Top spot in Group A was to be decided in Turin this evening as Juventus welcomed Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Atletico had already qualified from the section, but Juve needed a point to ensure their spot in the next round.
Neither side could break the scoring in the first 45 minutes despite chances at both ends of the field.
The second period was played at a slower pace, with the match ending goalless as Atletico secured first position.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Champions League coverage continues from Turin as Juventus welcome Atletico Madrid in Group A. Right, before we get down to the details ahead of this key match, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news, which has just been released.
TEAMS
JUVE: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra, Pereyra; Pirlo, Pogba, Vidal; Tevez, Llorente
ATLETICO: Moya; Juanfran, Godin, Gimenez, Siqueira; Mario, Gabi, Koke; Turan, Mandzukic, Garcia
Well, interesting team news from Juve. It is currently unclear whether the home side will play 5-3-2 or 4-3-2-1 this evening, with Roberto Pereyra, Patrice Evra and Fernando Llorente all returning to the side. Carlos Tevez also starts, while Paul Pogba, Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo will form the midfield for the hosts.
There are no real surprises in the Atletico XI, however, with Antoine Griezmann and Alessio Cerci both remaining on the bench. Mario Suarez comes into the midfield alongside Koke and the skipper Gabi, while Jose Gimenez continues alongside Diego Godin at centre-back due to Miranda's absence.
Right, let's take a look at Group A as it stands. Atletico currently top the section on 12 points and have already qualified for the knockout stage of the competition. The second and final spot will go to either Juve or Olympiacos, with the Italian side currently second on nine points. Olympiacos, meanwhile, sit third on six points ahead of their clash with Malmo this evening. Surely Juve will not stumble?
It is fairly simple for Atletico – a point would be enough for the Spanish outfit to top the section, but they would also top the group with a one-goal defeat. Juventus, meanwhile, would secure qualification with a draw, but they can qualify as group winners with a two-goal victory. Got it? Good!
Of course, the two sides have already met in the competition this season and it was Atletico that triumphed 1-0 in Madrid to record their first three points in Group A. Since losing to Olympiacos on matchday one, Atletico have impressively won all four of their group matches to secure qualification.
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Juventus opened their Group A challenge with a 2-0 win at home to Malmo, before, as mentioned, losing to Atletico in Madrid. Juve then lost in Greece to Olympiacos, but responded with back-to-back wins over Olympiacos and Malmo to ensure that they were masters of their own destiny.
Juve also boast an impressive home record in Europe having gone nine matches unbeaten in UEFA competition on their own patch – including wins over Malmo and Olympiacos this season. Overall, the Italian side have lost just one of their 14 European home fixtures at their developed stadium.
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Juve's record against Spanish opposition is also extremely strong having won 12 of their 20 previous matches against La Liga sides, losing just twice in the process. The fact that a draw will suit both sides might come into play this evening, but Juve, as mentioned, also have the chance to top the section.
In terms of their domestic form, Juve enter the match off the back of a goalless draw with Fiorentina at the weekend. They have not lost in the league since suffering a 1-0 defeat at Genoa in late October, with 35 points from their 14 matches leaving the Italian champions top of Serie A.
Atletico, meanwhile, are also going well in their domestic league. Saturday's 2-0 win over Elche was their fifth victory in a row in all competitions, with the result moving Diego Simeone's side onto 32 points from 14 La Liga matches. As it stands, the capital side sit third in the table, two points behind second-place Barcelona and four from the leaders Real Madrid. Can they win back-to-back titles?
Atletico's away form in the league has been a little patchy this season, but they enter this match boasting a very impressive recent away run in the Champions League. In fact, the Spanish champions have won five of their last eight away games in this competition. Will that run continue?
In Italy, Atletico's results have been a mixed bag. Their record away to Serie A clubs is played nine, won four, lost four and drawn one. That includes a 1-0 win at AC Milan on their way to last season's final. Simeone's side have become the masters of taking positive results from difficult grounds.
As touched upon, last season's finalists were beaten 3-2 at Olympiacos in their opening Group A match, but they returned to form with a 1-0 win over Juventus. That was the first of four successive wins in the competition, with Malmo beaten twice and Olympiacos thrashed 4-0 at the Calderon.
Atletico have also not conceded in any competition since Roque Santa Cruz scored for Malaga on November 22. That is a run of 386 minutes without their goal being breached, while current first-choice goalkeeper Miguel Moya has not conceded in the Champions League since replacing Jan Oblak on matchday two. If that continues this evening then Atletico will indeed top the group.
Right, little over 10 minutes until kickoff and the atmosphere is really building in Turin. I have a feeling that we could be in for something special this evening. The home supporters certainly expect.
PREDICTION! Ultimately, a draw suits both sides this evening and I think that will play a part in the final result. There is no question that Juve will go for the win, but Atletico are exceptional at securing good results at difficult grounds. My score prediction is 1-1 in Turin.
Here we go then. Both sets of players will soon join us on the field inside this wonderful stadium. Champions League nights are always special in Turin and this one is no different. Let's hope for a cracker.
