Arturo Vidal struck the winner as Juventus claimed a 1-0 victory over Monaco in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.
The Chilean scored from the penalty spot, after Ricardo Carvalho had brought down Alvaro Morata inside the box.
Dimitar Berbatov then headed narrowly over from a corner, as Monaco were unable to find an away goal ahead of next week's second leg.
Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the events that unfolded in Turin.
Match Statistics:
JUVENTUS:
Shots 13
On Target 5
Possession 64%
Corners 6
Fouls 7
MONACO:
Shots 16
On Target 4
Possession 36%
Corners 16
Fouls 4
Was the result fair?
Juventus did enough to claim the win this evening after a dominant performance. They were in control of the match and they enjoyed a huge amount of the ball. Monaco deserve credit for their defensive display and they almost managed to claim a draw, but for a rare defensive lapse by Carvalho that gave away the penalty. With the scoreline so finely poised, there is still everything to play for when the teams meet at the Stade Louis II next Wednesday.
Juventus's performance
The Bianconeri were not at their absolute best, but they managed to grind out another narrow victory. They struggled to create many clear-cut chances against a stubborn Monaco defence, but Carlos Tevez and Vidal both missed very presentable openings in the first half. The breakthrough finally came when a stunning pass from Andrea Pirlo looked to set Morata free, but the Spaniard was brought down by Carvalho, earning them a penalty which Vidal converted with aplomb. Once they went ahead, they expertly killed the game off to ensure a vital result.
Monaco's performance
Monaco had actually started the game well and Yannick Ferreira Carrasco wasted a huge chance to score inside the opening 10 minutes, but when he was found in space by Anthony Martial, he fired straight at Gianluigi Buffon. Bernardo Silva had another decent effort saved by the keeper and they twice headed over when well placed from corners. The visitors may also argue that the foul for the penalty happened just outside the box, but Carvalho was extremely fortunate not to pick up a red card. In the end, they failed to take their chances and it means that they will have big task on their hands to overturn the deficit in the return meeting.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Arturo Vidal: As well as scoring the winning goal with a brilliant penalty, the Chilean worked hard for his team and was an inspiration to those around him. He seems to be getting back to his best form after an injury-hit spell and his experience will be vital in the remaining weeks of the season.
Biggest gaffe
Carvalho had defended so well for Monaco until he brought down Morata and gave away the penalty. The Portuguese international should also have been shown a straight red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Referee's performance
Pavel Kralovec was forced into making a major decision to give Juventus the penalty and he got it right, despite Monaco's protests. As mentioned, he should have sent Carvalho off, but in general he got everything else spot on.
What next?
Juventus: The Bianconeri face a top-of-the-table clash in Serie A at the weekend when they welcome Lazio to Turin.
Monaco: Les Rouges et Blancs will be looking to continue their Ligue 1 title challenge against Rennes on Saturday evening.
Alex Meyers
