Vlahovic’s baptism – AS.com

On May 20, 1998, Juventus was one of the strongest teams in Europe. disputed their third consecutive Champions League final, against Madrid, and his record already included 25 Scudettos, 9 Italian Cups, 2 Champions, 3 UEFA Cups and 2 Intercontinental Cups. One day later, Villarreal played against Compostela the promotion to ascend to First for the first time in its history, something it achieved four days later.

Surely no one in Turin had heard of Villarreal that day, less than 24 years ago. Today will start to play against that yellow team a place in the quarterfinals of his fetish competition, a Champions that since then continues to resist (follow the match live on As.com).

As for history there is no color, Villarreal clings to the present to try to eliminate a Juve that is on a somewhat irregular trajectory after drawing against Atalanta and Torino their last two league games. And that happens to get a good result in La Cerámica, knowing that it was this Villarreal is a toothache for anyone, at least in the Champions League.

The duel also it will become the baptism in the Champions of Dusan Vlahovic, a player called to discuss the throne of the best striker in the world in the coming years to Mbappé and Haaland. His quality is unquestionable, his inexperience in these spheres, too. His lapa will be Albiol, veteran and knowing how to be. You will not have an easy baptism.

Villarreal will not have its star, Gerard Moreno and Capoue, who was in doubt, it seems that he will be at the most important event of the year. It arrives very fair but if there is a day to force it is this. Juve also arrives in Vila-real with important absences. They will not be the head of the defense, Chiellini; nor magic in attack, Dybala. Two very sensitive casualties, even more so knowing that Bonucci appears out of shape after coming off an injury, and Bernardeschi does not arrive either. Allegri has already warned his team that this is not going to be easy. And he has done well.

keys

The midfield: Capoue’s presence, who trained yesterday, will be fundamental for the battle that takes place in midfield. He will have to multiply against the Zakaria-Arthur-Rabiot trivote.

Environment: La Cerámica has not experienced a Champions League tie since 2009. The strength of the stands must carry Unai Emery’s team on wings.

The bands: Cuadrado on one side and Alex Sandro on the other are two stilettos to crack opposing defenses. The yellow wings must be very attentive.

Lo Celso: If Villarreal manages to find Lo Celso, behind the Juventine trivote, chances may begin to arise. The Argentine arrived at Villarreal for games like this.

aces to follow

Danjuma: In the absence of Gerard, he is in charge of the goal at Villarreal. He comes from making a hat-trick in Granada, three days ago.

Morata: He will be Vlahovic’s partner in attack and the eyes will be on him. The Spaniards are good at him.

Ups and downs

Villarreal: Peña, Coquelin and Gerard Moreno are Villarreal’s casualties. Raul Albiol returns.

Juventus: Chiesa, long lasting; Bernardeschi, Chiellini, Dybala and Rugani are the absences that Allegri will have.