Juventus vs Borussia Dortmund: Old Lady Finally Comes of Age in Champions League

Juventus travelled to the Westfalenstadion on Wednesday evening, facing off against Borussia Dortmund in the return leg of their Champions League last-16 encounter.

Thanks to goals from Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata in Turin, the Bianconeri held a narrow 2-1 advantage that gave them something to protect.

With Andrea Pirlo unavailable due to injury, Massimiliano Allegri continued with the four-man defence and deployed Roberto Pereyra behind Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata. The match was just two minutes old when Tevez unleashed a super shot from 25 metres out that flew into the top corner.

Between the posts for the home side, Roman Weidenfeller had no chance of stopping it, and Juventus had immediately cancelled out the away goal advantage held by Jurgen Klopp’s men. It was a dream start, and what followed was a disciplined performance from Juventus, surrendering possession but never truly allowing Borussia Dortmund the space or time to hurt them.

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

Paul Pogba would limp off after 27 minutes, allowing Allegri to revert to a 3-5-2 formation as he sent on Andrea Barzagli in place of the young Frenchman. That extra defender ensured the Bianconeri became even more resolute at the back and the midfield in front work hard to limit the German side further still.

Claudio Marchisio deputised for Pirlo perfectly, keeping the play ticking over when the visitors were in possession while statistics from WhoScored.com show he made no fewer than 10 interceptions on the night. The same source shows Arturo Vidal added three more, while the Chilean made six tackles, a team-high as he turned in a superb all-round display.

Allegri had warned this tie would not end goalless at his pre-match press conference, per Juve’s official website, and as the second half wore on, the coach was proven correct. Yet even he would not expect that when they came, they would be all in his favour, but that is indeed how events unfolded.

Marchisio released Tevez, and the Argentinian rolled the ball sideway for a simple tap in for Morata, who wheeled away in delight at doubling Juve’s advantage. They would end the tie as a contest just eight minutes later, the superb Roberto Pereyra bursting forward and setting up Tevez for an unbelievable third.

The running of Pereyra was a constant problem for Borussia Dortmund in both legs, the 23-year-old possessing the ability to break at speed that Juventus have so often lacked. Seeing his impact bodes well as the Bianconeri continue in this competition, providing Allegri with yet another weapon as he selects his lineup.

Director General Beppe Marotta told Mediaset Premium before the match that "our objective is to go through to the next round" (h/t Football Italia), and the team reached that aim comfortably. Before talk turns to what they can go on to achieve, perhaps now is the perfect time to reflect upon what has already been accomplished.

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

As the referee blew the full-time whistle, it was almost a signal of a new beginning for Italian football’s grand Old Lady, punctuating a result that she has long waited for.

After three years of domestic dominance, such a comprehensive victory over a rival with a proven pedigree announced the arrival of this Juventus on the continental stage.

Rather than discussing a return to her former glory, this should be seen for what is truly is, a completely new side still learning how to compete with the very best teams in Europe’s elite competition.

In order to advance any further, La Madama will need a huge slice of luck in Friday’s quarter-final draw, but with a win over Borussia Dortmund and a 14-point advantage in Serie A, there is little doubt she can already be proud of the 2014-15 season.