Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie between Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur. The English side may have topped a group including Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, but their reward is a contest with arguably the strongest of the runners-up. Let's see who Mauricio Pochettino and Massimiliano Allegri have selected in their respective starting lineups...

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR XI: Lloris; Aurier, Sanchez, Vertonghen, Davies; Dier, Dembele, Eriksen, Dele, Lamela; Kane

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR SUBSTITUTES: Gazzaniga, Trippier, Rose, Wanyama, Sissoko, Son, Moura

We will get onto Juve in a little while but firstly, Spurs. Pochettino could easily have selected an unchanged starting lineup for this fixture but instead, the Spurs boss makes two changes with Serge Aurier and Erik Lamela both coming into the side.

Dropping down to the bench are Kieran Trippier and Son Heung-min. Aurier has probably been given the nod over Trippier due to his experience in Europe, but Son is perhaps less of a surprise due to the South Korean having struggled for goals and assists in recent weeks. He hasn't scored a goal since January 13 and has provided just one assist in his last six outings.

Pochettino may have also been tempted to bring Victor Wanyama into the midfield but Mousa Dembele remains alongside Eric Dier. Dembele hasn't always found it easy to play two fixtures in a short space of time but that is what is being asked of him this evening.

On the bench, Paulo Gazzaniga takes the place of Michel Vorm, but there is no spot among the replacements for Juventus old boy Fernando Llorente. Instead, Lucas Moura is available to make his Spurs debut.

JUVENTUS XI: Buffon; De Sciglio, Benatia, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Pjanic; Bernardeschi, Douglas Costa, Mandzukic; Higuain

JUVENTUS SUBSTITUTES: Szczesny, Rugani, Asamoah, Marchisio, Bentancur, Sturaro, Muratore

As for Juventus, there are few surprises in Allegri's starting lineup, with Paulo Dybala, Andrea Barzagli, Blaise Matuidi and Juan Cuadrado all unavailable for tonight's game.

Mario Mandzukic is likely to line up on the left-hand side of midfield with Gonzalo Higuain playing up front on his own. The Croatian has been a regular in Serie A but he will be making just his fourth start in the Champions League this season.

However, Federico Bernardeschi will be making his first start in this year's competition. The Italian midfielder has been used as backup throughout the campaign but he gets his reward for still having contributed four goals and five assists in the top flight, despite having only made six starts.

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is among the substitutes. The Pole has been involved on 14 occasions this season but he will likely have to make do with giving his manager some inside knowledge of Spurs having played against them for a number of seasons.

The topic of Toby Alderweireld has been discussed in the build-up to this match. The Belgian centre-back is fit again but Pochettino has opted against including him in a big match. Click here to read the Argentine's thoughts.

Pochettino has also been speaking about the club's ambitions in the Champions League but understandably at this stage, the boss of the North London outfit does not want to get ahead of himself. Click here to read his comments.

When the group-stage draw did get made, Pochettino would probably admit that he would have taken the runners-up spot behind Real Madrid, but Spurs had the better of the two matches between the defending champions and deservedly came away with four points. It has only heightened expectations in North London but if everything clicks for them, why can't Pochettino's side go far in this competition?

Kane is expected to score in pretty much every match which he features in the starting lineup and that has been the case in six of his last seven appearances. However, the club's top goalscorer admits that he faces one of his biggest tests this evening. Click here to read what the 24-year-old has had to say.

As far as this competition is concerned, Kane has six goals to his name. He wasn't able to net in either fixture against Real Madrid, but he proved to be a nuisance at the Bernabeu and netted in both encounters with Borussia Dortmund. Kane has work to do on the European stage, but the England international is certainly capable.

That said, despite Spurs currently being on a 12-match unbeaten run in all competitions, they have struggled for a ruthless touch in front of goal in their last half-a-dozen outings. They have failed to score more than two goals in each of those matches.

Lamela has been back from a long-term hip injury for a couple of months but tonight's starting berth represents the first significant show of faith from his manager. The Argentine has only featured for 322 minutes in the Premier League across 14 outings.

