Juventus player ratings as they fall just short against Real Madrid in the Champions League

Tom Biggs 00:52 12/04/2018
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  • Giorgio Chiellini battles with Cristiano Ronaldo

    On a night of high drama in Madrid, Juventus were denied by an injury-time Cristiano Ronaldo penalty, as the Italian side lost 4-3 to Real Madrid on aggregate.

    Juventus had produced an incredible away performance to come back from three goals down to level the tie on aggregate, before Ronaldo’s penalty sent Madrid through to the final four.

    Here are our Juventus ratings from an epic European encounter…

    STARTING XI

    Gianluigi Buffon – 8: Denied Cristiano Ronaldo twice and made a smart stop to keep out Isco. Sent off for reaction to penalty.

    Mattia De Sciglio – 5: Unfortunate to go off early with injury. Before that he was guilty of being wasteful in promising wide positions.

    Mehdi Benatia – 6: Did well up against Ronaldo in one-on-one situations but let himself down with a clumsy challenge for the penalty.

    Giorgio Chiellini – 8: A rock at the back. Made eight clearances and three interceptions, while keeping Ronaldo quiet until his penalty won it.

    Alex Sandro – 7: Didn’t give Gareth Bale a sniff and was equally as impressive up against Lucas Vazquez in the second half.

    Sami Khedira – 8: Assisted the opening goal with a clever cross. Madrid found it difficult to track his forward runs.

    Miralem Pjanic – 7: Slightly unfortunate to be booked early on, but composed himself well and looked classy on the ball.

    Blaise Matuidi – 8: A terrific midfield display. More advanced after the break and in the right place to score the third goal.

    Douglas Costa – 8: Completed seven dribbles and troubled Marcelo throughout. A real menace with his direct running and pace.

    Gonzalo Higuain – 7: Looked like he had a point to prove at the Bernabeu. Worked tirelessly and kept Madrid’s defenders busy.

    Mario Mandzukic – 9: Won his personal battle against Dani Carvajal. Took both goals superbly well and helped out defensively.

    SUBSTITUTES

    Stephan Lichsteiner – 8: Set up Mandzukic for the Croatian’s second goal. Did well to keep Marco Asensio quiet in the second half.

    Wojciech Szczęsny – N/A: Guessed the right way but couldn’t stop Ronaldo’s penalty with his only act of the game.

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