Tottenham Hotspur are quietly optimistic as they prepare to take on Juventus in the exciting second leg of their last 16 Champions League clash at Wembley this Wednesday night.
Standout local hero Harry Kane continues to silence the doubters, sparking a comeback with his decisive goal in the first leg. Kane’s blazing form is evident with 35 goals in just 37 matches this season, including a remarkable seven goals in six Champions League outings.
Juventus superstar Paulo Dybala, who missed the first leg due to a hamstring strain, has bounced back strongly, hitting top form in the last three outings and netting a thrilling 90th-minute winner against Lazio last Saturday. In his third season with the Old Lady, the Italian ace boasts an impressive 45 goals over 86 Serie A appearances and currently has 18 goals across all competitions this season.
Tottenham sit proudly in fourth place in the Premier League, boasting a 17-game unbeaten streak, while their Italian opponents hold second place in Serie A with an unbeaten run spanning 20 matches.
In their recent matches, Spurs cruised past Huddersfield Town, while Juventus claimed a narrow victory over unbeaten Lazio.
Tottenham’s manager Mauricio Pochettino shared his excitement ahead of the match, saying:
“Winning a trophy would be phenomenal for everyone involved. If we can secure silverware, it will mean everything – setting us apart from many clubs.”
“Our players would become heroes, having stood toe-to-toe with Europe’s greatest. I’m a dreamer – every opportunity to compete, we aim to go as far as possible.”
“Step by step, season by season, we’ve strengthened the squad. It might not be groundbreaking every year, but we’re certainly more formidable and respected in Europe now.”
He concluded, “We must approach this game with freedom and not overthink outcomes.”
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri, reflecting on their first-leg 2-2 draw where they surrendered a two-goal lead, emphasised the importance of clinical finishing.
He said,
“I’m unsure how Spurs will play, but we must be technically sharper than before, especially in the second half.”
“This match will be like a final because we need a positive result; otherwise, we’re out.”
“Creating chances at home is vital, and we need to replicate that performance.”
“Ultimately, the best team wins by capitalising on opportunities – that’s football at the highest level.”
Regarding his striking options, with Gonzalo Higuain uncertain, Allegri noted, “Dybala, Higuain, and Douglas Costa might not all start together, but they could all feature. They are my only striker options, so we might need to use them all.”
Team news: Tottenham are without Toby Alderweireld due to injury and Serge Aurier serving suspension, while Juventus miss Juan Cuadrado, Federico Bernardeschi, and Mario Mandzukic. Mattia de Sciglio has recovered from injury and may play.
© TEAMtalk Media