At the other end of the pitch, Davinson Sanchez needs to find more consistency. The centre-back has produced some excellent outings considering he is a 21-year-old in his first season of English football, but he has made some rash decisions in recent weeks. They have not always led to Spurs conceding a goal but sooner rather than later, the Colombian is going to get punished.

Fernando Llorente has cut a frustrated figure on the bench for much of the campaign and it has led to the Spaniard reminiscing about his previous spell at Juventus, where he netted 27 times in 91 appearances. That over a two-year spell between 2013 and 2015. The 32-year-old's made just eight starts and netted just twice for Spurs this season, and does not feature at all tonight. Click here to read his thoughts.

Llorente has also been speaking about the quality of Juventus. They may be missing Dybala, but Llorente feels that the Italian side have plenty of other players who can hurt Spurs tonight. Click here to read more words from the forward.

Higuain is the first name which springs to mind. The Argentine is effectively Italian football's version of Kane, with 18 goals coming from 32 appearances this season. He's shared the spotlight with Dybala, who has 17 strikes to his name.

Allegri has also been talking up his star man and naturally, the Juventus manager feels that Higuain is a better forward than Kane. Click here to see the Italian's thoughts on the matter.

Juventus were placed in a group with Barcelona, Sporting Lisbon and Olympiacos and by their own high standards, struggled to the runners-up spot. A heavy defeat to Barca at Camp Nou and a draw at Sporting put Allegri's team under pressure, but they delivered with a goalless draw with Barca in Turin and a win away at Olympiacos in their last two fixtures, with shutouts coming in both.

In the build-up to this match, much of the talk has been about Juventus' incredible defensive record, with just one goal being conceded in 15 matches in all competitions. Will that effort ever be matched? In modern-day football, it's going to be difficult. Who is the only player to score against Juve during that time? Their former defender Martin Caceres, who now plays for Verona.

As far as Serie A is concerned, Juve are very much in a two-way battle with Napoli for the league title. Napoli currently lead the way by a point but Juve have dropped just 10 points throughout the league campaign, with many of those coming at the start of the season.

PREDICTION! Given Juventus' recent record, we cannot really back against them, can we? Spurs have performed well on their travels in the Champions League this season but we are predicting a 2-0 win for the home side.

HEAD TO HEAD! The two teams are meeting for the first time in a competitive fixture. However, they did contest a friendly at Wembley Stadium in August. Click here to read back on that match.

It's time for the two teams to make their way out in Turin. The Juventus Stadium is not as big as some of the other top arenas in Europe but do not be fooled. Expect one of the best atmospheres of the season tonight.

A reminder of the two teams...

JUVENTUS XI: Buffon; De Sciglio, Benatia, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Pjanic; Bernardeschi, Douglas Costa, Mandzukic; Higuain

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR XI: Lloris; Aurier, Sanchez, Vertonghen, Davies; Dier, Dembele, Eriksen, Dele, Lamela; Kane

KICKOFF! Juventus get us underway.

An hurried clearance from Vertonghen goes straight to a Juventus player and it leads to Spurs committing an early foul. There was a sense of panic, even at this early stage.

An absolute nightmare start from Spurs. A clever free kick from Pjanic catches out Spurs and Higuain - all on his own - volleys across Lloris and into the bottom corner. The marking is appalling.

Already, you fear for Spurs. They've effectively given Juventus a goal head-start and they are probably the worst team to be gifting an advantage.

Juventus are battering Spurs. They are already outclassing them and on two occasions, Spurs have only just survived offside decisions after the ball was played over their backline.

To Spurs' credit, they are starting to press Juventus but it feels a high-risk strategy because it is giving the home side's creators more space to work.

PENALTY TO JUVENTUS! Now Juventus have a penalty after Bernardeschi is fouled by Davies. Poor from the left-back, who lunged in when he didn't have to.

Lloris gets a hand to the ball but Higuain's shot to the goalkeeper's right has too power on it. Juventus are well on course for the last eight. We've only had nine minutes.

I should also point out that Davies was booked for the foul in the penalty area. Davies did not appear aware that Bernardeschi was behind him and ultimately mistimed his challenge.

