COMEBACK COMPLETE! Juventus 2-2 Tottenham
Brilliant free kick from Christian Eriksen who drills it past Buffon into the bottom corner but the Italian goalkeeper was slightly late to react. A rare error from the legendary Buffon
Preview: Italy’s Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini does not specifically remember welcoming Tottenham Hotspur’s England striker Harry Kane to international football with one of his crunching tackles but admits it may have happened. Chiellini, one of Europe’s most uncompromising defenders, and Kane, a prolific scorer in the English Premier League, will cross swords again on Tuesday when Juve host Spurs in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.
Christian Eriksen levels the game at 2-2 with a fine free-kick. AFP
The two players previously faced each other when Italy hosted England in a friendly at the same Juventus stadium in Turin in March 2015, a match which saw Kane make his full international debut. The game had barely begun when Kane was met with a Chiellini body check which the Tottenham player described in a pre-match news conference on Monday as a “very nice welcome to international football.”
Facing the media later, Chiellini’s memory failed him. “Kane said I made a rough challenge on him once? I don’t remember, it could be the case... but it wasn’t on purpose.” Despite his fearsome reputation on the pitch, Chiellini is regarded as a gentleman off it and he was generous in his praise of Kane. “He’s an extraordinary forward as his statistics from the last year show,” he said. “He’s a complete forward who plays for the team. In my opinion he was already one of the best strikers and people were already talking about him then. I think I was a good judge.”
With inputs from Reuters
Firstpost is now on WhatsApp. For the latest analysis, commentary and news updates, sign up for our WhatsApp services. Just go to Firstpost.com/Whatsapp and hit the Subscribe button.
Updated Date: Feb 14, 2018 03:26:02 IST
Highlights
FT: Juventus 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur
A fine comeback from Spurs who looked down and out after ten minutes at the Allianz stadium. But goals from Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen that sandwiched a penalty miss from Gonzalo Higuain means the visitors will be happier of the two teams going into the second leg at Wembley in three week's time. The two away goals could prove to be vital for Spurs who will be pleased with their efforts in Turin. Juventus on the other hand will have to put in a much improved performance in London, but they have the pedigree to produce one. It's nicely set up for the second leg
GOAL! Juventus 2-2 Tottenham. Christian Eriksen fires a free-kick into the bottom corner
HT Juventus 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur
That penalty is miss is the last action of a thrilling first half at the Allianz Arena. Spurs got off to a shock start after conceding two very soft goals but did well to pull themselves back into the game through Harry Kane. They were almost punished for another defensive error Aurier brought down Douglas Costa in the box, but Higuain missed the penalty. Time to catch some breath
GOAL! Gonzalo Higuain. Juventus 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur
03:26 (IST)
That's it from us tonight. What a way for the Champions League to return. A cracking game between Juventus and Tottenham that had absolutely everything and with all to play for at Wembley, expect more fireworks. We will return with the Live coverage of Real Madrid vs PSG and FC Porto ve Liverpool tomorrow, so keep following Firstpost for all the Champions League news. Good night!
03:21 (IST)
03:20 (IST)
Match stats: Basel 0-4 Man City
03:19 (IST)
Match stats: Juventus 2-2 Tottenham
03:16 (IST)
03:16 (IST)
03:14 (IST)
03:14 (IST)
03:13 (IST)
03:13 (IST)
03:12 (IST)
FT: FC Basel 0-4 Manchester City
A comfortable night for Pep Guardiola's men who have one foot in the quarter-finals after a 4-0 thumping. Ilkay Gundogan with a fine brace. Sergio Aguero and Bernardo Silva with the other goals
03:10 (IST)
FT: Juventus 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur
A fine comeback from Spurs who looked down and out after ten minutes at the Allianz stadium. But goals from Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen that sandwiched a penalty miss from Gonzalo Higuain means the visitors will be happier of the two teams going into the second leg at Wembley in three week's time. The two away goals could prove to be vital for Spurs who will be pleased with their efforts in Turin. Juventus on the other hand will have to put in a much improved performance in London, but they have the pedigree to produce one. It's nicely set up for the second leg
03:04 (IST)
2 stoppage time minutes added on
03:01 (IST)
Tottenham substitution: Eric Lamela OFF Lucas Moura ON
02:56 (IST)
Tottenham substitution: Dele Alli OFF Son ON
02:54 (IST)
80' Juventus 2-2 Tottenham
Spurs on top now and they are dictating terms in the game now. Juventus are struggling to get out of their defensive gear and the only team that appears like to find a winner is Tottenham.
02:49 (IST)
Juventus substitution: Mario Mandzukic OFF Stephano Sturaro ON
02:47 (IST)
COMEBACK COMPLETE!
