When Juventus were drawn against Atlético Madrid back in December, the reaction was mixed. Some liked it, some didn’t, others were seemingly undecided on how to truly feel about drawing a team in the first knockout round of the Champions League that could quite possibly be the equal to a Juve team that, at the time, was far from impressing anybody. We sit here about three months later on the brink of two things happening: Juventus’ Champions League campaign could end a lot, lot earlier than any of us ever wanted them to see have happen. Juventus will have just completed one hell of a comeback in the second leg that allowed that to advance to the Champions League quarterfinals and continue to carry the flag for all of Italy and Serie A. A game that Max Allegri doesn’t want to call the ‘Game of the Year’ has all the makings of the ‘Game of the Year’ because of everything that is riding on it. Juventus, fresh of seeing its Serie A lead extended to 18 points over the weekend, will now try to reverse a 2-0 aggregate hole they dug themselves in Spain against an in-form Atlético Madrid side that is starting to look a whole lot like those Atléti teams of the past that had so much success in Europe. For Juventus, it’s simple. Well, at least when it comes to the scenarios that they need to fall in their favor when it comes what has to happen if they want to see the Champions League quarterfinals. In actuality, the task that stands in front of them is nothing even close to what anybody would consider as something that’s easy. Juventus will have to both be efficient and effective up front while holding tight defensively. If Atlético Madrid scores a goal, then the uphill battle that Juve have in front of them will become even that much more difficult. Yeah, we don’t want that to happen. So, for the next couple of hours, we will sit and stress over the fact that Juventus’ Champions League run could very well come to an end even before the second-full week of March is even halfway over. That’s not what we all envisioned when Juventus signed the tournament’s greatest ever goal scorer with a nine-figure transfer fee or openly talked about how much the Champions League is a clear-cut objective this season. Yet, it is. And now we wait and see what the hell is about to happen. MATCH INFO When: Tuesday, March 12, 2019 Where: Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy Official kickoff time: 8 p.m. local time in Italy and around Europe; 7 p.m. in the United Kingdom; 4 p.m. Eastern Time; 1 p.m. Pacific Time STARTING LINEUPS Juventus starting XI (4-3-3): Szczesny; Cancelo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Spinazzola; Can, Pjanic, Matuidi; Bernardeschi, Mandzukic; Ronaldo Juventus bench: Perin, Caceres, Dybala, Kean, Rugani, Bentancur, Nicolussi Caviglia Atlético Madrid starting XI (4-4-2): Oblak; Arias, Gimenez, Godin, Juanfran; Koke, Rodrigo, Saul, Lemar; Griezmann; Morata Atlético Madrid bench: Adan, Savic, Montero, Vitolo, Mikel Carro, Kalinic, Correa HOW TO WATCH Television: TNT, UniMás, Univision Deportes (United States); BT Sport 3 (United Kingdom); Sky Sport Uno, Sky Sport 2 (Italy) Online/mobile: B/R Live, Watch TNT, Univision Deportes En Vivo, Univision NOW (United States); DAZN (Canada); BT Sport Live (United Kingdom); Sky Go Italia (Italy) Other live viewing options can be found here, and as always, you can also follow along with us live and all the stupid things we say on Twitter. If you haven’t already, join the community on Black & White & Read All Over, and join in the discussion below. Other live viewing options can be found here, and as always, you can also follow along with us live and all the stupid things we say on Twitter. If you haven’t already, join the community on Black & White & Read All Over, and join in the discussion below.<doc-sep>Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League mission with Juventus stalled on Wednesday as Atletico Madrid secured a deserved 2-0 victory from a thrilling first leg at the Wanda Metropolitano. Ronaldo returned to the Spanish capital, where he enjoyed unprecedented success in this tournament with Real, but it was their rivals celebrating at the final whistle as goals from Jose Gimenez and Diego Godin put Atletico within sight of the quarter-finals. This was a victory that Diego Simeone’s side fully deserved. Antoine Griezmann had hit the crossbar while VAR twice intervened, correctly, in Juve’s favour, cancelling a first-half penalty for a foul on Diego Costa and then ruling out an Alvaro Morata