.
The Hoops will be relieved to hear that
Sebastian Lichtsteiner does not start tonight. The Swiss defender was at the centre of penalty controversy for his hands-on approach to marking
Gary Hooper from set pieces in the first leg, and is consequently one yellow card away from a European suspension. Conte has decided not risk him or
Claudio Marchisio tonight, with both players close to a ban.
Arturo Vidal is also single caution away from a one-match European ban, but has been named in the lineup regardless. The Chilean forms a daunting midfield alongside
Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba, with Simone Padoin and Federico Peluso occupying wide positions for the Old Lady.
One final piece of team news of interest from the Juve Arena, with
Mirko Vucinic replaced by Fabio Quagliarella for the home side. He will partner
Alessandro Matri in a forward duo which are both under pressure to prove they deserve to stay in Conte's long-term plans for the White and Blacks.
Both managers were in bullish mood yesterday in their respective pre-match press conferences. Lennon admitted that Celtic need a "minor mircale" to progress but is adamant that his side are capable of ending their Champions League adventure with a win.
Here is what Lennon had to say in full: "You can't come to Turin and expect to win 4-1 or 4-0, but we're capable of winning the game and that's what we'd like to do. If we can create as many chances as at Celtic Park, it should be a good night.
"We may not be here again as a group. We're playing the champions of Italy, so I'll tell the players to enjoy it, enjoy the stadium, the atmosphere, don't be intimidated. The pressure is off so we should try to restore some respectability. If we can win in Italy, it would be a fantastic achievement for our young team. There's a lot to play for, lots of incentives.
"We've not had Champions League football for four or five years. Some of the nights have been amazing, with the atmosphere against Barcelona, they were truly memorable for me against the best teams in the world, the best coaches in the world. It's been a fantastic experience for players who are relatively [early] in their careers, they've excelled and done Scotland proud."
Most managers who insist that their side will not cruise through a second leg with a 3-0 advantage will have their assertions taken with a pinch of salt, but not Conte. "Intense" does not do the Italian coach justice, and he has been at pains to say that Juventus will stay professional and not take Celtic lightly tonight.
Here is a full look at Conte's pre-match comments: "Nobody is underestimating the importance of this game. A team qualifies over 180 minutes and we've only played 90, so we have another 90, plus maybe extra time and penalties, against a strong proud team who will want to make amends for the first leg.
"Certainly, the first leg has given us a seriously good chance of reaching the next round, but in football there can always be surprises if you don't play with the right determination and focus. Celtic are a very physical side and can create lots of problems from set pieces.
"We still have to get through and, until I have that in my hands, I can only repeat what Gianluigi Buffon said before the Chelsea game, we know our strengths, we know what we can do and know where we have come from."
A quick reminder that there is one more tie that will reach a conclusion in the Champions League tonight. Paris Saint-Germain hold a 2-1 advantage against Valencia and will be confident of earning a place in the last eight. Score updates from the Parc des Princes will be available throughout the evening.
A major factor in tonight's match will definitely be the conditions in Turin, which look damp at best after a torrential downpour earlier today. Expect set pieces to reign supreme at the Juve Arena, which actually suits both sides in all honesty.
The Juve Arena is slightly smaller than most top European stadiums but creates an intimidating atmosphere. Both teams are out to a raucous reception, which just gives me time to register a prediction. I think Samaras is capable of helping Celtic score tonight and pick up a morale-boosting 1-1 draw.
The Turkish official blows his whistle as Celtic get the match underway. Pressure off tonight for the Hoops, who are in a changed all-black strip. Lets see what Lennon's side can do differently in tonight's second leg!
Celtic make a bright start, controlling possession before Ledley and Samaras combined to deliver a dangerous cross. Juve have enough defenders back to clear the danger but the first few minutes have been positive for the Bhoys.
The heavy rain in Turin has helped to create a slick surface, which is evident as a goal kick from Forster ends up by the opposing corner flag after a heavy bounce. Hooper is out to press but concedes a cheap foul after bringing Bonucci down.
Izaguirre sends a hopeful cross towards Hooper at the far post, but his looping attempt is easily gathered by Buffon.
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A prolonged spell of Celtic possession is eventually stopped by a stray pass from Charlie Mulgrew, but Juve quickly concede possession. This has been a reserved start from the home side, which is unusual from Conte's team.
Vidal robs Izaguirre out wide and buys Juve a breather in the final third for the first time tonight. Quagliarella eventually takes over and finds Pirlo, who in turn picks out Pogba. The young Frenchman turns neatly but his deflected cross is eventually gathered by Forster.