The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. We are just a couple of minutes away from kickoff here. Juve need a point to ensure they qualify for the next round.
i shall also keep you up-to-speed with what occurs in Group A's other match tonight between Olympiacos and Malmo in Greece. Right, the away side get the first 45 minutes of action underway.
Sciarpe al vento anche da casa, suona l'inno!!! #StoriaDiUnGrandeAmore #JuveAtletico #UCL pic.twitter.com/6sEaFlT2G7
— JuventusFC (@juventusfc) December 9, 2014
Strong start from the away side as Siqueira drives down the left before firing a low cross into the box, but Bonucci is on hand to make the clearance. Juve are down the other end moments later with Tevez, but Godin is on hand to sweep clear. End-to-end football in the opening two minutes. Good signs!
Juve have a free kick just outside the box as Tevez is brought to the ground by Koke...
... the resulting free kick is taken by Pirlo, but his effort is straight into the wall. The pressure continues, however, as the home side pass and probe outside of the Atletico penalty area.
Juve are in control of the possession in the early moments here, with Tevez and Vidal both involved in the final third of the field. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital. It must be said that the atmosphere inside the stadium is just stunning, which is no surprise.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments, with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Atletico have the chance to threaten from a free kick, but Gabi's delivery is headed clear by Bonucci. No real chances for either side in the early moments.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Atletico as Koke meets a loose ball inside the Juve box, but his low effort is saved by Buffon. Excellent goalkeeping from the veteran stopper.
CHANCE! Good opportunity for Juve this time as Pogba whips a dangerous ball towards the near post, but Moya just about manages to push it wide. Llorente was in close proximity, but the Spanish international did not make contact. It has been a brilliant opening nine minutes here.
Atletico are not being allowed to settle at the moment as Juve continue to press in the middle of the park. Lichtsteiner has had plenty of the ball in wide areas, but his crossing has been wayward thus far.
Juve continue to force the issue with a couple of corners in quick succession, but Atletico manage to clear the danger. The noise levels remain high, which is certainly pushing Juventus further forward.
Juve are first to everything at the moment as they continue to pen Atletico into their own box, but the Spanish champions are so strong defensively that they never really look flustered. Atletico have not really been allowed to use their counter-attacking threat thus far, with Mandzukic very isolated here.
Better from the away side in the last couple of minutes, with a dangerous free kick from Gabi causing concern inside the Juve box. The hosts regain possession moments later, however, and build from the back.
Juve continue to threaten in wide areas as Lichsteiner delivers a cross towards Llorente, but Gimenez is on hand to make a fine clearance. Pogba is involved moments later, but Koke is on hand to clear. Atletico are defending the edge of their own box, but still look fairly comfortable in doing so.
Both defences have impressed in the opening 22 minutes of this match, but Atletico's back four has certainly been the busiest, with Godin and Gimenez both brilliant thus far. Pogba has been a real star for the home side, meanwhile, with the Frenchman always looking for a threaded pass.
BOOKING! Vidal (Juve) is booked for a poor challenge on Raul Garcia.
UPDATE! Olympiacos have taken the lead against Malmo. Bad news for Juve.
Half-chance for the away side as Gimenez meets a deep free kick from Gabi, but Buffon makes the save. The resulting corner is delivered by Koke, but once again the danger is cleared.
BOOKING! Suarez (Atletico) is booked for a late lunge on Tevez.
It has been a little untidy in the last couple of minutes, with the referee forced to intervene and indeed issue a couple of bookings. Juve continue to force free kicks in advanced positions, but the quality has not been there thus far. The Italian's latest effort moves wide of the post from some 30 yards.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of minutes, but the home side remain in control of developments. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining in Turin.
This is certainly not a match for the faint-hearted as the challenges continue to arrive in the middle of the park. Atletico have just started to ease some of the pressure with a period of possession, but the Spanish champions have been unable to feed their big striker Mandzukic thus far.
Half-chance for the home side as Pogba delivers a beautiful cross onto the head of Llorente, but his effort was never troubling Moya. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining in Italy.
It has been another decent couple of minutes from the away side, with Juanfran managing to gain some ground down the right. However, the Spaniard only has one target in the box. Wouldn't it be just like Atletico if they repelled all this pressure and took the lead? They are the masters at it!
Turan appears to have a problem following a clash with Pirlo, but the midfielder returns to his feet and does indeed continue. The atmosphere has just dropped following this period of Atletico pressure. The visitors have a half-chance through Turan, but his low effort was always moving wide of the post.
BOOKING! Siqueira (Atletico) is booked for a late challenge on Lichtsteiner.
The resulting free kick is delivered by Pirlo, but Godin is on hand with another towering header.
Little under five minutes of the first period remaining and as it stands, Atletico would top the group and Juve would qualify in second position. The home side remain the team in control, however, with cross after cross from wide areas. Vidal, meanwhile, needs to be careful following a couple of late tackles.
It is the Atletico supporters making most of the noise at the moment, with their side gaining some good ground down the left. Will we have an opener in the final minutes of the first period?
