JUVENTUS TO FALL TO ATLETICO MADRID?

There are indications that Juventus might fall to Atletico Madrid when they meet on Wednesday in the Champions League. Both sides are set to square off at Wanda Metropolitano as Atletico host their Italian rivals.

Juve saw them off in the knockout stage last year but with an injury crisis right now and low morale, it would be an uphill task. The Serie A defending champs played a goalless draw against Fiorentina on Saturday, where they suffered three reported injuries.

Brazilian Douglas Costa had muscle issues in the opening minutes of the game and had to lose his spot to Federico Bernardeschi. The player has featured three times this season, starting all but he is likely to miss the Atletico Madrid clash as per reports.

In the same Saturday game, midfield maestro MiralemPjanicwas pulled off due to hamstring concerns. Rodrigo Bentancur had to be called in to replace him. Aside Bentancur, Juan Cuadrado had to come in after Danilo develop cramps after a fall.
Juventus are also not going to be with highly rated defender Giorgio Chiellini, Emre Can, and Mario Mandzukic – who is on the path to exit the club according to the sporting director of the club Fabio Paratici.

Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri was not happy with the performance of the team, adding that the performance was below par. He said the unexpected injuries made the situation complicated and they had no fresh legs to introduce when things were not going as expected after using the substitutes as replacements. He complained of the team losing possession too often and things not going as planned.

Despite usually named as one of the favourites to lift the Champions League this term, the injuries and morale in their camp might envelop Juventus as they go away to their Spanish rivals. With Atletico burning a little more brightly in the La Liga, they are the more favoured side to get a win, if available, aside the recent rivalry with Juventus and Cristiano Ronaldo.

While Juventus can upturn the aggregate, like last year’s, the odds favour Atletico in the Wednesday clash.