After their thrilling 4-4 draw in opposition to Borussia Dortmund on matchday one, Juventus will probably be seeking to safe their first Champions League victory once they face Villarreal, and that is the workforce Igor Tudor has chosen to realize that purpose.
Villarreal have established themselves as one of the formidable groups to face at dwelling, with a robust run of outcomes highlighting their defensive organisation and resilience. Juventus, whereas usually entertaining going ahead, have proven vulnerability on the again, conceding targets extra simply than anticipated. If they’re to take factors from this encounter, they have to enhance defensively and keep away from relying solely on their attacking firepower to mount comebacks. In opposition to a disciplined Villarreal facet, such alternatives might not come up.
Since their slender 1-0 loss to Tottenham within the opening spherical of the Champions League, Villarreal have responded impressively with three consecutive victories. This resurgence has strengthened their fame as a facet able to combining defensive solidity with attacking precision, significantly when enjoying at dwelling below Marcelino. Their means to frustrate opponents after which strike decisively makes them particularly harmful.
Juventus, in the meantime, arrive in Spain with out a win of their final three matches, a run that underlines their latest struggles. Though the Bianconeri possess particular person match-winners, the dearth of defensive steadiness has value them priceless outcomes. To be able to safe a constructive end result in Spain, they might want to show larger cohesion and self-discipline than has been evident in latest weeks.
Historical past between these two golf equipment additionally suggests a tough night for Juventus. Of their most up-to-date encounters, Villarreal have had the higher hand. Their final assembly noticed the Spanish facet document a powerful 3-0 victory in Turin after a 1-1 attract Spain, making certain development on the Italian membership’s expense. Juventus haven’t crushed Villarreal of their final three makes an attempt, a statistic that can give the hosts additional confidence heading into this fixture.
