Il goal partita di Mandzukic

La Juventus batte di misura il Manchester City e stacca il 'pass' per gli ottavi di Champions: decide Mandzukic, ma passano anche gli inglesi.

Missione centrata: la Juventus è agli ottavi di Champions League e, parallelamente, acquisisce momentaneamente il primato nel gruppo D. Ancora una volta, quindi, i bianconeri profondono grande personalità nell'Europa che conta e, anche dal punto di vista del gioco espresso allo Stadium contro il Manchester City, si segnalano segnali positivi. A Siviglia, dunque, gli uomini di Allegri dovranno difendere la leadership; fondamentale per ottenere – sulla carta – un sorteggio agevole nella fase successiva.

MORATA IN PANCA – Tanti infortuni per entrambe le squadre e, di conseguenza, pochi margini di scelta. Massimiliano Allegri propone questa volta il 3-5-2: Buffon tra i pali; in difesa Barzagli, Bonucci e Chiellini; Marchisio in regia spalleggiato da Sturaro e Pogba; Lichtsteiner e Alex Sandro sugli esterni; in attacco Dybala e Mandzukic. Morata, ancora una volta, in panchina. Il Manchester City risponde con Hart in porta; nel pacchetto arretrato Sagna, Demichelis, Otamendi e Clichy; a centrocampo spazio a Fernando, Yaya Touré e Fernandinho; De Bruyne e Jesus Navas ad agire dietro Aguero.

MANDZUKIC NON PERDONA – Il Manchester City ha tanta qualità e, in fase di avvio, spaventa – e non poco – la retroguardia bianconera con una conclusione dalla lontananza di Fernandinho. La Juventus prova a concentrare la propria manovra sugli esterni, Alex Sandro ha voglia e macina chilometri su chilometri, palesando un'ottima condizione psicofisica. Gli inglesi non si preoccupano di alzare il ritmo, fase di possesso ragionata ampiamente nelle corde della squadra allenata da Pellegrini. Ma alle volte non basta. Pogba delizia il pubblico con una giocate delle sue; Dybala – oltre a calciare male – è anche in fuorigioco. Fernandinho, sempre propenso agli inserimenti, si divora un goal incredibile. E qui subentra una legge celeberrima: goal sbagliato, goal subito. Mandzukic sblocca di testa l'incontro, ma gran merito dell'azione è da associare al doppio lavoro targato Pogba-Alex Sandro; asse che ha splendidamente funzionato anche contro il Milan. Per il bomber croato dopo la rete trovata oltremanica, quindi, altro schiaffo rifilato agli Citizens.

ALEX SANDRO SONTUOSO – Barzagli, di partita in partita, continua ad offrire contributi di spessore. E la chiusura su De Bruyne, apparentemente facile ma in realtà assai difficile, fa capire come questo sia indubitabilmente uno dei difensori più forti d'Europa. Mandzukic è in palla e, assistito da Lichtsteiner, per poco non trova la doppietta: super Hart. Dalla distanza, senza fortuna, Yaya Touré ci prova per ben due volte. Il Manchester City, vantando un signor organico, può rendersi incisivo anche con delle giocate individuali, ma la Juventus è sempre attenta in fase di copertura pur non trovando costantemente manovre fluide. Fernandinho, dopo continui movimenti a vuoto, prende il giallo per un'entrata dura e tattica su Marchisio. Frustrazione che fa capire, giustappunto, l'andamento del primo tempo. Insomma, bianconeri meritatamente avanti.

SUPER BUFFON – L'estremo difensore della Juventus, ancora una volta, si supera in avvio di ripresa: negando la gioia del goal a Fernando. Mandzukic, non in perfette condizioni fisiche, viene sostituito da Morata. E lo spagnolo, si sa, è vero e proprio uomo Champions; un suo pallonetto per poco non sfocia nel 2-0. La partita si accende, contrasti accesi, Chiellini si esalta e manda in delirio il pubblico bianconero con un recupero mostruoso su Aguero. Pellegrini toglie l'indisciplinato Fernandinho per Delph. Obiettivo chiaro: dare sostanza alla linea metodista. La Vecchia Signora abbassa il ritmo di gioco, più cervello e meno polmoni, Allegri pretende che i suoi giocatori sappiano leggere adeguatamente le fasi di gioco e, ultimamente, può ritenersi abbondantemente soddisfatto.

