Nedved's strike enough for Juventus
(Goal.com)
Updated: 2004-10-20 10:08

A goal scored by Nedved 15 minutes from the end, after a good combination between Ibrahimovic and the Czech midfielder, was all that Juventus needed to defeat Bayern Munich in a tough match in which the defensive departments shined.

Juventus's Pavel Nedved celebrates after scoring against Bayern Munich during their Champions League Group C match at the Delle Alpi stadium in Turin, northern Italy October 19, 2004. [Reuters]

After a good start by Juventus which gave the bianconeri two good scoring opportunities in the first 15 minutes with Ibrahimovic and Del Piero, it was Bayern who slowly started increasing their play and controlling the midfield.

The German side seemed fresher even though they were unable to create many scoring chances. In fact Magath’s side had just one real chance throughout the first half, but it was definitely the most dangerous one of the whole half. Ballack sent a long ball forward which went over Thuram and only the providential interventions, first of Buffon and then of Zebina, stopped Makaay from putting Bayern surprisingly ahead.

From then on, Bayern increased their confidence and tried to control the match with their midfield while Juventus tried to use fast accelerations to get past, unsuccessfully, the German defence.

Juventus's goal scorer Pavel Nedved (L) challenges Michael Ballack (C) of Bayern Munich as Bastian Schweinsteiger (R) moves in during their Champions League Group C match at the Delle Alpi stadium in Turin, nothern Italy October 19, 2004. Juventus won 1-0. [Reuters]

The second half was a different story with the match building up in rhythm as both sides tried to venture more forward, especially the home side. In the 51st minute Del Piero missed an incredible chance when Kahn let the ball loose from his grip and the Juventus captain incredibly failed to tap in the net from 2 metres away.

The bianconeri kept on pushing while Bayern relied on counter attacks. When the match seemed to be heading towards a goalless draw, Nedved opened the score for the Turin giants in the 76th minute following a flick-on by Ibrahimovic which unmarked the Czech player inside the penalty area and shot past Kahn.

This goal made Bayern come out in full force in order to equalize but Schweinsteiger and Salihamidzic missed good chances to draw level and awarded Juventus a hard-earned 1-0 win over the German side.

This win virtually sends the bianconeri to the next round while Bayern will have to watch their backs following Ajax win over Maccabi. Next week’s matches will prove decisive for the outcome of this group.

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