It’s time for Juventus Coach Antonio Conte to prepare the delicate match against Benfica valid for the UEFA Europa League Semifinal First Leg to be played on Thursday 24 April at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal. Juventus returning to training on Monday 21 April at Vinovo after the day of rest.
Easter Sunday is over, rest is over. Now, it’s Easter Monday for Juventus with one clear objective: To prepare the perfect game and defeat Benfica.
As reported by Juventus official website, after a day of relaxation yesterday, the squad were back on the
pitch at Juventus Center this morning to begin their build-up to the
Europa League semi-final first leg against the side crowned Portuguese
champions for the 33rd time last night.
Juventus will continue training on Tuesday 22 April morning still in Vinovo. Traning will include athletic and tactics based session before the departure to Portugal the following day.
Juventus also preparing the Serie A Week 35 match, Sassuoo vs Juventus to be played on Monday 28 April at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia.
This evening’s outing in the Europa League quarter-final takes the
club captain level with Bianconeri legend Bobby Gol on 482 appearances
in the black and white stripes
After reaching 700 club appearances with his outing in last week’s
Europa League first leg at the Stade de Gerland, Gigi Buffon has crossed
yet another prestigious appearance milestone in this evening’s return
tie with the French side.
His inclusion in the starting line-up for the Bianconeri’s crunch
European quarter-final return meeting sees him draw level with club
legend Roberto Bettega on 482 appearances in the black and white
stripes.
In a season characterised by great performances and influential
saves, Gigi has also added several noteworthy records to those already
amassed over the course of a glittering career: 500 Serie A appearances
(Livorno v Juventus), 700 club outings and, at the Marassi, 476 Juventus
games – the same number as his legendary predecessor Dino Zoff.
And with a record third successive Scudetto trophy in his sights,
Buffon will be hoping to crown what has been a sensational campaign with
what would be one of his most treasured achievements of all.
Juventus qualifying to the Europa League Semifinal after defeating Lyon at the Juventus Stadium. Juventus also won the away game against Olympique Lyonnais
at the Stade de Gerland in Lyon, France thanks to the goal by defender
Leonardo Bonucci: Olympique Lyon 0 – 1 Juventus
Super victory for Juventus and a special day for Goalkeeper Gigi Buffon. His inclusion in the starting line-up for the
European quarter-final second leg sees him draw level with club
legend Roberto Bettega on 482 appearances in the black and white
stripes.
Things starting well for Juventus. In the 4th minute, it is midfielder Andrea Pirlo to open the score with his trademark from a direct free kick defeating Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes.
A headache for Juventus! In the 18th minute, it is Lyon forward Jimmy Briand to equalize defeating Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon with a headed shot. The assist by midfielder Arnold Mvuemba.
Wow, ! A headed goal by Carlos Tevez is ruled out for being offside in the 61st minute. Tevez started to run celebrating when suddenly watching the flag signaling the offside.
Juventus with a midfielder Mauricio Isla sending the ball to midfielder Claudio Marchisio in the 68th minute. Here comes Marchisio with a super mega long range shot goal, and what a crazy goal because the shot is deflected by Lyon defender Samuel Umtiti surprising goalkeeper Lopes going the wrong way. Mamma mia, what a goal! Marchisio holding his mouth showing surprise, but the celebration at the Juventus stadium is loud. Closeup from goalkeeper Buffon also celebrating.
Here is JUVENTUS official starting lineup by coach Antonio Conte:
Juventus winning the away game against Olympique Lyonnais at the Stade de Gerland in Lyon, France thanks to the goal by defender Leonardo Bonucci. Lyon were unbeaten in previous five UEFA Europa League home games since the start of the group stage. The Second Leg will be played on Thursday 10 April at the Juventus Stadium. Up to Juventus now to grab the spot to the Semifinals! Great way for Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon to celebrate his 700th game as a Juventus player without conceding goals and winning the game. Buffon playing 516 in Serie A, 37 in Serie B, 26 in Coppa Italia, 115 in European Competition and 6 in other tournament.
Sadly, Juventus forward Carlos Tevez continuing without scoring in European competition since his last goal in April 2009. Tevez was replaced in the 55th minute by forward Mirko Vucinic.
It is in the 85th minute that Juventus scored the winner goal of the match. The bim bam boom action starting with midfielder Paul Pogba attempting to score and is blocked, then, the ball bounces back on the way near to defender Leonardo Bonucci who rushes fast enough for the final right footed shot leaving goalkeeper Anthony Lopes without time to get up …. Bonucci celebrating and for a moment thinking we hear a whistle, but, not, yep, the goal is totally valid and celebration among Juventus player.
Stats now are in favor of Juventus because this was the first game between Lyon and Juventus. It will be a “deja vu” for Lyon in case of losing at the Juventus Stadium because they will be eliminated just like in March 1999 eliminated by Bologna also in the Quarterfinals.
Lyon captain Maxime Gonalons and Juventus captain Gigi Buffon exchanged banners.
Curiosity, Yoann
Gourcuff (AC Milan 2006 to 2009) is the only Lyon player with Serie A
experience; Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo was a teammate during his time as Milan player with Gourcuff including goalkeeper Maro Storari.
Here is OLYMPIQUE LYON official starting lineup by coach Rémi Garde:
Disciplinary Situation before the game: Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal is suspended.
Photo juventus.com
Photo juventus.com
Click the video to watch the highlights of the game LYON vs JUVENTUS, Thursday 3 April 2014, Stade Gerland, Lyon, France, Europa League Quarterfinal First Leg
Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo celebrating after scoring the winner goal against Fiorentina
2013 – 2014 UEFA Europa League
Quarterfinal First Leg
Manager Remi Garde and midfielder Steed Malbranque have revealed
that an ambitious Lyon side will be giving their all to overcome what
they predict as a stern test against Juventus.
The French outfit are unbeaten in their five Europa League home
games so far, but the pair believe that a faultless performance will be
required to maintain that 100 per cent record at the Stade de Gerland
against the Bianconeri in tomorrow’s quarter-final first leg.
Speaking at the club’s pre-match press conference, Garde began:
“We’ve got a mountain in front of us, but we’ll do all in our power to
climb it. We’ll have to play the perfect match tomorrow.”
The team’s coach since June 2011 went on to stress that the scale
of the challenge does not faze his men. Instead, he confirmed that they
are excited to put themselves to the test.
“My players may be young, but they’re ambitious and this type of game will help them grow.
“They can’t wait to give it their all in this showcase. It will be
our 52nd game of the year, but the best men available will be playing
tomorrow nevertheless.”
Focusing on the threat Juventus pose to their ambitions of becoming
the first French side to reach the semi-final of the new Europa League,
Garde highlighted Carlos Tevez amongst the strong overall unit
assembled by opposite number Antonio Conte.
“Juve dominate their league and are full of top players. Tevez is a
constant danger and Conte is doing an excellent job: he knows how to
make his team play well.”
Sitting alongside Garde in the press suite was midfielder Malbranque, who echoed the boss’ view of the task facing Lyon.
The 34-year-old began: “We’re up against a big team who are
formidable opposition. We must make the most of this chance and not be
content with just reaching the quarter-finals.”
He went on to admit that a 2-1 defeat to Rhone Valley rivals
Saint-Etienne at the weekend was a bitter pill to swallow, but concluded
by saying that Lyon’s focus is now very much on the quarter-final with
Juventus.
“It was difficult coming to terms with the derby defeat, but now
we’re concentrated on Juventus. I know that the players who line up
tomorrow will do their utmost to get a result.”
By Anna Italia
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What do you think of the results? Which players surprised you or disappointed you and why? 