IL SOLITO CITY EUROPEO – Aguero è una mina vagante, il cervello del gioco offensivo del Manchester City, cercato ripetutamente da Yaya Touré e compagni. Ma la condizione atletica del centravanti argentino non è delle migliori e, nel cuore del secondo tempo, viene rimpiazzato da Sterling; elemento abile nel creare la superiorità numerica avvalendosi di grande velocità. La Juventus prova ad uscire dalla propria area affidandosi alle geometrie di Pogba, il quale nelle coperture non fa sicuramente mancare il proprio apporto. Meglio il primo tempo del primo per la compagine zebrata, per nulla intimorita dal blasone dell'avversario.

BARZAGLI DA URLO – Alex Sandro, nelle battute conclusive del match, viene sostituito da Evra, prontamente beccato dal settore ospiti per via del suo lungo e vincente passato tra le fila del Manchester United. Morata fallisce l'occasione per chiudere la partita, Barzagli si supera in una chiusura fantascientifica su Sterling, Hart s'infortuna e al suo posto entra Caballero. E' la Champions League, bellezza. Nei minuti finali c'è pure spazio per Cuadrado al posto di Dybala, prova generosa per l'ex attaccante del Palermo. Il colombiano, per poco, non bagna l'ingresso in campo con la via della rete. Tra qualche spavento qua e là, la Juventus porta a case tre punti significativi targati doppio binario classifica-morale.

•  

   

  La Juventus regola il Manchester City e supera la fase a gironi: decide Mandzukic, ma a festeggiare sono anche gli inglesi grazie al contemporaneo ko del Siviglia. Anche per oggi è tutto, Claudio D'Amato vi ringrazia dandovi appuntamento alle prossime dirette.
• 90' + 4'

   

  TRIPLICE FISCHIO ALLO 'STADIUM': JUVENTUS-CITY 1-0, BIANCONERI AGLI OTTAVI DI CHAMPIONS!
• 90'

   

  QUATTRO MINUTI DI RECUPERO.
• 90'

   

  Tiro di Tourè dai 25 metri, sfera alta di poco: il City ci prova!
• 88'

   

  La Juventus agisce di rimessa, inglesi senza idee.
• 83'

   

  CHANCE JUVE! Cuadrado a pochi secondi dal suo ingresso sfiora il raddoppio con un destro 'ciabattato' fuori di poco!
• 82'

   

  SostituzionePaulo Dybala Juan Cuadrado
  Ultimo cambio nella Juve: Cuadrado per Dybala.
• 81'

   

  SostituzioneJoe Hart Willy Caballero
  Problemi fisici per Hart, dentro il 'secondo' Caballero.
• 80'

   

  CHANCE CITY! Palla bassa di De Bruyne, Sterling tira a incrociare in scivolata mandando a lato di un soffio grazie alla deviazione provvidenziale di Barzagli!
• 79'

   

  CHANCE JUVE! Morata si 'beve' mezza difesa del City, ma una finta in più consente ad Hart di uscire e respingere il sinistro dello spagnolo!
• 78'

   

  SostituzioneAlex Sandro Patrice Evra
  Un ottimo Alex Sandro fa posto ad Evra.
• 69'

   

  Cartellino Giallo Jesús Navas González
• 69'

   

  Cartellino Giallo Bacary Sagna
• 69'

   

  SostituzioneSergio Agüero Raheem Sterling
  Finisce la partita di Aguero, al suo posto Sterling.
• 69'

   

