In the Champions League, there are only four teams left, who will start the semifinals this week.
The first ones to draw arms in Italy will be the footballers of "Juventus" and Madrid's "Real".
Last weekend, Massimo Allegri's pupils, who became Serie A champions for the umpteenth time, will try to refute the pre-season predictions that they are underdogs.
However, the players of the royal club are not preparing to step onto the field carelessly and respectfully responded to their opponents.
"We dream of reaching the final and winning the Champions League again. This obliges us and the greatness of the team," said the defender of the Madrid team, Pepe.
"Will it be a disaster if we are eliminated from the tournament? Certainly not. We respect all our opponents and expect tough matches. We will have to deal with a serious challenge.
We know how difficult it is to play at the "Juventus" stadium, and there are no longer favorites at the current stage of the tournament. The Italians will try to defend themselves without errors, as well as take advantage of their good offense," said the Portuguese.
The coach of the Serie A club M. Allegri was pleased with the opportunity to compete with the "Real" club.
"We do not receive such a chance every day, and we will try to make it to the final. Even if we fail, it will not be a surprise," said the Italian.
"Juventus" will still not be able to count on midfielder Paul Pogba, who has been recovering from a calf injury since March.
The Turin team, regaining glory, will try to reach the Champions League final for the first time since 2003.
The Real team remembers this painful history, as it was then that the black and white team defeated the royal club in the semifinals with an aggregate result of 4:3.
Striker Karim Benzema will not be able to play in the away team due to a leg injury.
Meanwhile, "Juventus" striker Carlos Tevez predicted that errors would determine the outcome of the semifinals.
"It will be tough, an open and fierce fight in the semifinal stage. There are no favorites here, and the winning team will be the one that makes fewer mistakes," said the Argentine.
"I believe in my teammates and coach. They make me feel important. The great secret of "Juventus" is the group mentality that has brought us success," said Tevez.
Tevez hoped that midfielder Arturo Vidal would shine in the series, and former "Real" striker Alvaro Morata would not feel additional pressure.
"Vidal is in great shape, he scored against "Sampdoria" and regained confidence in his abilities. I plan to talk to Cristiano Ronaldo in the tunnel before the match. However, as soon as the match starts, we will become opponents.
A. Morata will also be ready and nerves will not bother him."
Interesting facts:
- "Juventus" and "Real" have competed in the Champions League since 1992. In the semifinals - once, and then the success was on the side of the Italian team.
- In total, the clubs have met 16 times in the Champions League/European Cup - "Real" won 8 times, "Juventus" - 7, and only one match ended in a draw.
- this happened during the last clash of the teams in Turin in 2013 (2-2).
The match will be broadcast live from 21.35 on TV6 and "Viasat Sport Baltic" channels.
