How Twitter Reacted to Juventus' Champions League Victory over Real Madrid

Despite ruling Italian football for four years and enjoying a storied history in Europe's premier domestic football competition, Juventus have found themselves as distant outsiders in this season's Champions League.

The Old Lady were very much the underdog in their bout with reigning champions Real Madrid in Turin on Tuesday, despite boasting an immaculate home record that has seen them beaten only once in 17 European games since moving to their new home in 2011.

That underdog status, however, would soon be put in perspective. When news emerged before kick-off that Real Madrid were opting to use a 4-4-2 formation with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale up top, much talk surrounded the returning Welshman:

"

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale before the game. THE DUO IS BACK! pic.twitter.com/5wzPSWbq0G

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cr7Prince4ever) May 5, 2015"

"

Bale v evra could be a horror show. Last thing an ageing fullback wants to see is a flyer with a point to prove

— Simon Deakin (@nbg70) May 5, 2015"

As the game kicked off, there were a surprising amount of disappointed fans enquiring as to the whereabouts of Paul Pogba, apparently unaware that a muscle injury has kept the star midfielder out for several weeks:

"

Anyone know why Pogba's not playing tonight?

— Bertie Shelley (@BertShelley) May 5, 2015"

Regardless of Pogba's absence, Juve took the lead within eight minutes, with the Laws of Narrative dictating that the opening goal be scored by former Madrid star Alvaro Morata:

"

When Morata scores. pic.twitter.com/HbLFrrKWMq

— Seanㅤ (@ManquiIIo) May 5, 2015"

Marcelo's marking and Madrid's defending left a lot to be desired in the opening stages—a state of affairs that didn't escape the attention of Twitter's masses:

Iker Casillas also started trending due to his part in assisting his former teammate Morata:

Andrea Pirlo is usually showered with praise whenever he leaves the house, but the bearded genius received a mixed reaction online when he made a rare mistake:

"

PICTURED: Pirlo in action pic.twitter.com/c4ur1FrPNb

— Hold The Milan (@HoldTheMilan) May 5, 2015"

In the 27th minute, the visitors pulled level when James Rodriguez looped a pass to Ronaldo, who was able to head home without any kind of hindrance from a defender:

"

Gooooool de Cristiano!!!! 1-1 https://t.co/nPWsTaU9Lg

— Ale Padín (@alepadin) May 5, 2015"

"

Tbf Ronaldo is better than Messi

— Ethan (@Behzinga) May 5, 2015"

As the game moved towards half-time, Arturo Vidal was also trending, thanks mainly to his fierce new coiffure:

"

Barber: What yo want Arturo? Vidal: You know the birds eye view of a zebras head? Barber: Say No more.  #JuveReal pic.twitter.com/TywVE0VLsE

— Araaaan (@AraanDerakhshan) May 5, 2015"

"

Wondering which wheel ran over Arturo Vidal's head? Well here's your answer! #JuveReal @MichelinTyres pic.twitter.com/Lxi0bVWTCa

— BeanBagSports (@BeanBagSports) May 5, 2015"

During half-time, referee Martin Atkinson was a talking point among fans who didn't feel he was a suitable official for the occasion:

"

Two of the worlds best teams Real/Juve and they get Martin Atkinson to ref 

— mikeogh (@Kogg1962) May 5, 2015"

After a slow start to the first half, Atkinson was the centre of attention once again when he awarded Juventus a penalty when Carlos Tevez was felled in the box by Dani Carvajal:

"

For once I actually feel bad for Referee Atkinson, he probably wasn't prepared to judge a diving competition.

— 7amkickoff (@7amkickoff) May 5, 2015"

As the closing stages approached, there was much talk about the man who had generated so much excitement with his return: Gareth Bale. The Welshman had done little to endear himself to the Los Blancos faithful:

Bale duly made an unceremonious exit, while Juve consolidated their lead by taking Morata and Tevez off:

Juve were able to hold on for the victory, setting up an enticing second leg—and a change of hairstyle for at least one fan:

"

Congrats to Juve well deserved win over Real & good to see an Italian team back competing against the best in Europe #JuveReal

— Eamonn (@Eamonn_39) May 5, 2015"

"

@JombloFootballs Juve isn't a zebra ! they are . . . pic.twitter.com/sVLZdbn9qm

— Enar Ardhi Lesmana (@EnArdhiLesmana) May 5, 2015"

Roy Keane, meanwhile, had the last word, when he delivered a scathing verdict on Mr. Bale. Need some ice for that burn, Gareth?