Quagliarella produces a neat first to lose Wilson but chooses to try a strike from at least 35 yards. That was wasteful from the experienced striker and lets Celtic off the hook. After a promising start the visitors are just beginning to lose their grip on the match.
YELLOW CARD! Peluso shows his inexperience to needlessly bring down Matthews just over the halfway line. Juve had plenty of cover but the youngster still decided to lunge in and probably deserves the game's first caution.
SHOT! Joe Ledley takes a strong first touch before unleashing a thumping drive at goal from 20 yards. Buffon is at full stretch but the ball is at least three yards wide of his far post. A nice try but it would take something really special to beat the world's most expensive goalkeeper from that distance.
GOAL! Juventus 1-0 Celtic (Matri)
Matri hurts Celtic again and puts the tie firmly out of sight with a poacher's finish from close range. Quagliarella's initial effort was palmed clear by Forster, but Matri reacted quickest and was completely unmarked to tap home from four yards. Forster will be disappointed that he didn't do better with the first strike but either way Celtic are now 4-0 down on aggregate.
SAVE! Hooper neatly produced an instant response for Celtic after turning Kris Commons' strike towards goal with a late touch. Buffon saw the ball move towards the far corner and managed to turn it round the post with a superb stop. There was a prime example of the fortune that has just eluded Lennon's side so far over the two legs.
SHOT! The game has opened right up and Juve should have added a second through Vidal. The midfielder was picked out by a brilliant pass from Marrone but leans back on a lazy strike and aims over the bar from 18 yards. Izaguirre was AWOL at the back on that occasion for the Hoops, who need to be careful to avoid an embarrassing defeat on aggregate!
CHANCE! Samaras finally gets involved to send a dangerous cross towards the far post. Hooper lunges towards the ball but there is too much pace for the striker to make contact. That was Celtic's best opening in either leg by some distance, with a more delicate pass needed from the Greek on that occasion.
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Celtic continue to fight for pride as Mulgrew and Ledley combine with Izaguirre to control possession. Samaras eventually drops deep and tries to find Hooper, but his final ball is a disappointment.
On second look Hooper should really have buried that chance. Samaras may hit the cross with power but it was perfectly placed.
Neil Lennon definitely agrees with me and vents his frustration towards the striker on the touchline.
SAVE! Buffon keeps Celtic at bay again, this time from a Beram Kayal header. The midfielder was up early to meet the cross but his contact was tame and made life easy for the keeper.
SHOT! Vidal has time and space on the edge of the area but once again gets his strike wrong under no pressure. The Chilean has earned a reputation for scoring from midfield but does not appear to be in the mood tonight. Incidentally he is the only player in the Juve starting XI who would pick up a suspension if booked tonight.
Celtic win a corner in stoppage time as Buffon elects to send a deep cross from Matthews behind. From the resulting corner Wanyama gives away a needless free kick in the final action before the break.
HALF-TIME Juventus 1-0 Celtic (4-0 on aggregate)
After an encouraging start Celtic's hard work has once again been undone by a momentary lapse in concentration at the back. Alessandro Matri was on to take advantage and give Juve an unassailable four-goal advantage in the tie.
Just like the first leg Celtic have controlled the match for long spells and are unlucky to be behind on the night. Neil Lenon's side have had 57% possession and five efforts on goal but are still searching for their first goal in the tie.
A quick score update from tonight's other tie at the Parc des Princes. Paris Saint-Germain and Valencia are goalless at the break, which means the French side are still 2-1 up on aggregate.
Celtic fans may be disheartened but with a touch more composure and quality at both ends this tie could have been different. Juve are masters at producing consistent results without playing at their maximum, which have the Hoops have found out to their cost. European football is an unforgiving environment at the top level!
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You can't help but look at this functional, efficient Juve side and wonder just how good they would be with a top-level striker leading the line. Fernando Llorente's arrival may solve that problem in the summer, but will Matri, Quagliarella and Vucinic score enough goals to take them to Wembley in May? Only time will tell!
The rain continues to pour in Turin as Celtic and Juventus emerge for the final 45 minutes of the tie.
CELTIC SUBSTITUTION: The visitors have decided to swap
Efe Ambrose for Victor Wanyama at the interval. Wanyama was on top form in the first half, and his withdrawal must surely be due to an injury. Ambrose missed the bus to training yesterday and has 45 minutes now to get back in Lennon's good books.
Juve are quickly on the attack as Padoin breaks free down the right-hand side. Celtic manage to regroup and force Pirlo to lose possession, which is an achievement in itself.
SAVE! Matri's flick finds Quagliarella, who forces Forster to make a strong save with a low strike from eight yards. A continued barrage of pressure is eventually stopped by Wilson, but more worryingly for the visitors Matthews has pulled up and looks in some discomfort.
