Olympiacos vs. Juventus: Lessons Learned from Champions League Game
Having struggled in their last three matches, Juventus travelled to Athens on Wednesday evening, taking on Olympiacos at the vociferous Karaiskakis Stadium. The Greek champions had already registered a win over Atletico Madrid, an impressive display that made many observers pay them greater attention.
Former Real Madrid midfielder Michel has turned them into a formidable opponent, and the Bianconeri knew they would need to be at their best to leave with a positive result. The Turin giants had already lost to Atleti in Group A, following that defeat with a controversial win over Roma and Saturday’s laboured draw with Sassuolo.
Needing a good performance, Massimiliano Allegri’s side failed to deliver, losing 1-0 on a disappointing evening. Over the following pages is a look at the lessons La Madama will have learned from the encounter, information that could be hugely important when Olympiacos visit the Juventus Stadium next month.
Even the Best Have Bad Nights
1 of 4
Andrea Pirlo is without doubt one of the finest midfielders in the world today, yet his personal performance in Athens was woeful. His display should serve to remind Juventus that even the best can have a bad game, and that bouncing back from such a disappointment is vital.
The World Cup winner was uncharacteristically sloppy in possession, stats site WhoScored.com showing he completed just 76.7 per cent of his pass attempts. In addition, he was dispossessed on a number of occasions, most notably when a swift counter-attack led to Patjim Kasami’s goal.
Pirlo will undoubtedly shrug off the match and return to his best, with supporters hoping he can once again inspire the Bianconeri to do the same.
Chances Cannot Be Wasted
2 of 4
While it may be cliched to say that teams are punished for not taking their chances in the Champions League, Wednesday’s loss proved just that. Juventus registered twice as many attempts on goal as their opponent, WhoScored.com showing they had 18 shots to the nine mustered by Olympiacos.
Many of those should have been converted, and the eventual 1-0 scoreline only served to highlight how their lack of sharpness came back to haunt them.
The Bianconeri need to start finding the back of the net, having now gone two matches without a goal in this competition.
But Sometimes the Opposing Goalkeeper Deserves Credit
3 of 4
While Juventus undoubtedly need to improve their attacking prowess, the performance of Roberto deserves special praise. The Olympiacos goalkeeper turned in an incredible display, making a string of saves to preserve his side’s clean sheet.
The 28-year-old pulled of some superb stops, with his efforts to deny Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata particularly noteworthy.
A Change in Formation May Bring a Change of Fortune
4 of 4
Massimiliano Allegri has been extremely careful not to make too many changes in his first few months in charge, seeking to bring some continuity to his new side. Yet perhaps now is the time to make a break with the past and usher in a new formation in order to maximise the potential of this Juventus.
Having overseen a tepid first half, the coach made a raft of changes after the break, and was rewarded with a vastly improved performance. Gigi Buffon certainly took note, as he discussed the match with Sport Mediaset shortly after full time, telling them (h/t Football Italia):
"We deserved a point considering the number of chances, but there are also regrets at a ‘normal’ first half. If we had played the whole game at this tempo, it would’ve been a different result.
At half-time the Coach adjusted two or three things, modifying some positions and it went much better.
"
The most notable switch was a move to a 4-2-3-1 framework, the added attacking impetus leading to excellent chances for Paul Pogba and Alvaro Morata. Perhaps that is something Allegri will consider on a more permanent basis after seeing its impact here.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
