With 55 minutes played in Turin last month, this tie appeared to be as good as over. Away goals from Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben had seemingly put Bayern Munich in complete control of proceedings, with their place in the quarter-finals a formality.
Yet, to the credit of Juventus, they responded to claim a 2-2 draw and leave themselves with something to fight for when they face the Bavarians in the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night.
Bayern
© Getty Images
News of Pep Guardiola's agreement with Manchester City is said to have gone down like a lead balloon in Munich.
While it was common knowledge that the much sought-after Spanish coach was to depart Germany in the summer, for him to confirm that he has signed a deal with another club - one that like Bayern is still in the Champions League - is not considered to have been the smartest move.
Supporters have understandably questioned where Guardiola's attention and loyalty will lie during the closing months of the season, while certain officials have also expressed similar fears.
Yet, as far as results and performances go, you would not know that a change is in the offing. Since Guardiola went public with his impending switch to Manchester, his Bayern side have lost just one of their nine matches in all competitions.
During that time, 19 goals have been scored, with five clean sheets thrown into the bargain. If there were any suggestions that Guardiola would lose the support of the dressing room, that notion has certainly been dispelled.
Nevertheless, it is success - or lack thereof - in the Champions League that will ultimately define Guardiola's time in Bavaria. His predecessor Jupp Heynckes guided the club to its fifth European Cup just before his departure and it was expected that Guardiola would add at least one more to that tally. With two semi-final appearances under his belt, this term represents his final chance to fulfil those expectations.
Recent form (all competitions): WDWLDW
Juventus
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After what was a surprisingly difficult start to the campaign, all appears to be rosy in the Juventus garden at present.
A fifth Serie A title is on the horizon following a 1-0 victory over Sassuolo on Friday night - a result that moved them three points clear of second-placed Napoli with nine matches left to play. On top of that, Massimiliano Allegri's men have booked their place in the Coppa Italia final.
It means that the Old Lady does not need to win or even necessarily go deep in the Champions League for this season to be regarded a successful one.
Indeed, Allegri has been quick to stress to reporters at recent press conferences that Europe's premier competition should never become an obsession for those connected with the club, despite the fact that they were beaten finalists last May.
However, what the 48-year-old boss will no doubt be hoping for is an improved display from his charges to the one that they mustered in their first clash with Bayern.
Left-back Patrice Evra admitted that Juve were poor, having told the assembled media: "We were fearful in those opening 20 minutes. That's the truth. Mentally I don't think we started the game sure of ourselves. We were frenetic, anxious. Let's say it and be unashamed about it - at the start we lacked character and personality."
Recent form (all competitions): DDWLWW
Team News
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If Juve are to upset the odds and progress, they will have to do so without the services of three big names.
Injuries have ruled out defender Giorgio Chiellini and midfielder Claudio Marchisio, but it is the omission of Paulo Dybala that is perhaps the greatest disappointment.
The Argentine striker scored in the first leg and has found the net 16 times in all competitions this season.
Former Bayern Munich centre-forward Mario Mandzukic is also a doubt with a groin complaint, which is likely to see Alvaro Morata lead the attack.
As for hosting Bayern, French winger Franck Ribery is back in contention for a place in the squad following a lengthy layoff.
Defenders Jerome Boateng and Holger Badstuber will play no part, though, due to abductor and ankle problems respectively.
Bayern possible starting lineup:
Neuer; Lahm, Kimmich, Alaba, Bernat; Vidal, Alonso; Robben, Muller, Costa; Lewandowski
Juventus possible starting lineup:
Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Evra; Cuadrado, Khedira, Hernanes, Pogba; Morata, Mandzukic
Head To Head
Last month's clash was the first between these two sides since April 2013, when Bayern won through 4-0 on aggregate to book their place in the semi-finals.
Juventus have made a total of four trips to Munich, but have only ended up winning once.
That came back in 2004 courtesy of a 90th-minute effort form club legend Alessandro Del Piero.
We say: Bayern 1-0 Juventus
You have to expect Juventus to improve upon what they produced in front of their own supporters, but those injuries have really dented their chances of getting through. Bayern are bound to have most of the possession and it would be a huge shock if they did not turn that into at least one goal.
Liam Apicella
