Steam rolling their way through the competition, Bayern and Juventus are like machines that need stopping. With devastating affect, they’ve improved game by game. For many sides in the Quarter Finals, Juventus v Bayern would be an ideal match up.
Bayern are certainties to go through after sweeping Arsenal aside with relative ease. The midfield ran the show at Emirates with goals from Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller and Mario Mandzukic putting Arsenal in their place. The pace and energy from Bayern is immense, in the league it has been pulsating since the season began. They have warmed to the task in the Champions League. Last seasons disappointment has left Bayern crazed, looking for revenge. They have been ruthless and unforgiving. Not only the attacking side of Bayern’s game has been strong, their defence has improve drastically, Jupp Heynckes has been impressed with the improvement: “This season it is very difficult against us, you can see that with our position in the league, conceding just seven goals, that is amazing”.
Juventus have certainly grown in character as the tournament has gone on, disappointing against both Shakhtar and Nordsjaelland. They got their act together and went through efficiently, against Nordsjalleland and Chelsea they were on top form, notching up seven goals in the process. In their final group game, they showed their efficient side, beating Shakhtar 1-0.
The Round of 16 posed a very difficult encounter against the conquerors of Barca- Celtic. Juventus found no such problem, they put the tie to bed in the first leg as they kept their cool in an intimidating Celtic Park to record a 3-0 win. In the second leg they cruised to a 2-0 victory. It was job done with little sweat. Juventus are at their best in years, still believed to be one of Europe’s heavyweights they have struggled to be competitive since their Serie B season in 2006-07. Now with their mix of youth and experience in the likes of Pogba, Pirlo, Buffon and Quagliarella they have became a side that outplay and outperform any in Europe.
There is a threat both sides will neutralise each other. With both sides harboring a dangerous attacking force, a midfield battle would be sprung out. The importance of Andrea Pirlo could not be more emphasised, if this tie happened.
His ability to dictate a football match at a high level makes him the most important player in the Champions League. Whatever any type of football any side brings, Pirlo can counteract it with his ability to play the game at his pace. That makes Juventus an extremely strong outfit.
To be ridded of one of the top sides in the competition would be a blessing in disguise. Real show signs of going from strength to strength, with various options at Mourinho’s finger. He will be able to plan for any opposition. PSG could also be blessed with such a game, a chance to improve their overall game ahead of a match-up against Bayern or Juventus.