14898 Many have declared that Juventus are the ‘super defenders’

Many have declared that Juventus are the ‘super defenders’ of Europe. They are not far from the truth!

Monaco also knows about the grit of the rear guard of the Turin based giants who are yet to concede more than two goals all season in the competition. Underscoring their mastery was the two legged shut-outs against Barcelona in the quarterfinals.

It is unarguable that only few (very few) teams in European club football can do that against the Spanish giants.

Juventus is that good!

In a typical Italian frame, Masimilliano Allegri set-up his defensive formation on a 4-2-3-1 basis to outclass the free scoring French side, AS Monaco in the first leg of this tie just a week ago.

For all the firepower of proven striker Radamel Falcao and teenage sensation, Kylian Mbappe; Juventus largely nullified all threat with relative ease.

Little and sparring spill outs were mopped up by ever impressive living legend, Gianluca Buffon for the Turin giants. It was a sight to behold in tactical genius.

Juventus played to their strength and a brace form misfiring Argentine, Gonzalo Higuain ensured a very strong position for the Italian side in this second leg.

Nothing is like to change tonight and this is where Monaco’s headache begins!

Allegri is certain to stick with his back five (including Buffon). Andrea, Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Dani Alves are players that know each other like the backs of their hands.

Not hesitant to go a little bit ‘dirty’ when occasion demands, these guys are as tough as nails!

This is what AS Monaco and prolific trio of Falcao, Mbappe and Thomas Lemar faces tonight.

To progress into the finals and write off all punditry; AS Monaco must breach the defense of Juventus at least three times without conceding any in return.

The former may not be out of their league had they been playing against a more ‘generous’ team but the latter is a problem – The Red and Whites are not renown for keeping goals out of their nets.

AS Monaco has done extremely well. Even fairy tales end!