3rd May 2017 Kickoff: 1945hrs Monaco v Juventus– Football – Europe – Champions League Monaco and Juventus have both reached the semi final stage in very different ways. The team from the principality have entertained the whole of Europe with their open, attacking philosophy that has seen them reach this far in the competition for the first time since 2004. Juventus, on the other hand, are much more pragmatic and have continued to build their success around a formidable defence and goalkeeper. Nevertheless, both have also had to excel at the other part of their games during their run to the last four and it’s all set up for a fascinating two games.
Although Monaco have reached the quarter finals on a couple of occasions in the last decade in addition to that final appearance, they are not a team who regularly reach the latter stages of the Champions League. It makes their appearance in tomorrow’s semi-final all that more impressive, particularly as they have done it with a team who were virtually unknown outside of France with the exception of one or two. Deserved wins over Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16 and quarter final respectively have been achieved with an unwavering desire to attack and score goals. Monaco scored three goals in all four games which is an incredible feat and it will be that same approach they hope can undo a this resolute Juve outfit. With PSG dropping points at the weekend, a first Ligue 1 title since 2000 is within touching distance and they will be hoping to continue that feel good factor by getting a crucial result on Wednesday.
Juventus’ win over Barcelona in the last round was as close to a perfect defensive performance you could wish to see. To keep all of Barca’s stars goalless over 180 minutes – and look comfortable in doing so – is not easy but this Juventus team thrive on the defensive aspect of the game every bit as much as the attacking element. Their supreme organization and discipline should not detract from how threatening they were going forward, though, especially in the first leg where they could have easily had more than the three goals they managed. Even in the return at the Nou Camp, when not having to score, they always looked capable and may well have got one or two had they been more clinical. The match against Monaco will take on a different dynamic for them as the Italians are seen as a favourites to progress – that’s not a tag they are unfamiliar with domestically, though, and will unlikely phase what is a vastly experienced team.
Monaco v Juventus Betting Tip
It’s not often you get a tie at this stage of the Champions League which pits two distinctly different styles against each other. It’s been billed as Monaco’s attack coming up against the Italian wall and that’s a fair enough assessment. Juve have conceded just two goals in this season’s competition, none of which have been in the knockout stage. Monaco, on the other hand, have scored more goals than anyone else thus far and with the partnership of Radamel Falcao and Kylian Mbappe (the latter of whom has scored four in his last four in the Champions League) going from strength to strength, will relish the challenge posed by Juve.
With Real Madrid already seemingly having booked their place in the final in Cardiff next month, it will be Monaco or Juventus standing in the way of the current holders making history. The confidence and belief amongst both these groups of players will ensure this game and the return in Turin are not to be missed. Both teams to score has occurred in eight of Monaco’s 10 Champions League games this season and with the first leg being at home, the onus will be on them to attack from the outset and unsettle a Juventus defence that has looked imperious in Europe, but not as watertight domestically.
Both teams to score 8/11 @ Betfair
