14 May 2015
Juventus progressed to their first Champions League final in 12 years, and eighth overall, following a 3-2 aggregate triumph over Real Madrid.
The Bianconeri approached yesterday evening’s game in Spain with a 2-1 first-leg lead, but soon saw the tie swing in Los Blancos’ favour after Cristiano Ronaldo converted a penalty for his tenth goal of the season in Europe’s elite competition.
Massimiliano Allegri’s men rallied in the second half and got their reward when Alvaro Morata, making his first appearance back at the Santiago Bernabeu since swapping Madrid for Turin last summer, equalised by firing in his fourth Champions League goal in six appearances.
And that’s how it finished as the Old Lady set up a final date in Berlin with Barcelona on Saturday 6 June, a side whom they haven’t faced since 2002/03’s Champions League quarter-final.
More of the numbers behind Wednesday’s result can be found below:
Three
Tackles Paul Pogba won in the midfield battle, with the Frenchman also providing three lay-offs for his team-mates.
Three
Chances created by Carlos Tevez, the most out of anyone in a blue jersey.
Four
Crosses teased into the Los Blancos mixer by Arturo Vidal. If he plays in next month’s showpiece event, the 27-year-old will become the first Chilean to feature at a Champions League final.
Four
Dribbles completed by Stephan Lichtsteiner during a typical lung-busting display on the wing.
14
Recoveries made by skipper Gigi Buffon who also pulled off four saves and threaded six good long balls.
46
Successful passes made by Giorgio Chiellini, with the stopper also performing three interceptions and topping the leaderboard in terms of touches (73).
57
Minute in which Juventus have scored three of their last four Champions League goals.
172
Forward passes registered throughout 94 minutes of action from the visitors, 16 more than Real Madrid.
