Another game tainted by human( if referees are humans ?) interaction; it’s so frustrating to watch a game as important as a  Champions League quarter final, ending in favor of one team, only because the man with the whistle didn’t do his work properly. A penalty outside of the Danger Area,( should be free-kick and red card for Calvaho, as last defender) another one not given, because Chiellini that  old circus  horse, is very experienced and gave an excellent show, fooling the referee, thus putting ASM in a very delicate position, before the return game, at Stade Louis II.

The Old Lady, will come at the “Rocher” with some good vibrations for a place into the final four, but well, that’s football, ladies and gents,  so let’s go back to the pitch and find who was the best or the worst !

                                      JUVENTUS

Gianluigi Buffon : 7,5/10  MOTM

Juventus charismatic skipper, was on the top of his form and his crucial saves(9th 10th 52nd 62nd)  helped to keep the final score. Viva Gigi !

Stephan Lichsteiner : 6/10

Anthony Martial, kept him on his toes, but the Swiss was solid enough to prevent several (weak) Monegasque actions.

Leonardo Bonucci : 6,5/10

Good, solid game, he did his best to limit Monaco’s attacks, mainly in the second half.

Giorgio Chiellini : 5,5/10

He showed his great experience, denying a penalty to Martial, but he sure struggled  to keep pace with Monaco’s attack;  he used his physical strength to assert himself, but still  it wasn’t enough.

Patrice Evra : 7/10

The former Red Devil, was brilliant; his crossing was dangerous, his running powerful and won several hard duels. Relentless!

Arturo Vidal : 7/10

He began the game slowly, (because of Monaco’s quick start?) but he regained his composure and never lost it again. Goalscorer, the penalty was dealt with power and precision.

Andrea Pirlo : 7/10

Coming back from a long injury lay off, he started the game poorly, but  soon he got better and showed his brilliant skills; his precise weighted ball, was the origin to Morata’s penalty. Replaced by Andrea Barzagli (73rd).

Claudio Marchisio : 5,5/10

Bad passing and  had  some difficulty to find  his marks; often his shots were out of target, but he showed from time to time, his real self.

Roberto Pereyra : 6;5/10

The Uruguayan player, was very active and found quickly his rhythm; good dribbles, neat touches, he was present everywhere. Replaced by Stefano Sturaro (87th).

Carlos Tevez : 6,5/10

The Argentine player, was generous in his efforts to help his teammates; he was involved in most of Juventus attacks, but aside from a first half volley, he had little to do in the Danger Area.

Alvaro Morata : 6,5/10

Unfortunately, the Spanish striker had only a few chances; quite discrete during the first half, he was more present in the second one  and it was his run which drew the penalty. Replaced by Alessandro Matri (82nd).

                                       MONACO

Danijel  Subisic : 7/10

Untested during the first half, the Croatian custodian, was solid between the sticks and good in relance. Unlucky about the penalty, though…

Andrea Raggi  : 6/10

The Italian  full-back, produced a solid game, especially against Evra and Pereyra. Replaced by Dmitar Berbatov(71st).

Aymen Abdennour : 7,5/10

Very strong performance, from the Tunisian International; dealt efficiently with everything  and especially with the bianconeri strikers, Morata and Tevez.

Ricardo Calvaho : 4/10

The Portuguese centre-back, was not only in fault for the goal, but also slow and nonexistent on Juventus few occasions; he never participated in the game, a night to forget for the former Real Madrid and Chelsea player.

Layvin Kurzawa : 8/10  

Excellent performance, for the young French player; good defending, but also very present in attack, he was ready to help in every situation  and produced some very good tackles, even if Evra and Pereyra, caused him some trouble, especially in the second half.

Fabinho : 4,5/10

Replacing Jeremy Toulalan, wasn’t an easy task for the Brazilian international; he failed to show his skills, drifting in and out. He was moved to right-back when Berbatov came on, but that changed nothing in his game.

Geoffrey Kondogbia : 8,5/10   MOTM

What a wonderful game from the young French International ! He was decisive , making his presence known early, by wining several though tackles and producing  many powerful runs. He also showed his remarkable technique and his ability to control the game; also neat footwork and pressing(  because of him, Vidal never settled).

Nabil Dirar : 6/10

Quick,intelligent movement, generous in his efforts, but clumsy in finishing his actions; injured he was replaced by Bernando Silva : 6,5/10 (51st) wich made a crucial tackle in his own box.

Joao Moutinho : 3/10

Only one word: Anonymous! Never entered the game, he just was on the pitch, nothing more, nothing less.

Yannick Ferreira Carrasco : 4,5/10

Difficult game for the Belgian International; good start, but after missing some golden chances (8th 11th 32nd) he never played  in the “team’s game or spirit”, preferring the individual solution.What a pity…

Anthony Martial : 6/10

A constant danger in the first half, but he just disappeared during the second; he could have provoked a penalty (38th).

Here’s the game’s Highlights :

Categories: Analysis, Champions League, opinion

Tags: AS Monaco, Champions League ratings, Juventus Torino