Juventus huffed and puffed throughout the game but struggled to overcome a solid rearguard effort by Ferencvaros until substitute Álvaro Morata took the winner in added time. While the 2-1 victory was well deserved for the hosts, the visitors came very close to preventing the Bianconeri from sealing their qualification to the knockout stages of the Champions League with a brave performance.
Speaking after the game, coach Andrea Pirlo summed up what he saw from the performance.
“We intended to start with a different attitude, but we know that there can be difficulties in games that seem simple on paper. We were too shallow at first and had to chase the game.
“Our first pressure was not vehement, which is normal after so many games to lose a bit of intensity, but the important thing was not to stretch and allow counterattacks. We did it several times in the first half, but then we managed to settle down.
“I expected more from the players, but Ferencvaros calmed down, we had to try to move the ball from one side to the other faster to distribute them. We moved it too slow, which made it easier for them to defend.
“The Ferencvars keep a high line and invite you to attack them, but if you don’t do it at the right time, it benefits them. When we hit the right time, we were almost always dangerous. “
With Matthijs de Ligt the only fit central defender, Pirlo was relieved to see him return from his shoulder pain in time for this game.
“We knew that De Ligt was already captain at the age of 20, so we were looking forward to his return and we knew he would give us a lot both to defend and to keep the team tight by passing out from behind. “
Midfielder Arthur, a summer addition to the Barcelona trade deal for Miralem Pjanic, was harshly criticized for his conservative play and inability to unblock the opposition, a view Pirlo agreed with.
“He got a little stubborn today keeping control of the ball and trying to find more direct passes when he should have extended it and tried to extend Ferencvaros defense.
“It should have opened the game more to create one-on-one situations. If the ball moved too slow, it allowed them to return to their position. “
“Not much now, but he’s learning!”
Paulo Dybala finally started, but could not claim a place in Pirlo’s starting eleven going forward.
“Dybala didn’t do so well, but like I said, he got injured and had to take antibiotics for weeks, so it’s natural that he needs time to get in shape. He needs to go beyond his limits in training to rediscover his form. “