  Doppio giallo nel City: Sagna per un fallo su Dybala, Navas per proteste.
• 67'

   

  Assist di De Bruyne per Aguero, tiro al volo del 'Kun' contrato in corner da chiellini.
• 60'

   

  SostituzioneFernandinho Fabian Delph
  Cambio nel City: Delph per Fernandinho.
• 60'

   

  Ancora Marchisio da fuori, palla di nuovo a lato.
• 56'

   

  PALO DI STURARO! Morata tutto solo supera Hart con un 'cucchiaio', la palla viene toccata dall'ex Genoa che a porta vuota in spaccata scheggia il legno!
• 55'

   

  SostituzioneMario Mandzukic Morata
  Nella Juve tocca a Morata: gli fa spazio Mandzukic.
• 53'

   

  CHANCE CITY! Inzuccata di Fernando, Buffon si oppone da campione volando all'angolino e neutralizzando il successivo tentativo di tap-in di Yaya Tourè!
• 51'

   

  Tiro di Marchisio da fuori, Hart blocca senza problemi.
• 46'

   

  VIA ALLA RIPRESA!
•  

   

  Un'ottima Juventus chiude avanti il primo tempo grazie alla 'zampata' di Mandzukic: Pogba e Alex Sandro sugli scudi, City troppo sterile ma insidioso non appena decide di accelerare.
• 45'

   

  SQUADRE AL RIPOSO SENZA RECUPERO: JUVE-CITY 1-0.
• 44'

   

  CLAMOROSO ERRORE DI MARCHISIO! Il regista appoggia indietro per Buffon regalando palla ad Aguero, chiuso alla grande dal portiere bianconero al momento di battere a rete!
• 42'

   

  AFFONDO DI LICHTSTEINER, lo svizzero si fa 30 metri palla al piede venendo chiuso da Hart al momento del 'cucchiaio'!
• 41'

   

  Forcing del City, la Juve si chiude nella propria metà campo pronta a pungere di rimessa.
• 40'

   

  STOP E GIRATA IN AREA DI TOURE', la palla sfila lentamente sul fondo non lontana dal palo alla sinistra di Buffon.
• 35'

   

  Cartellino Giallo Fernandinho
  Fallo di Fernandinho a centrocampo su Marchisio, primo giallo per il brasiliano del City.
• 30'

   

  Pochi secondi e l'ivoriano ci riprova da fuori, destro ampiamente a lato.
• 30'

   

  Tiro-cross beffardo di Yaya Tourè dai 25 metri, la palla passa vicino all'incrocio con Buffon immobile.
• 28'

   

  ANCORA MANDZUKIC! Tiro al volo del croato su sponda di testa di Lichtsteiner e Hart superbo a mettere in angolo sul primo palo!
• 25'

   

  CHANCE JUVE! Pogba scatenato, numero in area e cross basso che per poco Clichy non spedisce nella propria porta!
• 22'

   

  Ritmi altissimi, Juve pericolosissima nelle ripartenze!
• 18'

   

  Assist Alex Sandro
• 18'

   

   

   

  Goal Mario Mandzukic
  GOOOAAALLL DELLA JUVE!!! MANDZUKIC! Pogba disegna calcio e apre a sinistra per Alex Sandro, cross al bacio per il croato che trafigge Hart col piattone! Bianconeri avanti!
• 16'

   

  CHANCE CITY! Fernandinho si ritrova la palla sui piedi all'altezza del dischetto, ma spara alle stelle!
• 15'

   

  NUMERO PAZZESCO DI POGBA! Il francese con una 'veronica' tra due avversari offre un assist d'oro a Dybala, fermato però in offside!
• 11'

   

  Il City prova a congelare il gioco, possesso palla prolungato degli uomini di Pellegrini.
• 7'

   

  CHANCE JUVE! Cross di Marchisio dalla trequarti, Mandzukic si 'avvita' male e di testa spedisce sul fondo!
• 5'

   