Spurs are taking the chance to enjoy some possession in their own half. I don't blame them. They would jump at a 2-0 scoreline being the final result tonight.

A prolonged spell on the ball ends when a cross from the right goes straight out of play. Nothing is clicking for Spurs at the moment.

Is this a dive from Kane? There's minimal contact. Difficult to call it an outright dive because Benatia had his hands on his shoulders but the Spurs forward has made a meal of it. No penalty - correct decision from the official.

Spurs are having more joy in the final third as this first half progresses but they need to be so careful not to concede a third. Juventus are the masters of sitting back and absorbing pressure. It's what they are doing right now.

A cross from Kane tries to find Lamela at the back but the ball is headed behind for a corner. Still, better from Spurs. If only they had started like this!

When Spurs have the ball, there is a wall of 10 Juventus players in their own defensive third. Good luck trying to break that down! Spurs need to stay patient with this.

We are lacking efforts on goal in this match, but that's not the case in Switzerland. Manchester City are already 3-0 up against Basel! Click here to see what is happening in that fixture.

CHANCE! This was THE chance. A cross from Eriksen is absolutely perfect for Kane to nod home from no more than six yards but Buffon read the header and made the save from point-blank range. You just have to score from there.

SHOT! Spurs are the better team now but they need to get an away goal. Eriksen's poor free kick rebounds straight back to him and then the Dane lashes a volley wide of the far post.

CHANCE! It goes from almost going to game on to being game over. De Sciglio makes a goal-saving tackle to deny Alli and within 20 seconds, Higuain has curled wide of the target from around 12 yards out. He should score.

CHANCE! This opening for Kane was more difficult. The striker does well to turn and get a shot away with his left foot but his scuffed effort is tipped wide of the post by Buffon.

This game feels like one which has 10 minutes left and the home side are one goal ahead. Spurs' pressure is relentless and they are really trying to force the issue.

Now it's game on! Alli gets the ball and threads it through to Kane, who is played onside by Alex Sandro. The striker then rounds Buffon and taps into an empty net. It's a wonderful goal. It's the first conceded by Juventus in 2018.

The next job for Spurs is to reach half time without suffering any more damage. They have been excellent since going two goals behind. It's not even close to getting the job done, however. This has been a captivating first half.

Spurs are continuing to probe and even when they lose the ball and Juventus clear, there is sometimes no attacker to collect the ball. Higuain is being used as a midfielder when Juventus don't have the ball.

SHOT! Eriksen tries his luck from distance and Buffon can only parry the ball away to safety. He didn't look assured at all behind that.

CHANCE! Alli should do better here. A dream ball from Eriksen finds the run of his teammate but the Englishman mistimes his jump and heads over the crossbar.

I really can't overstate how well Spurs are playing and how threatening they look here. Juventus look far from the team who are supposed to have the best defence in world football.

BOOKING! Kane gets some rough treatment from Benatia, who barges straight into the back of the forward. Easy decision for the referee.

PENALTY TO JUVENTUS! Aurier - what are you doing? He loses the ball to Costa and ends up fouling the Brazilian inside the penalty area.

MISSED PENALTY! Higuain smashes his penalty straight against the crossbar! Unbelievable. The referee blows his whistle for the break. What a half of football.

The half-time whistle goes in Turin and we remain at 2-1. I have no idea how, but we do. It's been one of the most intriguing halves of football all season and while Spurs trail Juventus, they have been comfortably the better side. I can't wait for the second half...

At one stage in that first half, it felt like the tie was already half over. Juventus were two goals to the good thanks to Higuain's exquisite volley and penalty kick. Spurs were all at sea at the back and it felt like Juventus would kick on and net more goals before the break.

However, for the remainder of the first half, Spurs dominated. Kane squandered the chance to head home from six yards at the midway point but the free-scoring Englishman made up for it by rounding Buffon and tapping home into an empty net with 10 minutes to go before half time. It was composure of the highest order.

Then came Juventus' second spot kick. Aurier lost concentration and then dived into a challenge that he didn't need to make. It's not the first time that it has happened this season. However, the Ivorian was handed a reprieve as Higuain went for power and struck the centre of the crossbar.

