^^ Mourinho before the 1st leg: “I think Juventus can win the Champions League, especially as they have a decisive player like Cristiano Ronaldo and are so hungry for the trophy, but it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if they went out to
Atletico Madrid, because that is a team with a lot of ambition,” Mourinho told TeleRadioStereo.
“Atletico Madrid invested heavily to ensure they’d play the Final in their own stadium.
They might not look like they are playing good football, but we all know full well how Diego Simeone sees it.
“He has talented strikers who can make the difference and that is why I think Juve are just as likely to win the Champions League as go out before the quarter-finals.” :trolldad:
Well at least he has balls, unlike our baldie. Dare for more.
Simeone investigated for Juve gesture
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone is being investigated for his explicit gesture against Juventus, while the Bianconeri could be punished for a late start.
UEFA confirmed on Monday that disciplinary proceedings had been opened against Atleti for blocked stairways at
Wanda Metro
Politano, throwing of objects and improper conduct, relating to his crotch-grab celebration after his side took the lead last week.
Its statement added Juve were also being probed for a late kick-off during their 2-0 defeat to the Spaniards, as was Coach Max Allegri.
However, Simeone may avoid a touchline ban for the trip to Turin on March 12 as UEFA failed to confirm when its Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body would deal with the case.
The former Inter and Lazio midfielder caused controversy with his celebration after Atleti had gone a goal up in their Champions League last-16 first leg, turning towards the fans at the Metropolitano and grabbing his crotch.
/// other related fun stuff
Italian player off for Simeone gesture
A Serie D player has been sent off for emulating Diego Simeone’s explicit celebration against Juventus.
Prato striker Riccardo Moreo celebrated his winner against Viareggio on Sunday by grabbing his crotch in front of supporters like Simeone did last week.
However, the referee was not as forgiving as Felix Zwayer was during Juve’s 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16 last week, showing the striker a straight red card.
CalcioNews24 reports the official was following the letter of the law in sending off Moreo, who began his career with Milan.
Fortunately for Prato, they held on for a 2-1 victory in the absence of their top goalscorer.