09 December 2014
Gigi Buffon believes Juventus are good value for a place in the Champions League last 16 after booking their ticket through to the next round with this evening’s 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid in Turin.
Two defeats from the first three games made their route through to the knockout stages a less comfortable one, with the goalkeeper saying his team-mates deserve credit for the way in which they managed to turn the corner.
Speaking after tonight’s action, Buffon began: “Qualifying became a complicated task for us after three games. Then we did really well to turn things around and get to a point where we needed a draw from the final game to get through.
“Given our performances it was slightly harsh, because I think we deserved to go through with one or two games to spare.”
Tonight’s stalemate means Juventus will meet one of the group winners in the competition’s next round, a notion the captain remains unfazed by.
“Finishing first or second makes little difference. Even topping the group would see you come up against the strong teams sooner or later. If you’re a good side you’ll beat them regardless of where you finish, even in the last 16 stage.”
