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Atletico Madrid logo
Champions League | Group Stage
Oct 1, 2014 at 7.45pm UK
 
Juventus logo

1-0

Turan (74')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Live Commentary: Atletico Madrid 1-0 Juventus - as it happened

Relive Sports Mole's live commentary of the Champions League Group A clash between Atletico Madrid and Juventus in Spain, which the home side won 1-0.
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Wednesday's Champions League Group A clash at the Vicente Calderon pitted Atletico Madrid against Juventus.

Both sides struggled to create openings in what was a goalless first 45 minutes in the Spanish capital.

It was a similar story in the second period, but Arda Turan's late strike won it for the home side.

Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.


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Evening all! Sports Mole's Champions League coverage continues from the Spanish capital as Atletico Madrid welcome Juventus in Group A. The home side currently sit bottom of the group having lost their group opener against Olympiacos earlier this month, but Juventus were 2-0 winners over Malmo. Right, the all-important team news has just started to filter through so let me bring you up-to-speed.

TEAMS

Atletico: Moya; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Ansaldi; Tiago, Koke; Saul, Garcia, Turan; Mandzukic

Juventus: Buffon; Chiellini, Caceres, Bonucci; Lichsteiner, Pogba, Vidal, Marchisio, Evra; Tevez, Llorente


So there we have it. Saul Niguez keeps his spot in the Atletico XI this evening, while Raul Garcia and Arda Turan will also provide support to lone forward Mario Mandzukic. The back five is as expected, but club captain Gabi has been ruled out through injury, leaving Tiago to line up alongside Koke in central midfield.

Juventus, meanwhile, are also pretty much as expected this evening. They will play their usual 3-5-2 formation, with Stephan Lichtsteiner and Patrice Evra occupying the wing-back roles. Alvaro Morata starts on the bench, with Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente as the forward pair. Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal also start.

Despite both sides having a rich history in European competition, tonight is the first-ever meeting between the two teams. They are the favourites to advance from this group, but Olympiacos have the chance to put six points on the board already, with the Greek outfit facing Malmo in Group A's other fixture tonight.

Atletico were less than two minutes away from winning the Champions League last season having led through a Diego Godin header deep into injury time, but Sergio Ramos equalised for Real Madrid in stoppage time, with Carlo Ancelotti's side eventually going on to claim their 10th European Cup with a 4-1 win.

Atletico beat the likes of Barcelona and Chelsea on their way to the final last season and will once again be among the favourites to advance deep into the competition. Incredibly, last season was their first campaign in the Champions League since the 2009/10 season, when they exited in the group stages. However, in recent years they have won two Europa Leagues and two UEFA Super Cups.

Last season, Atletico won five and drew one of their six home games in the competition. Meanwhile, they have won 17 of their 19 games at the Vicente Calderon in European competition. The last time that they were beaten in a European match in this stadium was in February 2013, when Rubin Kazan were 2-0 winners in the Europa League round of 32. Atletico are used to winning in this stadium that is for certain.

Atletico's home record against Italian teams is also strong, winning six of their nine matches, including a 4-1 win over AC Milan in the round of 16 last season. Juventus have dominated Italian football in recent seasons, however, and will be confident of causing problems to the home side this evening.

In addition to reaching the Champions League final last season, Atletico also won La Liga for the first time since 1996. They have found it difficult to find a rhythm in the early stages of this season, but currently sit third in the La Liga table on 14 points, just two points behind leaders Barcelona. They are also two points ahead of Real Madrid, who they beat at the Bernabeu earlier this month.

Since losing to Olympiacos on matchday one, Atletico, in the league, have drawn at home to Celta Vigo, beaten Almeria on the road and thumped Sevilla 4-0 at the Calderon. Head coach Diego Simeone has also recently returned from a touchline suspension and there is no question that the presence of the Argentine on the sidelines makes such a big difference to Atletico's performance levels as a whole.

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone gestures during the Champions League quarter final match against Barcelona on April 9, 2014© Getty Images


Italian champions Juventus, meanwhile, have also made a brilliant start to their Serie A campaign. Since losing to Napoli in March, Juve have won 12 successive league games, with five victories in the league this season leaving them top of the table on goal difference from Roma.

In Carlos Tevez, Juve also have a player in fine form. The Argentine scored twice in the 3-0 win over Atalanta at the weekend to take his tally to six goals in four games this season. The former Manchester United and Manchester City striker also scored twice against Malmo on matchday one – his first goals in 15 Champions League matches. The forward starts in attack alongside Llorente this evening.