  DESTRO DI FERNANDINHO DAL LIMITE, palla fuori di poco!
• 5'

   

  Prima sortita del City, cross da destra di Sagna messo in corner da Chiellini.
• 2'

   

  Palla in profondità di Pogba per Dybala, sinistro in corsa della 'Joya' ma traiettoria fuori misura e palla sul fondo.
• 1'

   

  VIA AL MATCH! City in completo giallo 'evidenziatore', Juve da destra verso sinistra in questo primo tempo.
•  

   

  SQUADRE IN CAMPO ALLO 'STADIUM'! Catino bianconero pieno in ogni ordine di posto!
•  

   

  Arbitro della sfida, il tedesco Felix Brych.
•  

   

  Questa la classifica del gruppo D, in attesa della quinta giornata: Manchester City 9, JUVENTUS 8, Siviglia 3, Borussia Monchengladbach 2.
•  

   

  MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1): Hart; Sagna, Otamendi, Demichelis, Clichy; Fernando, Fernandinho; Navas, Y. Tourè, De Bruyne; Aguero. All. Pellegrini.
•  

   

  Nei Citizens Clichy a sinistra in luogo di Kolarov, a destra Sagna e non Zabaleta. Davanti, fuori Sterling e dentro un centrocampista in più come Fernando.
•  

   

  JUVENTUS (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba, Alex Sandro; Mandzukic, Dybala. All. Allegri.
•  

   

  Allegri sorprende tutti e conferma il 3-5-2, lasciando fuori Cuadrado e preferendo Mandzukic a Morata come partner di Dybala. In mediana, confermato Sturaro.
•  

   

  Buona Champions da Claudio D'Amato! Juventus a caccia del 'pass' per gli ottavi di finale contro il Manchester City, a cui basta un punto per stappare lo champagne. I bianconeri del pari potrebbero accontentarsi, ma solo se il Siviglia non dovesse battere il Borussia Monchengladbach.

  Juventus 1-0 Manchester City: Mandzukic sends Italians top

  The Croatia striker converted Alex Sandro's cross in the first half to send Max Allegri's team back into first place in Group D, with both teams through to the next round

  Mario Mandzukic's first-half goal secured a 1-0 victory for Juventus over Manchester City and sent the Italians through to the knockout stage and back into first place in Group D.
  
  Mandzukic got Juve's first goal when they came from behind to secure a 2-1 win in Manchester on matchday one and the Croatia striker's 18th-minute strike was enough to seal the points this time around.
  
  Having made sure of their own last-16 berth with a superb 3-1 win at Sevilla in their previous game, City manager Manuel Pellegrini urged his team to grab top spot with victory in Turin.
  
  On the back of their humiliating 4-1 loss to Liverpool on Saturday, the Premier League side turned in a much-improved showing but lacked a cutting edge to lend Juve the advantage in the battle for a seeded place in the knockout draw.
  
  Juve only need a point from their final match at Sevilla to finish first ahead of City, who have been dumped out by Barcelona in the past two seasons as second-place qualifiers and will now fear a similar fate against a European heavyweight.
  
  Substitute Raheem Sterling passed up a glorious chance to equalise in the closing stages before a miserable night for Pellegrini was compounded by an apparent groin injury to Joe Hart.

  Live Commentary

  Commentary Main events

   

   

   

  That's all from the Juventus Stadium. Thank you for following the LIVE action of the UEFA Champions League - hope you've enjoyed it. Until next time, goodnight!

   

   

  How crucial could that be come the knockout stages? Mario Mandzukic's first-half volley was enough to send Juventus through to the last 16 with Manchester City, but they now sit top of Group D knowing just a point will be enough to ensure that they are seeded for the draw.

   

   

  FULL TIME: JUVENTUS 1-0 MANCHESTER CITY

  90' + 4'

   

  THAT'S IT! JUVENTUS GO TOP OF GROUP D!