header shortly before Gimenez struck. Atletico Madrid celebrate a goal Source: AFP Juve are certainly not dead and buried yet, particularly given Costa and Thomas Partey will both be suspended for the return in Turin after each picked up yellow cards here. But the failure to score an away goal, and their clear inferiority for much of the second half, does not bode well for their hopes of a comeback. Defeat in the last 16 for either team would be unthinkable, for Atletico, who know the final will be played here, at their own stadium, on June 1, the perfect chance to wrestle the trophy off Real in the very city they share. And for Juventus, whose wait for Europe’s premier prize has now entered its 23rd year, when expectations are higher than ever given they now boast the tournament’s most prolific ever player. Ronaldo, though, endured a disappointing night, suffocated from the outset as he was clattered by Godin and then outmuscled by Juanfran down the left. Perhaps it was frustration that made him wave five fingers in the direction of the baiting Atletico crowd, presumably to signify his five Champions League triumphs. Juventus' Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (R) and Atletico Madrid's French forward Antoine Griezmann react Source: AFP His best contribution was an early, driven free-kick from 30 yards, that had to be pushed over by Jan Oblak, and the dummy-shot before it, that exposed Costa as encroaching, for which he received his yellow card. Costa was his bristling self and almost won a penalty when referee Felix Zwayer thought he was tripped by Mattia de Sciglio. But VAR showed he had not only exaggerated the contact but also extended his run into the area. The rest of the half was tighter but Atletico had two golden opportunities early in the second. First, Griezmann volleyed Costa in behind but the Spaniard sidefooted wide with only Wojciech Szczesny to beat. Then, it was Griezmann’s turn, this time Szczesny intervening, tipping the Frenchman’s lob onto the crossbar before Giorgio Chiellini stopped Costa from reaching the rebound. Atletico were pushing and it was Morata, on for Costa, who made the difference. He powered in a brilliant header only to see it ruled out for a push but he was not deterred, and when Juve failed to clear his knock-down at a corner, Gimenez was perfectly placed. Atletico Madrid's Uruguayan defender Jose Gimenez (R) celebrates after scoring a goal Source: AFP Juve were rattled and their failure to rally could cost them dear. Atletico scored again as Godin rose to head in at the near post, only to turn and find Mario Mandzukic had cleared the ball to his feet. The angle was tight but the net was open. Juve might had snatched an away goal late on but Oblak pushed over Federico Bernardeschi’s shot. They have it all to do. STARTING LINEUPS: Atletico Madrid (4-4-2) Jan Oblak; Juanfran, Jose Gimenez, Diego Godin (capt), Filipe Luis; Saul Niguez, Thomas Partey, Rodrigo, Koke; Antoine Griezmann, Diego Costa Coach: Diego Simeone (ARG) Juventus (4-3-3) Wojciech Szczesny; Mattia De Sciglio, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini (capt), Alex Sandro; Rodrigo Bentancur, Miralem Pjanic, Blaise Matuidi; Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic, Cristiano Ronaldo Coach: Massimiliano Allegri (ITA) RE-LIVE: If you can’t see the blog below, click HERE<doc-sep>Mitch Freeley Juventus will be looking to overturn a 2-0 deficit when they welcome Atletco Madrid to J-stadium on Tuesday evening. The Italian giants are facing the possibility of joining Real Madrid in being dumped out of the competition at the round of sixteen and will be hoping that Cristiano Ronaldo will be able to pull the side out of trouble. As ever, you can watch all of the action with beIN SPORTS. After suffering a 2-0 defeat away to Atleti the emphasis is firmly on Juve to make it count on the European stage. It’s no secret in Turin that winning the Champions League is the priority this season, especially after seven years of domestic dominance in Serie A. Another step was made at the weekend with the 4-1 thrashing of Udinese. Teenage striker Moise Kean marked his first league start with a brace as Max Allegri rested a number of key players ahead of Tuesday's game. With Napoli drawing 1-1 away to Sassuolo, Juve has a huge 18 point lead at the top of the table, and could feasibly wrap up the league title against AC Milan at the start of April. In injury news, both Douglas Costa & Sami Khedira are long term absentees, otherwise, Allegri has