Juventus took just one point from their three away matches in last season's Champions League campaign, with that poor run of form seeing them exit in the group stages. They did reach the semi-finals of the Europa League last term, but the Champions League is the one that they really want in Turin.

Juventus' players celebrate after scoring during the Italian Serie A football match between Juventus and Udinese on September 13, 2014© Getty Images


Not since 1996 have Juventus won the Champions League, while it has been disappointment after disappointment in recent seasons. They made the quarter-finals in the 2012-13 season, but that was the first time that they had reached the final eight since the 2006 campaign. They reached the final in 2003, but it has been 11 years of frustration in this competition for the Italian side. Will that change this season?

Juventus faced Spanish opposition in the shape of Real Madrid during last season's group stage. They lost 2-1 in the capital, but drew 2-2 in Turin. It was not enough to progress, however, with Galatasaray advancing alongside Real Madrid. A place in the last-16 stage of the competition is the minimum requirement for the Italian side this season. With respect to Malmo and Olympiacos, they should progress from this group.

Juve's record in Spain, however, is not too positive. They have won just three of their 21 matches on Spanish soil, losing 14 times in the process. Their record in Madrid, meanwhile, reads won two and lost five.

DID YOU KNOW? Now Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone inadvertently helped Juventus win the Serie A title in 2002 during his playing days when the Argentine scored for Lazio in a 4-2 win over Inter Milan, who were top on the final day of that particular season.

PREDICTION: In many ways, this is the most fascinating Champions League clash of the evening. Atletico have a stunning recent record in this stadium, but Juventus enter the match in brilliant form. I am struggling to separate the two teams this evening and will therefore plump for a 1-1 draw in Madrid.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. It is the champions of Spain against the champions of Italy. It has all the makings of a real classic at the Calderon.

It must be said that there is a stunning atmosphere inside the stadium. Raul Garcia skippers Atletico tonight, meanwhile, with Gabi on the sidelines. Juve are of course captained by Buffon. Right, it is the away side that get the first 45 minutes of action underway in the Spanish capital. Let's hope for a classic.

Kick off was a couple of minutes later than expected this evening due to a hold-up in the tunnel, but we are now underway. It is Juventus that have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes, with Tevez immediately linking in the final third with Llorente. The noise levels are just stunning.

Juventus have managed to make some good ground in the early moments, with Pogba forcing a clearance from Miranda inside the Atletico box. The referee has been busy in the opening four minutes, meanwhile, due to a number of late challenges. Chiellini and Mandzukic have been caught wrestling already!

It has been a really impressive start from the away side, who have dominated the ball in the early exchanges here. Atletico have hit a few long balls into Mandzukic, but the Croatian has been unable to retain possession thus far. The pitch is a little bobbly, meanwhile, which is not really helping Atletico's flow.

Neither side can put together a series of passes at the moment as the referee continues to become involved due to a number of late challenges. Atletico have started to gain some territory, however, with Turan and Saul enjoying possession of the ball. The first goal - if there is one - could be crucial this evening.

Pogba shows wonderful skill to control the ball before balancing it on his head, but Miranda chops the Frenchman down in his prime. Juve have a half-chance moments later as Marchisio strikes one from outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. First sight of goal for either side here.

In truth, it is no real surprise that the opening 12 minutes has been so tight at the Calderon. Neither side has been able to create a cleat opportunity thus far, but both have had decent periods with the ball. Garcia attempts to find Mandzukic with a flick just outside the box, but the offside flag is raised.

BOOKING! Juve defender Bonucci is booked for a late challenge on Mandzukic.

Half-chance for Atletico this time as Saul finds some space outside the box, but his effort is wide of the post. Mandzukic, meanwhile, has taken his protective facemask off following a couple of aerial challenges with the Juve centre-backs. The Croatian forward is still recovering from a broken nose.

Juventus have started to enjoy more possession in the last couple of minutes, but they are still finding it difficult to break through this stern Atletico defence. That has also been the case for the home side, with Juve's defence standing strong. Still goalless with 17 minutes played at the Calderon.

Llorente continues to cause problems inside the Atletico box with his height allowing the away side to feed balls into the box, but Miranda has been strong at the heart of the Atletico defence. Turan delivers a low cross into the Juve box moments later, but Vidal is on hand to make a fine last-ditch challenge.

Mandzukic is again a threat inside the Juventus box as the Croatian threatens to meet a cross from Juanfran, but the Croatian had moved into an offside position. That has been the story of the match thus far - both sides enjoying possession in the final third, but neither really threatening to open the scoring.

