Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Spain did not go well as Atletico Madrid inflected Juventus a 2-0 defeat to take control of first leg tie.Â
The match had appeared to be heading for a goalless draw at the Wanda Metropolitano before Atleti defenders Jose Gimenez and Diego Godin gave Diego Simeone’s side a huge advantage heading into the second leg in Turin.
And that came as a relief to the home side, who had earlier seen substitute Alvaro Morata’s 70th-minute header ruled out by the Video Assistant Referee for a push on Giorgio Chiellini.
Atleti brilliant start
Madrid was on the run in the early minutes, trying to pin Juventus in their own half. Griezman was caught in the box while attempting an acrobatic overhead volley that sailed over high over the bar. The home players were demanding that referee Zwayer to go to the VAR to check that but there was no foul.
Penalty claim
Diego Costa’s run into the box was ended by De Sciglio’s trip. Madrid players were again calling for penalty and VAR had to be checked and the decision was that the foul actually took place outside the box. So Atleti was awarded a free kick just on the edge of the area instead.
Szczesny had to be alert at his near post to punch Griezmann’s well-struck free kick behind for a corner. However, the Juve defence once again had no problems heading that corner clear.
Costa’s miss
Griezmann’s gorgeous through ball split open the Juve back line, with Costa racing clean through on goal. But even with Szczesny slipping over as he raced off the line, the forward dragged his shot wide of the gaping goal.
Off the post
Juventus were caught on the counter and Griezmann’s toe-poked shot was saved by Szczesny before coming off the post and back to the play. Chiellini was there to clear the rebound for a corner before Atleti could reach the ball.
Disallowed goal
The hosts thought they were ahead as Luis swang in a lovely cross from the left and the ball met Morata in front of Chiellini and powered a bullet header into the net. Â The centre referee went over to the touchline to consult his monitor and then the decision was that Morata had pushed Chiellini in the back just prior to heading home.
Gimenez goal
The hosts took the lead in the 78th minute after a left-wing corner caused confusion in the Juve defence. And after a bit of pinball in the six-yard box, there was Giminez in the right place to fire Atleti ahead.
Godin’s goal
Griezmann whipped a free kick into the box and the ball dropped nicely at Godin’s feet. However, the defender still had work to do to find the back of the net which he managed with the help of a deflection off Ronaldo.