28 September 2017
Juventus got their first Champions League points on the board as they beat Olympiacos 2-0 but it was by no means a straightforward victory, as Gigi Buffon was quick to acknowledge after the final whistle.
“We got the win in the end but we had to overcome a few unexpected problems such as players suddenly having to sit out,” the skipper explained.
“[Juan] Cuadrado wasn't fully fit either but he gritted his teeth and did his bit for the team. We all made the effort to go the extra yard today.”
Juve thus returned to winning ways on the European stage after slipping up at Barcelona and losing the final at the end of last season.
“Reaching the final is not a disappointment; it's a step forward and it strengthens your self-belief," Buffon continued. "If you reach the final it means you've been successful for at least 12 matches. That's why it was important for us to start winning again today.”
The captain also lavished praise on team-mate Gonzalo Higuain, who broke the deadlock soon after coming on in the second half.
“He deserves full credit for the goal. We all needed him and his goals today. Hats off to him. We're all delighted.”
