Champions League 2018-19: 3 things Juventus need to do to overturn the tie against Atletico Madrid

Ronaldo was at the losing end when Juventus faced Atletico Madrid earlier
Ronaldo was at the losing end when Juventus faced Atletico Madrid earlier

#1 Ronaldo should come up with his A game against Atletico

Club Atletico de Madrid v Juventus - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: First Leg
Club Atletico de Madrid v Juventus - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: First Leg

Cristiano Ronaldo is the undisputed king of the UEFA Champions League and his stats speak for themselves. Ronaldo is known to turn up on special nights in the Champions League and the Bianconeri would be hoping he shines in the second leg.

The Portuguese international has overcome such tests in the past with Real Madrid when he single-handedly overturned the tie against Wolfsburg by scoring a spectacular hat-trick and securing a berth for Real Madrid in the semi-finals. Nights like these are sufficient enough to prove that Ronaldo thrives under pressure.

The former Madrid talisman despite putting in a Man of the match award-worthy performance in the first leg was unable to salvage a win or draw for his side. Atletico's defence made sure Oblak was not exposed to the threat of Ronaldo. Godin and Jimenez made it difficult for Dybala and Mandzukic to link with Ronaldo as they blocked, intercepted, tackled, cleared any chances, making life miserable for Juve's forwards. They forced Juve's front three to attempt long rangers. Ronaldo even came close twice but was denied brilliantly by Jan Oblak.

Ronaldo, Dybala and Mandzukic were rested against Udinese keeping in mind the crucial second leg against Atletico and therefore should be fresh for the game.

The Italian champions need to breach the resolute Atletico defence and bury every chance they get. The forwards will have to link up well and create loads of chances for each other to score. Ronaldo can't do it all by himself and needs the whole squad to step up and provide support.

Ronaldo along with Dybala and Mandzukic will have to display their very best if they have any chance of progressing and getting past this Atletico side. Allegri knows Ronaldo is capable of overturning the tie and thus will shape the side around him. The Old Lady would be relying heavily on Ronaldo to take them far in this competition.

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Edited by Jong Ching Yee
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