The Bianconeri stretch their unbeaten home run in European competitions to 13 games following last night’s 2-1 Champions League semi-final first leg win against Real Madrid

The Bianconeri stretched their unbeaten home run in European competitions to 13 games after overcoming Real Madrid 2-1 during yesterday’s Champions League semi-final first leg at Juventus Stadium.

Massimiliano Allegri’s men went ahead early on when former Los Blancos star Alvaro Morata bagged his third goal in five appearances in Europe this term, tapping in from close range.

The visitors soon hit back through Cristiano Ronaldo before Carlos Tevez’s second-half penalty ensured Juventus would take a slender advantage to Madrid next week.

L’Apache’s strike means he’s now equalled his personal record of 29 in all competitions set with Manchester City and has also become the first Bianconero since David Trezeguet in the 2005/06 season to hit a similar total.

More of the numbers behind yesterday’s triumph can be found below:

Two

Lay-offs provided by Claudio Marchisio as he looked to be the man to turn defence into attack.

Three

Out of the five crosses Juventus pumped into the Real Madrid area, three came from Stephan Lichtsteiner’s right boot.

Four

Interceptions made by Leonardo Bonucci, who put in an admirable shift at the back alongside Giorgio Chiellini.

Seven

Champions League goals for Tevez this season, one more than in his five other campaigns combined (six).

Nine

Recoveries performed by Arturo Vidal throughout the encounter. The tenacious Chilean also created two chances, won three tackles and led the way in terms of touches (84).

62

Passes delivered by Andrea Pirlo, with the midfielder also threading 11 good long balls.

100

Percentage of tackles successfully completed by everyone in a black and white jersey.

The midfield duo provide their reaction to Juventus’ 2-1 Champions League semi-final first leg win over Real Madrid in Turin

Fresh from performing admirably in a tight midfield battle, both Arturo Vidal and Stefano Sturaro were on hand to provide their reaction to last night’s 2-1 Champions League semi-final first leg win over Real Madrid in Turin.

First up to speak to reporters in the mixed zone was Vidal, who called on the Bianconeri to refrain from letting up in next week’s return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

He said: “We’ve got this idea in our head to go on and win the Champions League. After tonight’s result, we’re one step closer to the final.

“We’ll go to Madrid to try and control the game. There are always two matches to every semi-final, and we’ve only won the first.”

After finding out he’d be making his full Champions League debut just prior to kick-off, Sturaro was notably nervous when he received the call but revealed that the feeling soon vanished once the first whistle sounded.

“I was told that I’d be playing earlier today. There was a bit of tension in the beginning and it felt strange, but that soon disappears by the time you set foot on the field and I got used to my surroundings very quickly.”

Casting his mind back to a pulsating 90 minutes of football, the former Genoa man concluded proceedings by praising Juventus’ perseverance, as they all rallied together to defeat Real Madrid for the first time since 2008.

“We contained Real Madrid well and were attentive throughout. Given that we all had similar roles, Arturo dropped back to help both myself and Marchisio out.

“We struggled a bit out on the wings, they’ve got some fantastic players but in the end we dug deep and saw it out.”

Tonight’s opening goalscorer has his say on the Bianconeri’s 2-1 Champions League semi-final first leg triumph over Real Madrid.

Alvaro Morata says the Bianconeri mustn’t take their foot off the gas when they renew rivalries with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu next Wednesday.

The 22-year-old, who struck the opener in tonight’s 2-1 win over his former employers, also believes that the Champions League holders will be even more “formidable” in next week’s return leg.

Showing himself to be a wise head on young shoulders when speaking in the mixed zone, he began: “We need to have the mindset that the scores are still 0-0. We’ve won a great match, but in order to make the final, there are always two games to play and we need to put in a perfect performance.

“We know what kind of team Real Madrid are: they’re the best in the world, and we’ll need to be even better than we were tonight.

“It’s important we don’t stop here, we need to carry on working hard and get as far as possible.  Everyone’s happy for our victory tonight but it’s vital that we don’t think that the tie is done and dusted.”

The Swiss defender calls on another top rate display at the Bernabeu in eight days’ time: “We were excellent tonight and it’s important we show more of the same in Madrid”

Stephan Lichtsteiner says the Bianconeri can be proud of the way they acquitted themselves against reigning European champions Real Madrid in tonight’s 2-1 semi-final first leg win and believes a similar performance is required if they are to complete the job in Madrid next week.

Speaking to the media in the mixed zone, the Swiss defender said: “We definitely gave them a tough time tonight. I don’t think they’re used to playing against an organised team like us.

“We can be happy with the performance and result, we put in a fine display. They possess top players who can make the difference if you don’t stay alert. It’s impressive how good they are, but we were excellent tonight and it’s important we show more of the same in Madrid.”