Juventus vs Real M. Match preview

Champions League - Group H: Juventus vs Real M.

Even the older Juventus fans can’t remember this kind of a crisis. The Saturday loss in Naples was the last straw and the media literally crucified coach Ranieri. Although he keeps on repeating that there is no crisis, clearly the biggest Italians club have no future with him. They are already very much behind the leading teams. The disastrous transfer windows and often injuries of best players limited the team so much that we don’t see how Juventus will get away this time. However, they are the biggest threat when everyone rules them out but they don’t have the quality for big things. Last year they went along relying only on Del Piero’s individual quality and several other players and the fact that they played in Serie A only. Now, with two games a week, they seem worn out and weary. Mighty Real arrive at Olimpico, after they continued the domination over city rivals, Atletico this weekend. The Royal club did win the match in the last second through a penalty but they earned it. They are dominant in group H, having taken six points in duels against BATE Borisov and Zenit and already claimed the contention for the first place in the group. They can use some tactics in Torino, as a point would suit them just fine.

Ten injured players

This is not necessarily an excuse, depending on your point of view. Great teams can make up for anyone’s absence but Juventus don't seem so great lately. It is more a problem of transfer window policy, as they haven’t solved a single problem and brought the players for already well-covered positions. They missed a chance to reinforce the defense that is way below Juventus’ quality but the creativity remains a big problem. Camoranesi is injured, and even if he weren't, latest matches saw him out of form. The years have taken their toll for some of the players, wingers are not doing their best and coach’s stubborn insisting on 4-4-2 formation is not helping either. Not to mention the fact that he replaced Del Piero with De Ceglie. Now he must put up with the barrage of criticism form the media and fear for his post. If Juve lose to Real, or fail to win city rivals, Torino on Sunday, Ranieri will get a one-way ticket. The trouble is that all big coaches are already taken so Juventus will have to turn to one of their former players like former captain Conte who is on Bari’s bench now or Ferrare who is helping Lippi in the national squad.

Real didn’t impress against Zenit

They did take points from Petrovski stadium but judging by what we saw it was sheer luck. However, now they are up against groggy rivals that must attack which is a good situation for them. They have already shown character in several matches this season; Schuster formed a great team and Sneider's recovery came at just the right time. This Real seem much better in defense that before, although they play pretty much offensively. They lost only in La Coruna which is turning into a habit, but they easily handled most of their rivals thanks to the offensive potential. Real don’t have pleasant memories of the matches against Juventus in the 21st century but Juventus are now much weaker and Madrid side must use this. Right after this duel they will play the returning leg at Bernabeu, and if they take four points out of these matches they will practically secure the first place in the group which will enable them to focus on domestic championship.

Betting verdict

It is difficult to bet against Juventus, although Real are better team. They feel pressure in Torino but we believe that they will manage to take a point. We think that Italians wouldn’t mind if the match ended without winners, they desperately need to end the losing series and a draw in the clash against big rivals would be considered a solid success, especially in the situation where Ranieri can't count on most of the players including keeper, Buffon. Try betting on a draw; unless the game gets solved in the first half, we might see sleepy 45 minutes in the second part.

More news about Juventus
More news about Real M.

Our tip: Bet 5 on Draw
Odds 3.1 at
Bookmaker: Gamebookers

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