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UCL Tuesday Rewind: Juventus defeats Monaco to book spot in final

After a strong first leg showing in Monaco a week ago, Juventus took care of business on Tuesday to book a spot in the UEFA Champions League final.

Juventus cruised to a 2-1 victory over Monaco on Tuesday, sealing a 4-1 aggregate triumph that books the club’s spot in the tournament finale.

Massimiliano Allegri’s team used goals from Mario Mandzukic and Dani Alves to eliminate the Principality side in Turin. After seeing a pair of first-half efforts saved by Danijel Subasic, Mandzukic opened the scoring after 33 minutes. The Croatian striker scored from a left-footed effort inside the box after his international teammate saved his previous header.

Leading scorer Gonzalo Higuain missed a chance to double the lead later in the half, while Paulo Dybala forced a good save from Subasic just before stoppage-time.

The hosts took advantage of that corner as Dani Alves’ long-range volley doubled Juventus’ lead to 2-0. It was the Brazilian’s third goal in the competition, and his second in his last three matches across all competitions.

Kylian Mbappe tapped home a consolation goal for Monaco in the 69th minute, but the tie looked done after Juventus doubled their lead before halftime. It was the 18-year-old’s sixth goal in the competition, and his first in all comps since April 29.

Despite the introductions of winger Thomas Lemar and forward Valere Germain, Monaco was held to zero shots on goal in the final 20+ minutes. Monaco was held to a total of two shots on goal in the match, while Juventus had six. Gianluigi Buffon was forced into one save, while Subastic made four.

Juventus’ cruised their way to a 4-1 aggregate victory, which sees them reach their second final out of the last three seasons. The Old Lady will look to lift their third ever Champions League trophy, and their first since 1995-96.

Monaco was ousted from the semifinal stage for the third time in their history, and the first since 1998. Leonardo Jardim’s side will return to Ligue 1 play this weekend, as they look to lift their first title since 2000.

Juventus will face the winner of Real Madrid’s clash with Atletico Madrid in June’s final in Cardiff, Wales. Real Madrid currently hold a 3-0 aggregate after last week’s first leg victory.

Comments

  1. Couldn’t ask for a better Champions League final (Assuming Real doesn’t have a meltdown). Juventus and Real Madrid are the two best teams on the continent.

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