  90' + 2'

   

  Yet again, City are rebuffed by Juve. Sterling pulls the ball across the area looking for a tap-in, but Bonucci is in the right place to make the all-important clearance.

  90'

   

  FOUR MINUTES! The fourth official raises his board to indicate that that is how long City have to try and find an equaliser.

  88'

   

  Still, no joy! The Belgian overhits his delivery and the ball goes behind for a goal kick. It is looking more and more likely that Juve are going to hold on.

  87'

   

  The visitors now have a free kick 35 yards from goal after Cuadrado is penalised. De Bruyne is stood over it and now is the time to be making the most of these opportunities.

  85'

   

  City are certainly offering a lot more inside the final third, but still to no avail as Juve continue to defend solidly. Can they find a way through in the last five minutes?

  83'

   

  Well, if the last few minutes are anything to go by then we should be in for quite a finish here. Both sides look very dangerous going forward and the next goal is obviously crucial.

  82'

   

  SubstitutionPaulo Dybala Juan Cuadrado

  81'

   

  SubstitutionJoe Hart Willy Caballero

  81'

   

  GOOD REACTIONS! Juve deal with City's subsequent corner and launch a counter attack with Pogba looking to switch the play to Morata, but Hart is quickly out of goal to smother the ball.

  80'

   

  WHAT A CHANCE! At the other end, Sterling stretches at the far post to connect with De Bruyne's cross but is denied by a crucial block from Barzagli.

  79'

   

  TOO MUCH! A chance opens up for Morata but, rather than shoot straight away, he looks to cut inside Otamendi and Demichelis before Hart makes a good save to deny him.

  78'

   

  SubstitutionAlex Sandro Patrice Evra

  77'

   

  City need to start creating a lot more as the clock continues to tick down. There is no doubt that they have the quality to produce it, but it needs to happen soon.

  75'

   

  We are into the final 15 minutes and, as things stand, Juventus will go top of Group D. They are almost assured of qualification to the last 16 anyway, as Borussia Monchengladbach are now 2-0 up against Sevilla.

  73'

   

  The visitors finally relieve themselves off the pressure after Juve forced a corner. Navas eventually hammers the ball away and deep into the hosts' territory.

  71'

   

  City are under the cosh here. Juventus have been awarded a free kick on the far touchline near the penalty area and this is a good opportunity for the hosts.

  69'

   

  Yellow Card Jesús Navas González

  69'

   

  Yellow Card Bacary Sagna

  69'

   

  SubstitutionSergio Agüero Raheem Sterling

  69'

   

  And that was his last action, as Pellegrini introduces Raheem Sterling in his place. The winger will provide plenty of pace and creativity down the flanks.

  67'

   

  The ball almost falls kindly for Aguero on the volley, but he does not strike it cleanly and it trickles wide of the target. He really has struggled this evening.

  66'

   

  City are starting to gain the upper hand midway through the second half. They need an equaliser to maintain their position at the top of Group D ahead of the final matchday.

  64'

   

  Delph concedes a cheap free kick after being too eager to steal the ball back from Lichtsteiner. His intentions are good, but is far too early to be playing desperately like that.

  62'

   

  We now have a break in play as Dybala receives attention from the physios. He was caught by an accidental late foot by Sagna and it looked quite painful.

  60'

   

  SubstitutionFernandinho Fabian Delph

  60'

   

  As we hit the hour-mark, Pellegrini uses his first substitution of the night. Fabian Delph is introduced into the heart of midfield, with Fernandinho making way.

  58'

   

  That could well have put the game beyond their opponents. Morata did everything right there and was very unlucky to hit the woodwork. Can City take advantage of their good fortune?

  56'

   

  OFF THE POST! Morata almost makes an immediate impact. as he is completely unmarked to latch onto a through ball in the City area. His lobbed attempt over Hart agonisingly ricochets back off the upright.

  55'

   

  SubstitutionMario Mandzukic Morata

  54'

   

  Juve are making their first change of the evening and Mandzukic is going to be given a rest by Allegri, with his place up front been taken by Alvaro Morata.

