By Alan Duffy
Juventus secured a deserved 2-1 win in the first leg of this titanic Champions League semi-final clash in Turin.
The hosts started superbly and eventually took the lead on eight minutes, with ex-Madrid striker Alvaro Morata netting from close-range after a Carlos Tevez’s shot.
Madrid eventually settled and levelled the scores on 27 minutes, with Cristiano Ronaldo the inevitable scorer, netting his record-breaking 76th Champions League goal with a close-range header.
Just before the break, Carlo Ancelotti’s men almost took the lead with James Rodriguez somehow heading against the crossbar from point-blank range.
On 57 minutes, the Old Lady took the lead again when a quick break led to Tevez being felled in the box by Daniel Carvajal. The Argentine then dusted himself off and converted the resulting spot-kick.
After a game on the periphery of the action, Gareth Bale was subbed off for Jesé late on.
Another sub, Fernando Llorente squandered a great late chance, with the game ending 2-1 to the Italians.
Despite the defeat, Real Madrid will still be confident of winning the tie. However, Juve will themselves be confident of securing the requisite result at the Bernebeu, which should set up a cracking second leg.
Highlights…
Photos: Getty Images
Highlights: Footytube