Valencia 0-2 Juventus: 5 Talking Points, UEFA Champions League 2018/19

#3 Resilient and mean Juventus backline

Valencia v Juventus - UEFA Champions League Group H

Losing a player in the first half and that too of the calibre and stardom of Cristiano Ronaldo can affect the morale of the entire starting XI but Juventus didn't let the slightest of concern hinder their approach for the rest of the game.

The Bianconeri defenders faced a challenging task after taking a two-goal lead as manager Max Allegri instructed his team to drop back and protect their lead for over 25 minutes of the second half.

Anyway, the Juve back four consisted of a wealth of experience as veterans Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci led the Italian Champions over the finish line. The centre-back duo proved to be a wall for the home team's attack and didn't allow for any kind of opening or gap in and around the box.

Chiellini and Bonucci combined for eight blocked shots and 14 clearances along with a couple of defensive headers that prevented danger. Their leadership ensured that their teammates didn't commit any careless or mistimed fouls in the closing stages that would present Valencia with a sniff at a late comeback.

Similarly, shot-stopper Wojeich Szczesny also grew in confidence as the game dragged on and didn't let the nerves catch on to him. The Polish International was in the firing range of the Valencia frontmen all night long but he proved that he was ready for the task at hand and came up triumphs with a clean sheet in the opening game.