09 December 2015
Just one figure will be on the minds of Bianconeri fans this morning following Tuesday night’s 1-0 defeat to Sevilla at the Estadio Sanchez-Pizjuan.
Juventus will advance to the Champions League last 16 in second place behind Manchester City whose 4-2 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach saw the Blues overtake Juve into top spot in Group D.
This is just the fourth time (11 appearances) that the champions have qualified for the knockout round as runners-up, three of which came in groups involving the two Manchester clubs, United and City.
Consequently, Massimiliano Allegri’s men headed to the south of Spain in high spirits, particularly having confidently defeated the Andalusians 2-0 at Juventus Stadium at the end of September but, as the **Tuscan coach pointed out in his post-match interview**, Sevilla are an entirely different animal on home turf.
Last night’s was the Blanquirrojos’ 11th victory in 12 matches in European competitions, and the Old Lady’s second reverse in 16 in the Champions League, both of which have come at the hands of Spanish opposition.
While the final group standings will cause concern for those of a Bianconero disposition, the statistics from Tuesday evening’s clash point to a competitive performance from Allegri’s side in what was an entertainingly open and engaging encounter.
Considering in addition the 629 passes (at an accuracy of 82 per cent) 19 shots and 14 crosses attempted by the visitors, there is credence to** Giorgio Chiellini’s post-match statements** that indeed, Allegri’s charges deserved a better result on the night.
Moving on to the individual performances of those in black and gold shirts, an honourable mention must go once more to Brazilian wing-back Alex Sandro, whose output of five chances created was a match high at the Sanchez-Pizjuan, and Claudio Marchisio who topped the charts for recoveries (eight), tackles (three) and successful long balls (seven).
Not for the first time this season however, Leonardo Bonucci was the team’s most prolific passer, finding a team-mate 58 times with his 67 touches of the ball.