First half-chance for Atletico as Mandzukic finds some space on the edge of the Juve box before striking towards goal, but Buffon is on hand to make the save. A little bit better from the home side.

Possession football from Juventus in the last couple of minutes, but they are still struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. The noise levels remain very high inside the stadium, but both teams are just struggling to create chances at the moment. Little under 20 minutes of the first period remaining.

Just a reminder that Juventus beat Malmo 2-0 in their group opener, but Atletico were beaten 3-2 by Olympiacos. A draw in this match would not be the worst result for either side, but Atletico really cannot afford to lose. Still goalless and both sides are still flattering to deceive in the final third of the field.

Half-chance for Juventus as Evra delivers a dangerous cross towards the head of Llorente, but the Spaniard cannot make contact under pressure from Godin. Pogba was also threatening inside the box, but the danger is cleared by the home side. Atletico need some inspiration in the final third at the moment.

Half-chance for Atletico as Godin meets a free kick from Koke, but the centre-back can only loop his header over the crossbar. You just get the feeling that set pieces could be vital this evening. Both defences remain on top as we enter the final 10 minutes of this Champions League Group A clash in Madrid.

CHANCE! Just about the best chance of the match as Pogba finds some space on the edge of the Atletico box, but his effort just curls wide of the post. Really good opportunity for the visitors.

Atletico force a free kick as Evra dives into a late challenge with Garcia. The resulting set piece is played short, but Juve have numbers behind the ball and clear the danger. That sums up the first period.

Atletico continue to work the ball into wide positions and another cross comes from Koke towards Mandzukic, but the Croatian can only flick his header wide of the post. We have seen little from Saul Niguez and it would not be a surprise if Antoine Griezmann was in the thoughts of Diego Simeone, even at this early stage.

The referee just needs to calm things at the moment, with the match threatening to boil over following a number of physical challenges. Pogba gets involved with Juanfran, but nothing major develops despite some bad blood between the pair. Mandzukic and Chiellini, and Miranda and Llorente are also interesting battles.

Pogba and Tevez continue to cause problems inside the Atletico box, but neither can fashion a clear shooting chance and eventually Atletico have a free kick when Pogba fells Juanfran. Juventus have started to turn the screw in the last few minutes, but Atletico are still struggling in the final third.

Ansaldi delivers a dangerous ball into the Juve box, but Buffon steps out to claim under little pressure. I shouldn't think that there will be too much in the way of added time at the end of the first period.

HALF-TIME: Atletico 0-0 Juventus

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the score level at 0-0. In truth, it was not a great first half. Neither side created a chance of note, while it has been difficult for the referee due to a number of feisty incidents between the two sets of players. Let's hope for an improvement.

STATS! Juventus have dominated the possession with 64%, while they have had three attempts, all of which have been off target. Atletico, meanwhile, have hit the target with one of their five attempts. Despite the feisty nature of the first period, there has been just one booking, with Bonucci carded for Juventus. I would be astounded if that total did not increase in the second 45 minutes.

BENCH WATCH! Atletico have plenty of attacking options on their bench this evening with the likes of Raul Jimenez, Antoine Griezmann and Alessio Cerci all in reserve. Juve, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Giovinco, Asamoah and Morata. Both managers have plenty of talent on the sidelines.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. It is the type of match that could be decided by the one goal. Right, Atletico get the second half underway in Madrid.

No changes from either side at the interval, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will consider alterations if the score remains goalless for the next 15 minutes or so. The second period starts with a couple of feisty challenges, which was indeed the pattern in the first half.

Half-chance for the home side as Ansaldi delivers a dangerous cross towards Mandzukic, but the Croatian cannot get above Chiellini, who has been sensational in the air thus far. It has been a good start to the second period from the home side, who have dominated possession in the early exchanges.

It has been a decent response from Juventus, with the Italian side enjoying possession inside the Atletico half. Vidal attempts to feed a pass into Tevez, but Miranda is on hand to clear the danger. Still no serious chances for either side with 52 minutes on the clock, but the signs are positive.

SUB! Atletico make their first change as Griezmann replaces Saul.

Juventus continue to force the issue with crosses into the Atletico box, but Godin has been excellent against Llorente thus far. Still no movement on the Juventus box, but the Italian side have plenty of options in reserve. Little over 35 minutes of this Champions League Group A clash remaining in Madrid.