KICKOFF! Spurs get us back underway.

BOOKING! Aurier should have been booked for the penalty but he is cautioned now after hauling down Sandro. The right-back is now suspended for the second leg.

We are still awaiting the first chance for either side in this second half but I think a quiet period will suit both teams.

Spurs still continue to live dangerously, however, especially on the right flank. Pochettino would probably be best substituting Aurier because the home side know that he is becoming a bit of a liability.

Juventus are having the better of the action now. Spurs are forced to make an important block to prevent Berardeschi's strike from reaching Lloris.

Allegri appears to have told Benatia to stay tight to Kane. The centre-back is following the forward everywhere, even when he goes to the side of the pitch. Spurs need to find a way to exploit the extra space in the middle.

SHOT! Juventus are pressing. Fantastic play from Higuain leads to the ball being played to Bernardeschi on the right flank and after cutting inside onto his left foot, his well-struck strike is tipped wide by Lloris.

CHANCE! Another huge chance for Juventus. The inswinging corner sets up Mandzukic for a free header, but the Croatian directs the ball straight at Lloris from six yards. Anywhere else and it is a goal.

BOOKING! Higuain goes into the book for dissent after going crazy after not being awarded a free kick close to the halfway line.

You have to give Juventus a lot of credit for their response in this second half. They've barely given Spurs a sniff and are threatening to score a third.

There are signs that this could boil over. There are plenty of fouls being given - and not given - and both teams are calling for cards effectively each time the referee blows his whistle. It's Juventus' kind of game.

SUBSTITUTION! Allegri makes the first changee of the game with Bentancur replacing Khedira. Juventus may be going to a back three.

Regarding alterations, Pochettino is in a difficult position regarding whether he should stick or twist. Spurs would take this result but they have been second best since the break.

SHOT! Kane has endured a frustrating second half but he takes it upon himself to get a shot on goal from distance, only to see Buffon bundle the ball away.

Spurs are level! Alli wins a free kick out of Chiellini on the edge of the area and Eriksen proceeds to fire the ball under the wall and into the corner, via Buffon's hand. The Juventus goalkeeper was slow getting down to the ball but Spurs don't care.

Now what should Spurs do?! They are finding a second wind and you wouldn't be surprised to see them score a third. Can they afford to plough forward though?

With 15 minutes to go, it is Juventus who are looking to make changes rather than Spurs. It's not often that you see Juventus panicking over what to do next.

SUBSTITUTION! Sturaro has been introduced for Mandzukic, who limps off with a knock.

SHOT! A poor pass from Dier in midfield leads to Juventus storming forward. Bernardeschi's shot takes a big deflection but Lloris is able to get down to keep the ball out.

Juventus are beginning to get back on top. This wouldn't be the worst time for Pochettino to introduce Wanyama. They need to do something to regain control.

BOOKING! Bentancur goes flying into a challenge with Davies and only makes contact with the left-back. He's lucky it is only a yellow.

Juventus win another corner but Dier gets across his man to head clear. That makes up for his earlier mistake. Son is getting himself ready.

SUBSTITUTION! Son has been introduced for Alli. That should see Eriksen remain in the centre of the pitch.

CHANCE! An outswinging corner from Juventus finds the run of Benatia, but the centre-back heads over the crossbar from around 10 yards out.

Three minutes to go and Juventus remain on top. There's a feeling that Spurs are just looking to see this out now.

SUBSTITUTION! Maybe not! Moura is being introduced for his debut with Lamela the man to make way.

There will be two minutes of added-on time.

SUBSTITUTION! Here comes Wanyama, who replaces Eriksen.

The full-time whistle goes in Turin and Spurs have successfully held on to secure a 2-2 draw against Juventus, that after conceding two goals in the opening nine minutes of the match. It's a comeback which will be remembered for some time, but only half the job is done ahead of next month's second leg at Wembley Stadium.

That will be all from Sports Mole for this game. Thank you for joining us this evening and we hope to see you again soon.

If you would like to read our on-the-whistle report, you can do so by clicking here. Goodbye for now.