22 March 2022
Dream.
The word that is most frequently associated with Juve's journey in the Women's Champions League. A team that in these few years has managed to put itself among Europe’s top-8 and that has no intention of stopping.
THE FIRST STEPS
The Bianconere made their debut on 18 August at Vinovo, sweeping aside Kamenica Sasa 12-0 (Caruso 3', 12', 76 ', Rosucci 18', Girelli 45'+ 2, 56', Bonansea 51', Zamanian 59', Stašková 64', 84', 90', Bonfantini 90'+ 2)
Success was repeated three days later against St. Polten. At Vinovo the match finished 4-1, with two goals from Barbara Bonansea and a goal each from Cristiana Girelli and Lina Hurtig. That win allowed Juve to reach the play-offs, just two matches away from qualifying to the first-ever UWCL group stages. The home and away trip was against Albanian champions, Vllaznia. In the first-leg the Bianconere collected a precious 2-0 success, again Girelli and Hurtig on the scoresheet. The second leg was decided by Andrea Staskova's solitary goal. Qualification achieved.
DREAMING BIG
Juve's first match of the group stage was in Switzerland, against Servette. And it ended like this ...
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The 3-0 away victory set up Juve perfectly for the arrival of English giants Chelsea to the Allianz Stadium. The Bianconere put on a performance that matched the theme of their European campaign: support the dream. At the Allianz Stadium, which from that moment on became the home to their Euro nights, a fascinating encounter unfolded, which saw Chelsea edge the 90 minutes 2-1. The setback did not weaken Juve’s resolve.
Following swiftly in Chelsea’s footsteps, another European powerhouse arrived at the Allianz Stadium on November 9: Wolfsburg. Juventus demonstrated against the German side that they did not understand the meaning of the word ‘defeat’. Ahead through Girelli’s goal on 22 minutes, Coach Montemurro’s side were pegged back then fell behind as Wolfsburg showed their physical strength. But, with time almost up, Cristiana struck a precious equaliser. Four points in the first part of the group stage.
And we still hadn't seen anything yet ..
C’era emozione, perché adesso ci crediamo e sappiamo che possiamo farcela: è una pressione che non abbiamo mai affrontato, e se impareremo a gestire certi momenti della partita potremo fare sempre meglio. Joe Montemurro, post Juve-Wolfsburg
The masterpiece came in the return match in Germany. Juve performed to perfection, and biding their time like a European veteran, took the lead in the second half through an own goal. Staskova added a second late on to secure the result, and send the Juventus players, coaching staff, entourage and fans into delirium.
Juve knew that the progress gained had not to go to waste on their visit to London. The Bianconere put up stubborn opposition on a gusty night with a gutsy performance to hold Chelsea to a 0-0 draw. A massive point.
December 16, the final hurdle, at the Allianz Stadium. Match point. Not much to add, other than the scorers: Hurtig, Girelli (2), Bonfantini.
History was made. Juve in the quarterfinals. The dream come true.
That’s what happened on the playing front. If we want to talk about what happened beyond it, there is one indelible memory that stands out. Sing all together now: 3 ... 2 ... 1 ...
