Turing giants hold a 3 goal lead leaving Celtic needing a miracle to reach the last eight of the Champions league for the first time. If the Glasgow side was to pull off the result then this will surely be a match remember.
Juventus produced a display of resolute defending and clinical counterattacking to move within touching distance of reaching the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in seven seasons thanks to an emphatic win at Celtic FC. Alessandro Matri opened the scoring in the third minute and, though the Italian champions were put under strong pressure, they held firm before increasing their lead on the counterattack in the closing stages. Marchisio added a second on 77 minutes and Mirko Vučinić took the Bianconeri within sight of a first last-eight place since 2005/06 with a third goal seven minutes from time.
Juventus Turin
With his side being three goals ahead in the tie, Juventus boss Antonio Conte is likely to leave out defender Giorgio Chiellini who made his return from injury in the 1-1 draw with Napoli on Friday night after being out since December. Conte also has doubts over the fitness of Martin Caceres and Nicolas Anelka (both back) and therefore probably won’t be risked for the second leg, while Paolo De Ceglie, Nicklas Bendtner and Simone Pepe (all thigh) all continued to be side lined with long-term injuries.
Celtic Glasgow
Neil Lennon has good news with talismanic striker Georgios Samaras returning during the 2-1 defeat away to Motherwell in the SPL last Wednesday. However, Scott Brown’s on going abductor problems will force him to miss the trip, while Swedish full back Mikael Lustig (thigh) also looks set to sit the game out.
Players to watch
Claudio Marchisio – The 27-year-old was outstanding at Celtic Park, where he controlled the midfield area, helping the Bianconeri to an easy three-goal victory in Glasgow to make the game in Turin almost meaningless. He will be looking to add to his six goals so far this season, with two of his strikes coming in the Champions League.
Fraser Forster – The former Newcastle keeper has been in outstanding form this season which has seen calls for him to receive an England call-up swell. The 24-year-old illustrated his wealth of skills on Saturday, with a superb save from St Mirren’s Graham Carey to secure a place in the Scottish Cup semi-final for the Glasgow giants.
