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Juve crashed out of the CL as they were beaten soundly at home by Bayern. The Italian giants looked enervated after their memorable match against Inter over the weekend.
Ciro Ferrara's side were seemingly in the drivers seat with David Trezeguet's goal in the 19th minute against the run of play. But Bayern earned a penalty as Martin Caceres fouled the hard working Ivica Olic in the box. Hans- Joerg Butt, Bayern's goalie who I remember was the unfortunate recipient of those Barca goals last season has a reputation as an excellent PK taker stepped up and nailed it.
The second half was all Bayern and special mention should be made of Daniel Von Buyten, whose powerful presence in front of goal proved too much for Juve on set piece opportunities. His headers created opportunities for Olic and Mario Gomez to score. Anatoli Tymoschuk completed an evening of humiliation for the Italian giants as the boos cascaded from the terraces of the Curva.
Felipe Melo and Diego completely disappeared during the match but Ciro Ferrara declined to blame them laying it on the team as a whole. "Falling out of the Champions League hurts, we compromised during the last two matches. Melo and Diego? Not their fault, but of all."
Juve's CEO Jean Claude Blanc mentioned the Inter match. "We were left with little energy Saturday night against Inter Milan, both physically and emotionally."
Bayern join the French side Bordeaux in the playoff stage. Well played, Bayern!
Maracanazo, their best bet is the Scudetto. It will complete their 2006 comeback. I think they are capable of winning as they showed against Inter. But they have two new players in key positions with Diego and Felipe Melo. They also employ two holding midfielders (Melo, Sissoko) giving them an very defensive look. Plus, with Camoranesi slower, they have difficulties widening the game.
Juve should go back to the spirit they had in their old Stadio Comunale. I think that this elimination is a major milestone in Juve's history. I wouldn't be suprised if they don't take the Europa league very seriously and only concentrate on winning a 28th scudetto. But can they??