With 3 draws in four matches, Spalletti’s team is on the edge of the play-off zone and must make a notable acceleration in the second part of the big group to avoid being eliminated
Three points in four games. Juve’s score in the first half of the Champions League maxi group, standings in hand, is certainly deficient: the Bianconeri are currently twenty-third in the standings, on the fringes of the qualification zone for the playoffs, but, most likely, they will exit tonight after the completion of the 4th matchday. A clear reversal of trend is therefore urgently needed in the next 4 matches: Spalletti’s team, in fact, will need at least 8-9 points to reach the play-offs. But where could they get them?
juve, the champions calendar
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A fundamental turning point will already be in the next round: on November 25th Juve will face Bodo/Glimt away, who, with 2 points, follow the Bianconeri in the standings. The Norwegians are coming off two consecutive defeats, but remain a formidable opponent due to two factors. The first is environmental, considering that it will be played on the synthetic pitch and with a freezing temperature (between 4 and 0 degrees). The second is given by the performance of Knutsen’s team at the Aspmyra Stadion: in front of their fans, in 39 European matches in the last 4 seasons, the Norwegians have achieved 29 wins, 2 draws and 8 defeats, the last of which just yesterday against Monaco. A result, the latter which, however, gives hope to the Spalletti-boys. If successful, the Bianconeri would immediately have the opportunity to do an encore: the Cypriots of Pafos will arrive at the Stadium on 10 December. And that will be an appointment not to be missed.
juve in the champions playoffs, the scenarios
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Having made a full haul in the next two matches, Juve would have the opportunity to close the game at least for the playoffs on January 21st, when they host Mourinho’s Benfica in a high-tension match. The Portuguese are in a dire crisis in the Champions League: fresh from three defeats in three games, they could already almost be condemned in January, considering that on their path they will first find Bayer Leverkusen, Ajax (away) and Napoli. In the event that Juve were to play for qualification on the final day, they would have to do so at the “Louis II” in Monte Carlo, in the match against Monaco. Who, currently at 5 points, having Pafos and Real away in the next 3 matches and Galatasaray at home, could still be in the hunt for the pass.
Juve, still possible in the champion’s round of 16?
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Looking at what happened last season, with 11 points and a good goal difference (Juve is currently at -1) they would be able to qualify for the playoffs, although not as the top seed. With 12 you should be in, while direct access to the round of 16 now seems to be unattainable for the Bianconeri: a year ago, the last qualified team had scored 16 points, a quota that is now unattainable for Spalletti’s team. In any case, the road is still long and nothing is compromised to continue the adventure in Europe also in February. But the bonuses are really over now
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