BOOKING! Garcia is booked for Atletico for a late challenge on Tevez.

The resulting free kick is taken by Pogba, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Poor.

BOOKING! Chiellini is now booked as the Juve defender fells Turan.

Atletico have a half-chance from the resulting free kick as Koke feeds Mandzukic, but the Croatian's effort is blocked. That has been the story of the night thus far. Still goalless at the Calderon.

CHANCE! There is panic inside the Juventus box as a low cross from Turan hits Mandzukic and bounces onto the arm of Caceres, but Buffon is on hand to clear. Much better from the home side as Atletico then tests the palms of Buffon with a dangerous cross towards the near post.

Juventus just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as Atletico continue to force the issue with a series of free kicks, but the overall quality has been poor this evening. Tevez and Llorente have struggled to get into the match in the second period and it would not be a surprise to see Morata introduced.

BOOKING! Ansaldi is booked for Atletico for a really poor challenge on Lichtsteiner.

The match remains so untidy as the late challenges continue to arrive from both teams. There is no sign of a goal here with little over 25 minutes of the contest remaining.

Possession football from Juventus in the last couple of minutes, but they are not really hurting Atletico, who are comfortable in the defensive third of the field. Still no movement on the Juve bench, but surely changes will occur before the night is out. Atletico also still have two permitted changes remaining.

Juventus continue to deliver high balls into the Atletico box, but it is playing into the arms of Atletico, with Godin and Miranda clearing every cross towards Llorente. Still goalless with 68 mins played.

In truth, a point would be a very good result for Juventus. However, it would leave Atletico in far from a comfortable position following their defeat against Olympiacos in their first group match. Atletico have started to enjoy more possession in the last couple of minutes, but still no chances of note.

Half-chance for Tevez as the Argentine picks up a loose ball outside the box before striking towards goal, but Godin is on hand to make the block. Stephan Lichtsteiner attempts to combine with Vidal moments later, but Atletico have a free kick following a clash on the left.

Half-chance for Koke this time as the Spaniard meets a high ball on the edge of the box, but his volley was always moving wide of the post. Still no movement on the Juventus bench with little over 15 to play.

GOAL! Atletico 1-0 Juventus (Turan)

Lift-off Atletico! Finally the deadlock is broken as Turan pokes a Juanfran cross home at the far post. Brilliant finish from the Turkish international. What a moment in this match.

Juventus attempt to respond with a high ball into the Atletico box, but the referee awards a free kick following a challenge between Llorente and Godin. Can Atletico shut Juventus out this evening?

SUB! Juve make their first change as Pereyra replaces Caceres.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments as Atletico continue to resist the pressure from the Italian champions. You just get the feeling that there is one more goal in this match. Chances have been few and far between, but Juventus now need to start forcing the issue.

CHANCE! Raul Garcia almost puts the ball into his own net following a low cross from Lichtsteiner, but his clearance just moves wide of the post. So nearly an equaliser!

Pogba battles for possession on the edge of the Atletico box, but the Frenchman gives away a free kick and Atletico have the ball once again. Little under 10 minutes of normal time remaining in Spain.

SUB! Second change for Juventus as Morata replaces Vidal.

SUB! Second change for Atletico as Suarez replaces Mandzukic.

BOOKING! Lichtsteiner is booked for Juventus for a late challenge on Ansaldi.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes as free kick after free kick continues to harm the flow, which Atletico will not mind at this stage of proceedings.

BOOKING! Morata now goes in the book for bringing Turan to the ground. Moments before, Llorente trapped the ball inside the Atletico box, but Miranda was on hand to clear.

SUB! Third and final change for Juve as Giovinco replaces Lichsteiner.

SUB! Atletico make their final change as Siqueira replaces Turan.

Time is running out for Juventus as we enter stoppage time at the Calderon. A goalless draw would perhaps have been a fair result, but Turan's goal is the difference at this stage of developments.

BOOKING! Pogba is now booked for a late challenge on Miranda.

Pogba just needs to be a little bit careful here as the Frenchman barges into Garcia having just picked up a booking. We are into the final minute here and Atletico are comfortable.

BOOKING! Giovinco handles inside the Atletico box after collecting a long ball.

FULL-TIME: Atletico 1-0 Juventus

So there we have it. Atletico put their first Champions League points on the board this season with a 1-0 win over Juventus. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!

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Gabi Fernandez of Club Atletico de Madrid in action during the Supercopa, second leg match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at Vicente Caldron stadium on August 22, 2014
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