a fully fit side to choose from. After losing his cool against Atletico, the game on Tuesday is a chance for redemption for big-money summer signing Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar was brought in essentially to win the Champions League for Juventus and will need to prove his worth. Surprisingly, Ronaldo has only scored once this season for Juve in the Champions League and will now have to deliver as we head into the business end of the tournament. Juventus Predicted Team Szczęsny, De Sciglio, Bonucci, Chiellini, Alex Sandro, Matuidi, Pjanic, Bentancur, Dybala, Mandzukic, Ronaldo As for Atletico, they will be confident of getting a result in Turin and progress to the quarter-finals. Second half goals from defenders Jose Gimenez & Diego Godin swung the tie towards Diego Simeone's side. Atleti is widely expected to play on the back foot, relying on the likes of Godin and Gimenez to win the aerial battle. With the Champions League Final taking place at the Wanda Metropolitano, Atletico has an extra incentive to progress all the way. More importantly, the side has been a fine run of form in recent weeks and have strung together a run of five consecutive games, whilst not conceding a single goal during that time Juventus should be concerned. With an eye on the midweek fixture, Atleti fielded a weakened team and still ran out 1-0 winners against Leganes. Saul scored five minutes after the break to keep his side firmly in second place. In Injury news, Simeone is facing a mini-crisis, particularly in defence. Lucas Hernandez & Filipe Luis are expected to be out whilst a late fitness test will be given to Diego Godin. Striker Diego Costa is also an injury doubt, whilst midfielder Thomas Partey is suspended for the game. Atletico Predicted Team Oblak, Juanfran, Godin, Gimenez, Arias, Koke, Rhodri, Saul, Lemar, Griezmann, Morata It certainly promises to be a fascinating encounter as Juventus look to buck the odds and progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. As ever, you can follow all the action via beIN CONNECT.<doc-sep>81% of teams to win their first leg at home by a 2-0 scoreline in a Champions League knockout game have progressed to the next round (13/16 previous cases), although the three sides to be eliminated in this scenario have done so in the last four such occurrences. Atlético Madrid are the opponent Juventus have faced the most times in the Champions League without ever winning (D1 L2) or scoring (31 shots, 0 goal). Atlético Madrid are unbeaten in the Champions League against Italian opposition under manager Diego Simeone (W5 D2). In those seven games, they have only conceded one goal, by Kaká in a 4-1 win against AC Milan in March 2014. Juventus have lost back-to-back games in the Champions League; they have never previously lost three in succession in the competition. Atlético Madrid have won just one of their last eight knockout games away from home in the Champions League (D2 L5), beating Bayer Leverkusen 4-2 in February 2017. Atlético Madrid have had just eight shots on target and scored two goals in away Champions League games this season; of teams left in the competition only Liverpool have managed fewer (5 shots on target, 1 goal). Six of the last seven goals conceded by Juventus in the Champions League have come from set-piece situations (2 from penalty, 2 from indirect free-kick, 1 from corner, 1 from direct free-kick). Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 22 goals in 32 career appearances against Atlético Madrid; only against Sevilla (27) and Getafe (23) has he scored more. Juventus’s Cristiano Ronaldo has scored only one goal in his six Champions League games this season, his lowest tally in a single campaign since 2005/06 (0 goals). In fact, only one of his last 45 shots in the competition has found the back of the net. 58% of Alvaro Morata’s goals in the Champions League have come in the knockout stages (7 out of 12), the highest ratio among the 20 Spanish players to have scored at least 10 goals in the competition going into the 2018-19 Last 16 second legs. Juventus look to overturn a 2-0 deficit, suffered in Madrid in the first leg, as they take on Atletico Madrid in Turin's Allianz Stadium this evening. After the defeat in the first leg, there is a lot of pressure from the media and fans on Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri; with the fanbase divided over whether or not Champions League failure at this stage would be considered as a failure on the whole, taking in mind Juventus' strong position atop the table.<doc-sep>
