By MATT STYPULKOSKI

The UEFA Champions League semifinals open Tuesday with a meeting between the reigning champions and an Italian giant trying to end a 12-year drought.

Real Madrid, which won its record 10th European title in 2014, is sure to be the favorite in its matchup with Juventus. But the Turin club, which hosts Tuesday’s opening leg, has European momentum and an open schedule on its side.

With seven consecutive victories in the league, Real Madrid remains in the midst of a fight for the La Liga crown. Entering the season’s final three matches, Los Blancos sit two points behind leaders Barcelona.

Meanwhile, The Old Lady wrapped up the Serie A title this past weekend, leaving it distraction-free for the Champions League.

For all the club’s recent struggles in Europe, this Juve squad has found a formula for success so far this season. The Turin side has yet to lose a home match in the Champions League during 2014-15. As a result, Juve has also advanced to its first semifinal since 2003, when the Biaconeri knocked off Real Madrid en route to the continental crown.

During that 2003 tie, the Spanish and Italian giants each won one match, with Juventus ultimately going through with a 4-3 aggregate win. The small margin between the two clubs fits with their larger history against one another – Real Madrid enters Tuesday holding a narrow 8-7-1 all-time edge against Juventus.

Though there will still plenty of talent on display, both sides enter the semifinal with injury issues. Juve remains without Paul Pogba, who has been missing from the lineup since March, while Real Madrid is forced to cope without both Karim Benzema and Luka Modric.

Los Blancos will have Gareth Bale at their disposal, however. The Welshman, who had suffered a calf injury, returned to action as a second-half substitute over the weekend.