Juventus produced a superb display at the Stade Louis II on Wednesday night, battling to a deserved 2-0 first leg win against Monaco.
Monaco have enjoyed a superb season, with a Ligue 1 title within touching distance, and they started well, with wonder-kid Kylian Mbappe going close on two occasions.
However, on the half-hour mark, Juve took the lead via a fantastic team goal, with the outstanding Dani Alves producing a cheeky back-heeled assist for Gonzalo Higuain.
Radamel Falcao went close after the break but Juve’s backline, and veteran ‘keeper Gigi Buffon, stood firm throughout.
Just before the hour-mark, the Italians’ superiority led to a second goal after Tiemoue Bakayoko was robbed in his own half, with Higuain ultimately getting on the end of another exquisite Alves assist.
With Mbappe drifting out of the game, Leonardo Jardim sent on Joao Moutinho and Valère Germain to salvage something from the game, with the latter seeing a close-range header saved by Buffon.
Juventus were rather lucky to end the game with 11 men, after Giorgio Chiellini appeared to elbow Falcao in the face, only to receive a yellow card.
However, overall, Max Allegri’s side were well worth the win, which should see them progress to the final in Cardiff, barring an uncharacteristic capitulation in Turin.
As for Monaco, they still have that potential league title to focus on.