Juventus, led by forward Cristiano Ronaldo, host Atletico Madrid, led by forward Antoine Griezmann, in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie at Juventus Stadium on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 (3/12/19) at 4:00 p.m. Eastern. Atletico Madrid leads the tie 2-0 after defeating Juventus as the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in the first leg. Here’s what you need to know: What: UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Who: Juventus vs. Atletico Madrid When: Tuesday, March 12, 2019 Where: Juventus Stadium Time: 4:00 p.m. Eastern TV: TNT Channel finder: Verizon Fios, AT&T U-verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, DIRECTV, Dish, Hulu, fuboTV, Sling Live Stream: fuboTV (free trial) Odds: Juventus -140, Atletico Madrid +440, Draw +250 (via FanDuel) Recap of first leg: Atletico Madrid's vaunted center-back pairing finally got the better of Cristiano Ronaldo on Wednesday, even providing the goals after holding their long-time rival scoreless for once. In a match where Atletico had more trouble with video review than Ronaldo, the Spanish team kept the Portugal star in check but had to overcome two key VAR decisions to defeat Juventus 2-0 in the first leg of the Champions League's round of 16. Central defenders Jose Maria Gimenez and Diego Godin scored late to give Atletico the win, after the hosts had a penalty kick taken away and a goal disallowed by VAR. Ronaldo, jeered nearly every time he touched the ball, had a quiet performance in his first match in the Spanish capital since leaving Real Madrid last summer. He came close to scoring with a booming shot from a free kick less than 10 minutes into the match, but had few opportunities after that. Heavily marked from the start, Ronaldo wasn't able to add to his good record against the old rival, which he helped eliminate in four straight seasons in the Champions League while playing for Real Madrid. Atletico had a first-half penalty reversed by VAR after it determined that Diego Costa was fouled outside the area, and the referee also consulted video replays on the pitchside monitor before disallowing a second-half goal by Alvaro Morata for a push on Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini. "We hope the VAR keeps improving and helping make things right, but do you really believe that a person who is 1.87-meters tall can fall that way in a game action like the one with Morata?" said Simeone, who celebrated his team's first goal with an obscene gesture and could face UEFA sanctions. The hosts dominated after an even first half at Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, and both Costa and Antoine Griezmann missed clear scoring chances before Gimenez found the net after getting to a loose ball inside the area in the 78th and Godin added to the lead with an angled volley in the 83rd after defenders failed to fully clear a free kick cross by Griezmann. The shot seemed to take a slight deflection off Ronaldo, who was the closest player to Godin but wasn't able to block the effort. "Luckily we were able to overcome the calls that went against us with the VAR," Godin said. "It was a great result, scoring twice and not conceding, but we will have to be prepared for the final 90 minutes in Turin." Ronaldo was loudly booed when his name was announced before the match, and he drew even louder jeers from the Atletico crowd when he prompted the game to be interrupted because he remained on the ground after getting his foot stepped on later in the first half. Ronaldo almost scored when his long-range free kick forced Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak to make a difficult save in the ninth minute. He had another attempt with a deflected shot a few minutes later, but didn't come close to the Atletico goal again until a late header sailed over the crossbar. "Ronaldo played a good match, he is used to this type of match," Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri said. "The entire team had a letdown in the second half. It's a lesson we need to learn going into the return match." Ronaldo had not played in Madrid since joining Juventus in a blockbuster transfer at the end of last season. He had played with Real Madrid for nearly a decade, leading the Spanish powerhouse to four Champions League titles in five seasons, including in the last three. Entering Wednesday's match, Ronaldo had scored 22 goals in 31 matches against Atletico in all competitions.