Atletico Madrid 2-2 Juventus: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis | Champions League 2019/20

#4 Juan Cuadrado ignites a fiery second half

Cuadrado's goal ignited a manic second half

If the first half was termed as dour and dull, the second period was anything but that. The two heavyweights, Atletico and Juventus, after indulging in numerous rounds of sparring, turned a technical boxing bout into a street fight. And, none was as pivotal to that transformation than Juan Cuadrado.

The Colombian ripped the game open in the 48th minute when he scored splendidly past Jan Oblak. The move comprised Gonzalo Higuain bursting free of his marker near the half-line before biding his time to feed the onrushing winger.

Cuadrado then, cut inside his marker adroitly before lashing a fierce shot into the top corner.

Thereafter, Atletico went through the gears in search of an equaliser. However, that approach meant that they left the back door open, a route that enabled Juventus to sneak in a second.

After some superb play on the left flank, Alex Sandro was sent into space. The Brazilian curled a pin-point cross into the box which was nodded home by Matuidi.

Yet, the hosts refused to retreat into their shell and threw caution to the wind. Their endeavours were rewarded in the 70th minute when Savic, surprisingly, showcased his predatory instincts to bundle home Jose Gimenez’s knock-down.

The above laid the platform for a manic last quarter of the game as both sides traded meaty punches.

Inevitably, that prompted a lot of off-the-ball drama as several players were booked with Cuadrado immersing himself in a battle with Lodi on the flanks.

Ultimately, Atletico broke down Juventus’ resistance on another occasion as Herrera restored parity, in the process, making an already raucous Wanda Metropolitano atmosphere absolutely electrifying.

The game was definitely a slow burner as the first half involved a lot of pushing and probing.

Yet, when it did spark to life, it provided as enthralling an exhibition of grit, talent and tenacity as any on the opening match-day of the Champions League.