Barcelona’s, and the stakes were higher here than at the group stage. Of course, the Old Lady could have conceded a couple of time, had it been Cristiano Ronaldo shooting instead of Commons, or Arjen Robben assisting Gary Hooper, but the Italian team played calmly. Despite the incredible pressure, Antonio Conte’s team controlled the game from the first to the last minute. Then by the end of the match, when the strengths were gone, the difference of levels became obvious. The inspirational Marchisio made the game, being an important part of all three goals. Although the jetlagged African champion Ambrose is directly guilty for at least two goals, another choice would not save Celtic’s life. Juventus was much stronger and the match at Juventus Stadium is not going to decide anything. Big enthusiasm and a huge backup by fans may bring a goal or two, but quality teams are masters in turning opponent’s enthusiasm into angriness and nervousness. Juve can take a deep breath and try to increase the gap dividing the team from its scudetto concurrents. Quarterfinals are going to be much harder. Pirlo, by the way, had a bad match.
Before leaving to Paris for the second leg, Valencia,
a team highly depending on the mood, had to face the calm team of an Italian
manager at home. Valverde’s team was not the hot favorite to advance PSG. Now
the chances are even worse. They couldn’t avoid a defeat in the first match
against a much better organized team.
Understanding the importance of not waking Valencia
up, PSG was cautiously doing everything not to burn a flame at Mestalla.
Ancelotti’s side was calmly playing the ball during the whole match and
defending without creating a chaos at its own penalty area. This is the main
reason why PSG, playing without Thiago Silva, didn’t give a single chance for
the home side to create danger during the first hour of play. Even more, PSG
could score two goals after a couple of counterattacks. Lucas Moura, Lavezzi
and Pastore were free to do all they wanted while the chaotic Valencia defense
was busy with looking after Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The difference between losing 0-2 and 1-2 at home is
not essential in the current format of Champions League. Valencia will need to
score at least two goals, which is not an easy task considering the defensive
form of Carlo Ancelotti’s side. The good news for the Spanish team is that
Zlatan Ibrahimovic got expulsed in the first leg and will not take part in the
second match. I think Valencia will have to try to control the game from the
first minutes. It is more important than running towards opponent’s goals and
look for the two necessary goals from the beginning. Giving PSG’s defenders and
goalkeeper chances to catch the pulse of the game while attackers organize
counterattacks is not what Valencia came to Paris for. Valencia needs to save
some strength for the last 20 minutes, where they are good in scoring. It is
also important to remember, that PSG has not got a huge Champions League
experience as a team. Mistakes might come together with tiredness and
opponent’s pressure. This is the only scenario for Valencia to beat PSG.
Whether this is possible for Ernesto Valverde’s team
to execute and advance to quarterfinals or not will be decided soon. For me
this chance doesn’t exceed 10%. The winter transfer policy of the teams may be
the clear reflection of the ambitions Valencia and PSG have in this Champions
League.
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