  53'

   

  ALMOST! A rare slip from Buffon nearly proved costly for Juve, as he spilt Fernandinho's header straight onto the post. Toure is waiting to pounce, but he just about recovers the ball in time.

  52'

   

  City are slowly finding their feet and have been awarded a corner after a decent spell of play. An equaliser would do very nicely for them here if they can find it.

  50'

   

  The hosts are on top at the start of this second half. They are looking comfortable on the ball and City's lack of comfort is epitomised by Hart's sliced clearance straight out of play.

  48'

   

  The result may not be all that important in terms of both sides going through, but it is with regards to avoiding a more difficult draw in the knockout stages. Remember, Juventus go top of the group with a win.

  46'

   

  OFF WE GO! The referee blows his whistle and Juventus get the game back underway.

   

   

  The teams are making their way back out onto the field and the second half is fast approaching.

   

   

  In the group's other game, Borussia Monchengladbach are 1-0 up against Sevilla at half time. That means that Juventus would join City in the last 16 regardless of tonight's result.

   

   

  Mario Mandzukic's goal is the difference between the two sides at the break. Juventus have looked dangerous going forward and solid at the back and, while Manchester City have not done much wrong, they need to show more creativity in the final third.

   

   

  HALF TIME: JUVENTUS 1-0 MANCHESTER CITY

  45' + 1'

   

  The referee blows his whistle and that is all for the first half.

  44'

   

  UNTIL THEN!... A loose back pass from Alex Sandro is pounced on by Aguero, but Buffon is quickly out of goal to narrow the angle and make a decent block from his attempt.

  43'

   

  As we enter the closing stages of the first half, an equaliser would be perfect for City just before the break. It is looking unlikely, however, with Juve still solid at the back.

  41'

   

  City are just inches away from getting it right, here. Fernandinho looks to slide Sagna in behind the defence, only for a last-minute toe to stop the ball from reaching the right-back.

  40'

   

  JUST WIDE! Toure is providing City's biggest threat around the Juventus penalty area and is very close to the equaliser. He controls the ball and hits it on the spin, but sees his effort crawl narrowly off target.

  38'

   

  Dybala is incensed after being penalised for fouling Otamendi. He appeared to lean into the defender as he looked to latch onto the ball, but the referee was harsh to give a free kick to City on that occasion.

  36'

   

  City are continuing to pluck away here, but still to no avail just yet. They just need to be a bit more creative in and around the penalty area if they are to breach the Juve defence.

  35'

   

  Yellow Card Fernandinho

  34'

   

  Aguero is finding himself a little isolated among the Juventus defence at the moment. He is not looking sharp and alert like his usual self, but he does have plenty of time to sort it out.

  32'

   

  City are trying to get back into this game. They are enjoying the majority of possession, but are finding it hard to break down Juventus' typically stubborn defence at the moment.

  30'

   

  GREAT EFFORT! Toure tries his luck with an ambitious lob from 30 yards and, although Buffon has it covered, the ball is eventually just whiskers away from nestling in the top corner.

  28'

   

  GOOD SAVE! Hart shows terrific reflexes as he springs across to his left to make a vital stop from Mandzukic's snapshot on the volley. That would have been 2-0 but for his intervention.

  27'

   

  Pogba was, of course, let go by City's rivals Manchester United when he was younger. They will certainly regret that decision, though, as he has gone on to become one of the hottest prospects in world football.

  25'

   

  JUST ABOUT CLEARED! Pogba is pulling the strings again for the hosts, as he flashes the ball across the six-yard area. Clichy just about manages to scramble it away at the second attempt after miss-kicking the first time.

  23'

   

  Nothing comes of it, though, and City launch a counter attack. Everything was slick until the shot from De Bruyne, who took too long and seemed to scuff the ball in the end.

