Evening all! Sports Mole's live Champions League coverage continues from Turin as Juventus welcome Real Madrid for the first leg of their semi-final. Kickoff is not until 7.45pm UK time tonight, but be sure to remain with us for all the very best build-up. It is another special European fixture.

The team news is expected to arrive in around 20 minutes time, but both are missing key players. Paul Pogba is of course out for Juventus, while Real Madrid are missing Karim Benzema. Gareth Bale, however, is expected to start for the visitors in a front two, alongside a certain Cristiano Ronaldo.

Just a reminder that the second semi-final will pit Barcelona against Bayern Munich, with their first leg taking place in Spain tomorrow evening. Barcelona, Bayern and Real Madrid were expected to make this stage, but it must be said that Juve are the surprise contenders at this stage of the competition.

BREAKING TEAM NEWS! Real Madrid have been nice and prompt with their team news and I can confirm that Gareth Bale starts ahead of Javier Hernandez. Sergio Ramos, meanwhile, is once again included in central midfield. Nothing from Juve at the moment, but it is expected to be imminent.

Still waiting on the confirmed team news from Juventus so in the mean time, let's continue the build-up from Turin. Between them, Juventus and Real Madrid have appeared in 20 European Cup finals, but there is just no comparing the teams in terms of European trophies. Real Madrid won their 10th European Cup last season, but Juve have only twice before won this competition (1985 and 1996). The last time that the Italian side made the final was in 2003, when they lost out to rivals AC Milan.

In total, the two teams have met 16 times in the European Cup, with Real Madrid winning eight times to Juve's seven and just one draw occurring. The draw, however, occurred in their last meeting – 2-2 in last season's group stage. Real Madrid won 2-1 at home, but a 2-2 draw occurred in Turin.

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Juventus' home record against Real Madrid is strong – winning five of their seven meetings and losing just once. The pair also met in the 1998 final, when they lost 1-0 in Amsterdam. They are two of the biggest names in European football and it is a real treat for everyone to see this match-up again.

This is also Juventus' 11th appearance in the semi-finals of the European Cup – winning seven and losing three. Real Madrid, meanwhile, are in the semi-finals for the 26th time in their history. Of the previous 25 occasions, they have progressed to the final 13 times - the last of which occurred last season, when they beat Bayern Munich before overcoming big rivals Atletico Madrid in the final.

That said, Real Madrid have actually been eliminated in their last three European Cup semi-finals against Italian sides. Juventus beat them in 2003, Torino in 1992 and AC Milan in 1989. Many have Real Madrid as the favourites, but history suggests that it will be a very difficult task indeed.

JUVE TEAM NEWS! A bit later than Real Madrid, but the Juventus team news is in. Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata will lead the line for the Italian champions, while there is also a spot in midfield for 22-year-old Stefano Sturaro. The legend that is Andrea Pirlo is also in the XI. Full teams to follow...

TEAMS:

JUVE: Buffon; Lichsteiner, Chiellini, Bonucci, Evra; Pirlo, Marchisio, Sturaro, Vidal; Morata, Tevez

REAL: Casillas; Carvajal, Varane, Pepe, Marcelo; Ramos, Kroos, Isco; James, Ronaldo, Bale

So there we have it. Juve are still without the services of key midfielder Paul Pogba, but Arturo Vidal and Pirlo both start in what appears to be a midfield diamond. Patrice Evra and Stephan Lichtsteiner are the two full-backs, while Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci make up a very solid defence.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, are as expected. Raphael Varane and Pepe continue at centre-back, meaning that it is again a midfield role for Ramos. Isco is also included in the middle of the park, while James Rodriguez will support Bale and Ronaldo. It is a team that has been picked to score some goals here!

Staff reporter Barney Corkhill:
"No major surprises from either manager there. The absence of Pogba against a side he has been heavily linked with could be key, but Juventus still have a midfield bustling with talent who are capable of keeping the ball away from Madrid. The visitors possess the constant threat of Ronaldo, however, while Bale will be keen to impress on his return to the starting XI. He made his mark in the latter stages last season and, following a difficult second year in Spain, will be desperate to do so again."

