Juventus look like they’ve already wrapped up another Serie A title after moving nine points clear of second places Roma following a 2-1 win over Atalanta. Their attention now turns to a massive first leg of their last 16 Champions League tie with Borussia Dortmund. They never hit the form they are capable of during the Group Stage and scraped through by a point. Their major issue was scoring goals, managing only seven in their six games. Five of those goals did come in Turin, however, and their home record in domestic football is extraordinary; unbeaten in 12 home games this season, winning 10, scoring 32 and conceding seven.
Following the highs of thee last few years, including back to back Bundesliga titles and an appearance in the Champions League final in 2013, this season is not so much of a surprise for Dortmund as it has been a monumental shock. As recently as the beginning of this month they were bottom of the table and looking a shadow of their former selves. They come into this game on the back of three successive wins for the first time this season and propelled them up the table. They still managed to finish top of their Champions League group, however, indicating they’re not yet a spent force.
Juve have qualify all over the park but one man appears to stand above the rest both with his performances and frightening potential. Paul Pogba has been at the club for three seasons now and is quickly becoming their talisman. That’s some feat when you think the likes of Pirlo, Vidal and Tevez are all still contributing hugely. Pogba scores and makes goals in equal measure, and when you mix his ability with his physical attributes, you can helped wonder how much better he’ll be in five years.
Dortmund received a boost of their own at the beginning of this month when Marco Reus signed a new, long term contract. His injury problems is one of the main reasons why his club have struggled for much of the season but he’s now back fit and three goals in his last three games suggests he’s getting back to his best form, too. The loss of Robert Lewandowski is another factor in their inconsistent form so the goals of Reus will the players bought to replace the Pole failing to impress.
These clubs have plenty of history in this competition, not least the 1997 final where the Germans ran out 3-1 winners. Dortmund, for all their flaws this season, have been much better in the Champions League than Juventus but the Italian’s home record is excellent. They haven’t lost a competitive home game since April 2013 and although Dortmund have improved recently, I think Juve will do just enough to take a lead into the away game.
Juventus 11/10 William Hill