  21'

   

  The hosts now have a free kick in a decent position, after Dybala is brought down by Demichelis. It is about 35 yards from goal, just to the left of the target and the usual suspects are forward for Juve.

  20'

   

  City had complaints about the goal as they felt that Mandzukic had unfairly held off the challenge of Otamendi, but he simply used great strength before calmly volleying past Hart.

  18'

   

  Assist Alex Sandro

  18'

   

   

   

  Goal Mario Mandzukic
  JUVENTUS TAKE THE LEAD! Pogba gets the ball rolling by gliding effortlessly into the City half before feeding Alex Sandro, and Mandzukic lost Otamendi to volley home the left-back's cross.

  16'

   

  CITY SHOULD BE IN FRONT! Toure is beaten to Clichy's cross but the ball breaks kindly for Fernandinho to strike, but he only succeeds in sending his effort miles over the bar.

  15'

   

  DELIGHTFUL! Pogba provides a delicious piece of skill by hooking the ball through the City defence with his back leg, but Mandzukic just began his run too early and is flagged offside.

  13'

   

  The game has just lost a little bit of flow over the past couple of minutes. That will give the hosts a chance to regain their initiative, having sat back and absorbed City's play.

  11'

   

  STAT ATTACK! Juventus are looking very organised in defence, which goes a long way towards the 15-match unbeaten home run that they are protecting coming into this game.

  9'

   

  It has been a fairly open start to the game by both sides, but there is a slight break in play here after Toure and Fernandinho collide awkwardly. They are soon back on their feet, though, and able to continue.

  7'

   

  HE SHOULD DO BETTER! Mandzukic springs the offside trap and is unmarked in the area, but times his header all wrong and sends the ball aimlessly wide of the target.

  5'

   

  NOT FAR AWAY! City are awarded a corner that is cleared by Juventus but only far as Fernandinho, whose sweet strike whistles narrowly wide of the far post. Buffon was struggling to get there.

  4'

   

  City take advantage of Juventus dropping off to settle into their rhythm on the ball. The hosts do have plenty of men behind the ball as the visitors try to make something happen.

  2'

   

  Dybala gets the first sight on goal after latching onto a decent through ball from Pogba, but blazes it way off target from a tight angle. He will need to do a whole let better if he is going to trouble Hart from there.

  1'

   

  KICK OFF! The referee blows his whistle and City get the match underway.

   

   

  The teams are making their way out onto the field and kick-off is just moments away.

   

   

  CITY SUBS: Caballero, Delph, Kolarov, Sterling, Adarabioyo, Celina, Maffeo.

   

   

  CITY (4-2-3-1): Hart; Sagna, Demichelis, Otamendi, Clichy; Fernando, Fernandinho; Navas, Toure (c), De Bruyne; Aguero.

   

   

  Manuel Pellegrini makes three alterations for City following their 4-1 thrashing by Liverpool at the weekend. Nicolas Otamendi and Gael Clichy come into the back four, while Fernandinho takes his place in midfield. Aleksandar Kolarov and Raheem Sterling drop to the bench.

   

   

  JUVENTUS SUBS: Neto, Zaza, Cuadrado, Morata, Rugani, Evra, Lemina.

   

   

  JUVENTUS (3-5-2): Buffon (c); Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba, Alex Sandro; Mandzukic, Dybala.

   

   

  Both of Massimiliano Allegri's changes from Juve's win over AC Milan on Saturday are forced. With Patrice Evra struggling and Hernanes suspended following his red card against Monchengladbach, Alex Sandro and Leonardo Bonucci come into the starting 11. Sami Khedira and Roberto Pereyra remain sidelined.

   

   

  With Manchester City already guaranteed of a place in the last 16, a victory would see Juventus join them in the knockout stages. Sevilla failing to beat Borussia Monchengladbach would also do the trick for the Old Lady.

   

   

  Good evening and welcome to LIVE text commentary of the UEFA Champions League. We're at the Juventus Stadium tonight for the Group D clash between Juventus and Manchester City.