Juventus will be buoyed by the fact that they already have the Serie A crown tied up. Their 1-0 win at Sampdoria on Saturday ensured that they claimed the title for the fourth successive time. They were once again far too good for their rivals and currently sit 15 points clear of second-place Roma.

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Juve are also unbeaten in their last 12 home games in the Champions League and have won four of their five European games in Turin this season. In fact, since the redevelopment of the Juventus Stadium, the Italians have been beaten just once at home in Europe – winning 10 times in the process.

In terms of their progression to this stage of the competition, Juve finished second in Group A behind last season's runners-up Atletico Madrid. It was far from comfortable for the Italian side, however, who finished just one point ahead of third-place Olympiacos. As expected, Juve were strong at home in the group stages, but they did lose to both Atletico and Greek outfit Olympiacos on their travels.

Borussia Dortmund were waiting in the round of 16 and Juventus won the home leg 2-1, before recording an impressive 3-0 victory in Germany to advance. In truth, French side Monaco, who overcame Arsenal in the previous round, were the team that they would have wanted to draw in the quarter-finals, but it was very tight in the two-legged affair, with just one Juventus goal proving the difference.

Juventus' home record against Spanish opposition is also very strong – winning 12 of their 21 games and losing just twice. It would be fair to say that Italian football has suffered in recent seasons, especially when comparing it to the success that La Liga clubs have enjoyed in Europe, but Juventus are certainly ready to put Italian football back on the map here. Can they make this season's final?

Real Madrid, however, have their sets firmly set on another European Cup. They beat Atletico Madrid in last season's final to claim their 10th title and they are attempting to become the first team in the modern era to successfully defend the Champions League. Well, they are in touching distance of that.

Unlike Juve, Real Madrid still have the league to focus on. As it stands, Carlo Ancelotti's side are second in La Liga – two points behind the leaders Barcelona with just three games remaining. They need Barca to slip up at least once and will more than likely have to rely on a favour from rivals Atletico Madrid, who welcome the Catalan outfit in their penultimate league game of the season. What a race in Spain!

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It has not quite been the 2015 that Real Madrid would have wanted – at one point it seemed that they would run away with the league – but they are still in the race for two major titles. In terms of their progression to this stage of the Champions League, Real Madrid breezed through the group stages – winning all six of their Group B fixtures to top the section on 18 points – 11 clear of second-place Basel.

Schalke 04 were waiting in the round of 16 and it almost went horribly wrong. Los Blancos won the first leg 2-0 in Germany, but were beaten 4-3 at home. A late Schalke goal in that second leg would have eliminated Real Madrid, but they just advanced to set up a clash with Atletico Madrid.

As expected, it was a very tight 180 minutes of football between last season's finalists, but Hernandez's 88th-minute strike in the second leg at the Bernabeu saw Real Madrid edge through into the final four. The semi-final draw then pitted Real Madrid against Juventus and here we are.

Incredibly, Real Madrid have not conceded an away goal in 444 minutes in this season's competition. That is a run that stretches back to the sixth minute of their Group B game against Ludogorets. Los Blancos have also won eight of their last 11 away games in this competition – losing just once.

Despite their strong away form, Real Madrid have actually failed to win on their past seven visits to Italy and in total, they have won just four of their 29 away games against Italian opposition in this competition. It will be fascinating to see what approach Real Madrid adopt this evening – a draw is almost always a good result in the first leg away from home, but Ancelotti has selected an attacking XI.

Real Madrid are also nine games unbeaten since losing 2-1 to Barcelona on 22 March – recording eight wins during that strong run. They will also enter the match off the back of a 3-2 win over Sevilla at the weekend, where they became the first team to beat Sevilla at the Estadio Ramon in the league since February 2014. It must be said that the atmosphere inside the stadium is quite stunning in Turin.

PREDICTION! I am going to have to back a draw here. Real Madrid are so strong going forward, but this Juventus defence is just brilliant. With the support behind them, I think that Juve have enough about them to take a 1-1 draw into the second leg. However, our very own Barney Corkhill disagrees...