SAVE! Buffon is called into action for the home side to beat away an effort from Suarez. Moments before, Garcia had a low strike blocked by Evra. Good pressure from Atletico.
Garcia has another effort for Atletico, but his tame strike is collected by Buffon.
HALF-TIME: Juve 0-0 Atletico
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Juve dominated long spells of the first half, but Atletico did finish the stronger. It has been a fascinating battle thus far, but neither side has been able to break the deadlock. What will the second period bring?
STATS! Juve have had more of the ball with 65%, while they have had four attempts, just one of which has been on target. Atletico, meanwhile, have had six attempts and hit the target on four occasions. There have also been three cards issued - one for Juve and two for the visitors.
BENCH WATCH! The home side have plenty of attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of Giovinco, Morata and Pepe. Atletico, meanwhile, have the likes of Cerci, Griezmann, Rodriguez and Saul in reserve. There is plenty of talent on both benches this evening.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. As it stands, Atletico will top the group and Juve will qualify in second. The home side get the second half underway.
No changes from either manager at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. However, I suspect that alterations will occur if the score remains level for the next 20 minutes or so.
Possession football from the home side in the early moments of the second period, but neither side has been able to fashion a chance thus far. It would not be all that surprising if this ended 0-0. It would suit both teams, with Atletico topping the group and Juve finishing in second position in the table.
Good pressure from Atletico in the last couple of minutes, with Gabi's near-post corner causing concern inside the Atletico box, but the danger is cleared. Whistles from the home supporters as Atletico continue to threaten, but another attack comes to an end when Vidal comes across to tackle Siqueira.
Gimenez has been brilliant for Atletico this evening, with the centre-back winning the aerial battle against Llorente thus far. Atletico are not missing Miranda, which is a massive compliment to the youngster. We are still waiting for the first clear chance of the second period. It remains goalless here.
Half-chance for Juve as the home side work the ball outside the box before Pogba curls one towards goal, but Gimenez is across to make a vital block. Suddenly the tempo has been increased by Juve.
Little over 30 minutes of normal time remaining and the score remains goalless. Both defences have been excellent this evening - particularly Atletico's, which has been called into action on a number of occasions. Tevez combines with Llorente inside the Atletico box, but Godin is across to clear.
Half-chance for Juve once again as Vidal turns outside the box before firing one towards the bottom corner, but Moya is across to make a fairly routine save. Good goalkeeping nonetheless.
Still no movement on either bench, but I suspect that both managers will be considering changes at this stage of proceedings. Just a reminder that Atletico will top the group as it stands, with Juve finishing second. One goal for Atletico would put Juve in trouble, however, with Olympiacos beating Malmo.
UPDATE! Malmo have equalised at Olympiacos!
It is all Juventus at the moment as the home side continue to work the ball from left to right, but Atletico are so strong in defending their own box. Turan this time carries the ball away to safety.
CHANCE! Pogba hammers one from outside the box and Moya makes a meal of it in the Atletico goal, but the stopper just manages to palm clear. Nervy moment for Atletico!
UPDATE! Olympiacos are back ahead against Malmo. They lead 2-1 now.
Still no movement on either bench with 66 minutes on the clock. That is a surprise.
Another half-chance for the home side as Pereyra strikes one from outside the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. As it stands, Atletico will top the group and Juve will qualify in second. There is no real onus on either side to go and force the issue at the moment.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last few moments, while both sides have been guilty of losing possession too easily in the final third of the field. It remains goalless in Turin here.
The referee is having a tough time at the moment as Siqueira - who has already been booked - dives into another challenge. The Juve players surround the official, but no card is forthcoming. The resulting free kick is delivered by Pirlo, but once again the danger is headed clear. Little over 15 to play.
Juve remain in control of the ball, but they are not exactly forcing the issue, which is not much of a surprise. Just a reminder that a point would suit both sides and that is showing at the moment.
Half-chance for Vidal as the Chilean thumps one from outside the box, but Moya makes the save.
Chiellini goes down holding his head following a high challenge with Garcia, but it was an innocent clash of heads rather than anything more sinister. Atletico have hardly been in the Juve half in the second period, but there are a couple of signs that they could threaten on the counter.
Llorente is penalised for a late challenge on Gimenez and the Spaniard also takes one in the face, leaving him with a bloodied nose. Still goalless with little over 10 minutes of normal time remaining here.
Incredibly, there has still not been a single change from either manager.
UPDATE! Malmo are level at Olympiacos! Good news for Juve...
Opportunity for Pogba this time as the Juve midfielder lines one up outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Still goalless with little over five minutes of football remaining.
It is a strange game at the moment, with neither side too worried about forcing the issue. There has also still not been a single change in this match, which is not something that you see often!
It is almost like a training match at the moment, with Juve going from side to side in defence.
UPDATE! Olympiacos have regained the lead against Malmo. However, at the moment, it does not mean anything, with Juventus qualifying in second with their point here.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute.
FULL-TIME: Juventus 0-0 Atletico
So there we have it. Both sides qualify for the next round of the competition, with Atletico finishing in first position. In truth, it was not a classic in the second period it must be said! Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