Brilliant free kick from Christian Eriksen who drills it past Buffon into the bottom corner but the Italian goalkeeper was slightly late to react. A rare error from the legendary Buffon
02:45 (IST)
GOAL! Juventus 2-2 Tottenham. Christian Eriksen fires a free-kick into the bottom corner
02:44 (IST)
FREE KICK to Tottenham Hotspur!
Giorgio Chiellini brings down Dele Alli and Spurs have a free kick in a very promising position. Can they draw level in the game?
02:39 (IST)
Juventus substitution: Sami Khedira OFF Rodrigo Bentachur ON
02:35 (IST)
60' Juventus 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Juventus are playing on the counter and seem lot more in control of the game than in the first half. The Italians are keeping a good shape and have stemmed the flow of chances for the away side. Tottenham's defence is looking shaky especially on set pieces. Crucial period of the game coming up. The next goal could be crucial in deciding the outcome of this tie
02:30 (IST)
55' Juventus 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs are now enjoying a good spell of possession in Juve's half, but the Old Lady is holding firm. Juventus look a lot more solid in this half as they remain a threat on the break
02:26 (IST)
GOAL! Basel 0-4 Manchester City. Ilkay Gundogan curls one in at the far post
02:25 (IST)
50' Juventus 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Similar pattern to play in the early part of the second half as we saw in the first. Both teams going for it. End to end stuff! As things stand, this result would suit both teams
02:21 (IST)
Yellow Card for Serge Aurier who will miss the second leg at Wembley
02:20 (IST)
The second half has started!
02:12 (IST)
02:12 (IST)
02:09 (IST)
HT: FC Basel 0-3 Manchester City
Pep Guardiola's men are in cruise control in Switzerland
02:07 (IST)
HT Juventus 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur
That penalty is miss is the last action of a thrilling first half at the Allianz Arena. Spurs got off to a shock start after conceding two very soft goals but did well to pull themselves back into the game through Harry Kane. They were almost punished for another defensive error Aurier brought down Douglas Costa in the box, but Higuain missed the penalty. Time to catch some breath
02:04 (IST)
MISSED! Gonzalo Higuain hits the crossbar and it stays at 2-1. What a game!
02:03 (IST)
PENALTY to Juventus!
Serge Aurier brings down Douglas Costa as the referee points to the spot
01:58 (IST)
CHANCE! Dele Alli sends a looping header just over Buffon's goal. Tottenham are growing in the game
01:55 (IST)
Spurs back in it!
Harry Kane breaks the offside trap to go past Buffon and slot it in the back of the net. Tottenham are back in the game.
01:53 (IST)
CORRECTION. Manchester City are 3-0 up. Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and Sergio Aguero with the goals
01:51 (IST)
GOAL! Harry Kane scores! Juventus 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur
01:47 (IST)
END TO END!
Gonzalo Higuain fires inches wide of Lloris' post from a lightning counter-attack after Dele Alli had a sight of goal only to be smoethered by a fine challenge from a Juventus defender. It's all happening here
01:45 (IST)
30' Juventus 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur
Juventus seem content letting Tottenham have more of the ball. This has provided some encouragement to the visitors who have started to create chances
01:42 (IST)
01:41 (IST)
GOAL! Basel 0-3 Manchester City.
01:36 (IST)
GOAL! Basel 0-2 Manchester City.
01:34 (IST)
01:32 (IST)
15' Juventus 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur
A better spell for Tottenham who are pressing Juventus high up the field and finding a bit of success in keeping the ball in Juventus' half. But no real threat for Buffon to deal with so far.
01:29 (IST)
01:29 (IST)
Juventus double their advantage!
Higuain sends his kick low to Lloris' right. The French goalkeeper gets a hand to it it, but the kick has enough power to reach the bottom corner. Juventus in dreamland. Tottenham already in trouble
01:25 (IST)
GOAL! Gonzalo Higuain. Juventus 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur
01:24 (IST)
PENALTY to Juventus! Ben Davies with a spoor challenge inside the box. Higuain to take
01:23 (IST)
5' Juventus 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur
What a distastrous start for Spurs who seems rattled in the opening exchanges. It was a very soft goal to give away from Tottenham's point of view. Leaving a predator like Higuain unmarked is criminal at this level and Spurs have been rightfully punished. Spurs are struggling in their new shape. The back five of the visitors isn't quite working at this moment.
01:20 (IST)
WHAT A START!
A smartly taken free-kick from Juventus finds Higuain completely unmarked at the heart of the Tottenham box. The Argentine makes no mistake in putting the chance away. What a start for Juventus.