Staff reporter Barney Corkhill:
"Juve may have a formidable home record, but this is a step up for them. Reaching the last four of the Champions League is a sign that this team are finally fulfilling their potential, but for me they are still behind the other three in the semi-finals. It should be a close, tight and intriguing affair, but I can see Madrid going back to the Bernabeu with a valuable away victory. I'm going for a 2-1 win for the holders."

Big game for these two tonight. Manchester United fans will remember this one...

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Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch in Turin. The atmosphere inside the stadium is just electric tonight. It is a special fixture between two excellent names in European football.

Just a reminder that nothing will be decided here, with the second leg to come in Madrid next week. The noise is just deafening inside the Juventus Stadium as the hosts get the first period underway.

Half-chance for the home side inside two minutes as sloppy defending from Real Madrid presents Vidal with an opportunity, but Casillas is out to smother at the vital moment. What a start!

Englishman Martin Atkinson is the man in the middle this evening and you get the feeling that he will need to have a strong game. As expected, it has been a fairly cagey opening from both teams. Real Madrid have the chance to deliver from a wide set piece, but it is a straight-forward catch for Buffon.

SAVE! Juventus have the first shot on goal as Sturaro attempts to beat Casillas from just outside the box, but the Real Madrid stopper makes the save. Good spell for the home side here.

Marcelo breaks down the left for Real Madrid before delivering towards the far post, but Buffon is on hand to claim. Moments later, Bale is brought down by Bonucci just outside the penalty area...

... BOOKING! Bonucci (Juve) is booked for that challenge on Bale.

Ronaldo strikes the resulting free kick straight into the wall. Poor from him.

CHANCE! Morata, against his former club, bullies Pepe off the ball before lifting one towards the top corner, but Casillas back-tracks before making the save. Plenty happening at the moment!

Lift-off Juventus! The home side take the lead with eight minutes on the clock as Morata converts from close range after Casillas had palmed Tevez's effort straight into the path of the forward! Wow!

There was no celebration from Morata against his former club, but he must be going crazy inside. Juventus have been right on the money from the first whistle here and Real Madrid haven't settled.

Ronaldo's pace causes problems to the Juve defence, but Bonucci is on hand to clear for a corner, which is also dealt with by Buffon. This is a really cracking game with 12 minutes on the clock.

SAVE! Kroos strikes a stinging effort from outside the box, but Buffon is down to make the save. Real Madrid are capable of scoring each time they attack, but Juventus are so strong at the back.

Not too much from Juventus since they took the lead, but they do not very strong in possession of the ball. Tevez and Morata are both playing very high and Real Madrid's defence do not look comfortable.

Isco shoots from outside the box, but it is a comfortable save for Buffon.

It must be said that the atmosphere inside this stadium is quite incredible. The home supporters lifted the noise before kickoff and their team has responded. Still 1-0 Juve with 17 minutes played.

CHANCE! Another opportunity for the home side as Ramos concedes possession once again, but Tevez's low effort hit Sturaro, who was in an offside position. Ramos is having a stinker!

Half-chance for Real Madrid as Varane meets a deep cross from James, but his header was always moving high of the crossbar. The opening 20 minutes of this semi-final first leg have flown past.

The high pressing from Juventus is non-stop as Real Madrid continue to struggle in the middle of the park. However, Ronaldo has started to get on the ball and his movement, along with Bale's, will be a real concern to the home team. You just get the feeling that the next goal is very, very important.

CHANCE! First real chance for Real Madrid as Ronaldo beats the offside trap before trying his luck on goal, but the attacker's effort was always moving wide of the post. Juve's defence opened.

Lichsteiner breaks away from Marcelo down the right before arriving inside the Real Madrid box, but the right-back went for goal and missed. Real Madrid are committing too many mistakes in Turin.

It just had to be him didn't it? Real Madrid level the scores with 27 minutes on the clock as Carvajal clips a super cross into Ronaldo, who heads home from close range. It was excellent build-up from the visitors and that has changed the atmosphere inside the stadium. Ronaldo is an absolute freak.

Juventus just need to be careful now. Real Madrid have their tails up and have the capabilities of taking this match away from the home side. It has been a stunning 30 minutes to this semi-final here.

