Juventus looking for Bernabeu boost

Italian champions clash against Real in Champions League tonight.


Afp October 22, 2013
"The game against Real Madrid didn't condition the game. When you are on the pitch it is difficult to think about the next game," says Antonio Conte. PHOTO: AFP/FILE

MADRID: Italian champions Juventus travel to face Real Madrid today desperately needing to kick-start their Champions League campaign.

Juve could only manage disappointing draws against FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray in their opening two games, leaving them four points adrift of Madrid at the top of Group B.

And their confidence ahead of the daunting trip to the Santiago Bernabeu wasn't helped by a first league defeat of the season on Sunday as Fiorentina came from 2-0 down to beat Antonio Conte's men 4-2.

Antonio Conte described his side's second-half meltdown at the Artemio Franchi as a ‘nightmare’. However, he is hoping his side's experience will help them to get over the disappointment of defeat quickly.

"The game against Real Madrid didn't condition the game. When you are on the pitch it is difficult to think about the next game," he said.

"It is inexplicable with the experience that we have.

"It annoys us to lose, but we have to forget it quickly. We are a mature team."

Faltering United eye Champions League fillip

Manchester United will once again turn to the Champions League for solace when Real Sociedad visit Old Trafford in the third round of Group A matches.

Manager David Moyes continues to face questions about his suitability to succeed the great Alex Ferguson, but in Europe, at least, he has been spared a bumpy ride so far.

"I feel that this is an important one for us," said Moyes. “If we could win this one, it would give us a strong position in the group. We have to go out there and take advantage of the home game and try to get a result."

Published in The Express Tribune, October 23rd, 2013.

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