CELTIC SUBSTITUTION: James Forrest comes on for Matthews, and with Lustig also out injured that will be a serious concern for Lennon in the long-term.
Cetic continue to keep the ball well without creating any chances of note. Lennon is barking at his side to get the ball forward and as soon as they do Juve take the chance to regain possession.
Forrest breaks out wide and sends in a superb cross to the far post. Samaras meets the ball with a header back across goal but despite having numbers forward Juve get a lucky bounce and clear the danger.
CHANCE! Ambrose steals a yard on his marker but in similar fashion to his chance in the first leg can only send a tame header wide of the near post. Celtic have had efforts on goal tonight and should really have beat Buffon at least once!
JUVE SUBSTITUTION: The home side decide to bring off Federico Peluso, who is on a yellow card. Kwadwo Asamoah takes his place out wide as he continues to work his way back into the fold following Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Celtic's loyal band of travelling supporters are making quite a racket at the Juve Arena and deserve a goal to cheer late on.
YELLOW CARD! Izaguirre picks up a booking for a late lunge on Padoin, which is fully deserved after breaking up a Juve break.
GOAL! Juventus 2-0 Celtic (Quagliarella)
Juve add to their advantage thanks to a quite superb lofted pass from Pirlo. Celtic put no pressure on the playmaker and pay a heavy price as Vidal gets beyond Izaguirre to find Quagliarella unmarked at the far post. That is the striker's fourth goal in five Champions League games and he will not score an easier one this season!
SUBSTITUTIONS: Juve make a double change as Isla and Giaccherini come on for Pirlo and Vidal. Both midfielders were excellent tonight and deserve a rest ahead of the fight to retain Serie A resuming this weekend.
CELTIC SUBSTITUTION: Lennon makes his final change as Lassad replaces Commons. The midfielder has been busy without finding a killer pass this evening and trudges off with a disappointed figure.
Giaccherini looks lively in the final third as Celtic play out the final 15 minutes of a disappointing night and tie as a whole. Samaras threatens again from the left but is eventually crowded out by Isla and Barzagli. The visitors must be wary of not conceding late on, as they did twice in the first leg.
A quick score update from tonight's other Champions League tie. Paris Saint-Germain and Valencia are level at 1-1 on the night, with the French champions 3-2 up on aggregate. Valencia can take the tie to extra time if they score in the last 10 minutes.
Celtic are probing through Kayal and Forrest, who work the ball quickly in the final third before being caught out by Bonucci. Even without Chiellini Juve's back three looks simply formidable. Conte has drilled the team to defend as a whole, a trait which most of Europe's top teams could learn a great deal from.
SHOT! Just as I lavish praise of Juve's defensive steel the visitors have a great chance through Samaras. The striker broke clear and found room 20 yards from could only lash over with a wayward drive. Lennon throws his chewing gum to the ground in disgust at that effort for at least the second time tonight.
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INJURY UPDATE! A worrying piece of news for Celtic fans has just emerged. Victor Wanyama's withdrawal at half time was indeed due to an injury. After complaining of a tight hamstring the defender was withdrawn and looks particularly glum on the bench. With a domestic double so close the Hoops need their commanding presence fit as a matter of urgency.
Forrest shows pace to link up with Ambrose on the far side as Celtic toss another hopeful cross into the penalty area. Juve swat the ball aside and look desperate to keep a clean sheet, always a sure sign of a top side!
Lassad gets involved for the first time since coming, but his impact is not a meaningful one. His effort from range could have been a shot or cross, but either way Buffon watches the ball sail well wide of his goal and Lennon once again looks far from happy.
The Tunisian striker has another chance from range and again fails to get his strike on target. The black and white flags are waving in Turin as Juve get set to celebrate their return to the Champions League quarter-finals!
FULL-TIME Juventus 2-0 Celtic (5-0 on aggregate)
Well once again Celtic showed heart but were ruthlessly exposed by a brilliant Juventus side. The Italian champions progressed by a flattering 5-0 aggregate scoreline after being clinical each time it mattered over the two legs.
Lennon's side can take heart from their superb run to the knockout stages and a re-emergence in Europe's elite club competition. If Celtic can keep the likes of Hooper and Wanyama they should be a regular feature at this stage in the next few years.
That just about does it for Sports Mole's Champions League coverage. There is just time to inform you that Juve have been joined in the last eight by Paris Saint-Germain, who did just enough to edge Valencia tonight. Thanks for joining us an exciting quarter-final lineup begins to take shape. Goodnight!