Real Madrid are on the front foot at the moment as they continue to deliver into the Juventus box and Vidal and Sturaro are both forced into good clearances. The intensity has dropped from the hosts.

Staff reporter Barney Corkhill:
"Once again Ronaldo comes to the rescue for his side. Madrid looked shell-shocked after Juventus' start to this match, but that goal should really settle them down. Juve have been the better side so far and, far from being the tentative affair we expected, it would be a surprise if there weren't more goals in this one. Juventus just need to keep doing what they have been doing and they will stand a chance of regaining the lead before half time. They can't let that goal change their style."

Juventus have just managed to regain some control in the last couple of minutes, but they are not offering too much in the final third. The atmosphere inside the stadium has also dropped here.

Half-chance for the home side as Tevez plays in Marchisio, who finds space outside the box, but the midfielder's effort was always moving wide of the post. More sloppy work from Marcelo there.

76 - Cristiano Ronaldo (76) is now one goal ahead of Lionel Messi (75) as all-time Champions League top-scorer. Race. — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 5, 2015

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Little over five minutes of the first period to play.

Evra delivers a super cross into the Real Madrid box as Juventus break down the left, but the Frenchman only had Morata for company and Real Madrid managed to force the danger clear.

CROSSBAR! Oh my word how has he missed! Stunning football from Real Madrid leads to an incredible chance as Isco flashes a cross onto the head of James, but his effort smashes the crossbar!

Real Madrid really should be ahead - Juventus have got away with one there. Once again, it was super football from the visitors, who are starting to show signs of their best football in this half here.

Varane is a little fortunate to get a decision from the referee after battling with Morata inside his own box - the home supporters are not happy with the English official! Still 1-1 late in this first period.

The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 1-1. Morata opened the scoring for Juve inside the first 10 minutes, but Ronaldo - who else - levelled after 27 minutes. For an in-depth review of matters in Turin, take a look at our first-half report here.

STATS! Real Madrid have just about shaded the possession in Italy with 51%, while they have had eight attempts - three of which have been on target. Juventus, meanwhile, have hit the target with four of their eight attempts. Referee Martin Atkinson has issued just one booking, with Bonucci having his name taken for Juve, but there have been a number of controversial decisions.

BENCH WATCH! The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening, with the likes of Llorente, Matri, Pepe and Pereyra all capable of making a difference. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Hernandez and Jese. Will we see any alterations at the break?

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Will we have more goals in this semi-final first leg? Let's hope so! The away side get the second half underway.

No changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that alterations will occur if the score remains 1-1 for the next 15, 20 minutes in the Juventus Stadium.

BOOKING! Tevez (Juve) is booked for a late challenge on Ramos.

Decent start to the second period from the home side as Marchisio delivers a through pass towards Tevez, but Varane is on hand to clear. Moments later, Tevez stings the palms of Casillas.

The referee has been busy in the early stages of the second period, with the home side guilty of committing a number of late challenges. Not too much from Real Madrid since the break here.

Not too much of an atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment, which is a reflection of matters on the field. It has been stop-start since the interval, with Juventus committing a number of fouls.

Morata combines with Tevez just outside the Real Madrid box, but the latter loses control at the vital moment and the away side manage to clear. A little better from the home side at the moment.

Very stop-start at the moment as both teams continue to concede free kicks.

Juventus have some defending to do as Kroos delivers a deep free kick towards Ronaldo, but Bonucci is on hand to clear for a corner, which is also dealt with at the near post. Still 1-1 in Turin here.

BOOKING! Vidal (Juve) is booked for dissent. However, Juventus have a penalty as Carvajal hacks Tevez to the ground inside the box. It looked a penalty for me. Poor from the Spaniard!

BOOKING! Marcelo (Real Madrid) is also booked for bringing Morata to the ground in the attack.

Juventus take the lead in this semi-final as Tevez fires home from the penalty spot.

Tevez has been a nuisance all evening and the Argentine has come good for his side tonight. Real Madrid have not really started in this second period and they have been punished from the spot.

Real Madrid just need to be a little careful now as Pepe goes flying into a challenge with Sturaro. Moments later, Evra drives into the Real Madrid box, but Pepe is across to make a super block!

Staff reporter Barney Corkhill:
"That is a huge goal for Juventus. Madrid were beginning to look comfortable until that lightning counter-attack, but suddenly the Juventus Stadium is rocking once again. Tevez did so well to lead the charge forward and win the penalty, and then to keep his cool to convert it. The next half an hour will be crucial in this tie now."

Both teams are preparing to make changes here...

... SUB! Real Madrid introduce Hernandez in place of Isco.

CHANCE! Super chance for the away side as Hernandez manages to force the ball towards Ronaldo inside the Juve box, but the Portuguese cannot make contact. Good work from Hernandez there!

SUB! Juve make their first change as Barzagli replaces Sturaro.

Half-chance for Real Madrid once again as Bale delivers a super cross towards Ronaldo, but the attacker just cannot grow enough and the chance is gone. Good pressure from the visitors here.

Chiellini is down with a bloodied eye. Nasty one!

Chiellini is being patched up and the Italian will continue - of course.

The home supporters are in wonderful voice at the moment and their team are responding. That said, Real Madrid still look very dangerous in the final third, with Ronaldo always involved in the box.

Another half-chance for the home side as Pirlo delivers a super cross into Lichtsteiner, who wins the first header, but it just would not fall for Morata and Pepe is on hand to clear at the vital moment.

Another attack breaks down for Real Madrid when Ramos puts far too much purchase on a cross from the right. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances with 74 minutes on the clock here.

Kroos hits one on the rise for Real Madrid, but his effort was always high and wide.

BOOKING! Carvajal (Real Madrid) is booked for a late challenge on Morata.

You just get the feeling that there is still something in this game for Real Madrid as they continue to break forward. As it stands, it would be very delicately poised ahead of the second leg, but another for Real Madrid would place them in a strong position. Little under 15 minutes remaining in Turin.

Ronaldo remains a threat for the away side as the attacker meets a cross from Marcelo, but it just deflected behind for a corner. Llorente is preparing to enter for the home side here.

SUB! Llorente enters in place of Morata for the home side.

Ronaldo picks the pocket of Bonucci after the centre-back had taken a chance outside his own box, but Juventus pick up the pieces and the danger is cleared. Still 1-1 with 81 minutes on the clock.

Staff reporter Barney Corkhill:
"It will be interesting to see how both teams approach this final 10 minutes. Juventus would be delighted with a victory, but Madrid's away goal raises a big question mark over whether the Italian champions need another. As things stand, Real would only need to win 1-0 at the Bernabeu, but Juve will also be cautious of conceding a second away goal that would swing the tie firmly in Madrid's favour."

Pirlo loses possession in his own half - allowing Real Madrid to break with Hernandez, but the move breaks down when Ramos fires his pass out of play. The pressure is coming from the visitors here.

Real Madrid continue to deliver balls into the Juventus box, but it is bread and butter for defenders of this magnitude. The atmosphere is very tense as we approach the final five minutes of action.

BOOKING! James (Real Madrid) is booked for a late challenge on Llorente.

SUB! Juve make their third change as Tevez is replaced by Pereyra.

SUB! Real Madrid make their second change as Jese replaces Bale.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Juve to score a third as a mistake from Varane allows Llorente to round Casillas, but the Spaniard moves too wide and there are no takers on his low cross!

It is excellent work from Hernandez as the Mexican twists and turns inside the Juventus box before flashing a cross towards Jese, but the Spaniard cannot make contact and Juve survive again.

The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes here.

Ramos bowls over Vidal and Juve have a free kick in a wide area...

... CHANCE! Pirlo delivers towards the head of Llorente, but the Spaniard's effort lacks power and Casillas is on hand to make the save. What a chance to score a third goal for the Italian champions!

BOOKING! Chiellini (Juve) is booked for a late challenge on Ronaldo.

Juve clear a deep free kick from Real Madrid this time as we enter the final seconds.

So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Juventus winning 2-1 in the first leg of this semi-final. It is wonderfully poised ahead of the return match in Madrid. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to look out for the analysis, player ratings and reaction, which will follow. Another super night of football in Italy. Good evening!