The first leg clash in Spain ended 1-1 after Dani Parejo canceled out Dusan Vlahovic's opener, therefore the winner in Turin will go through to the next round.
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Villarreal head coach Unai Emery feels Juventus are the favourites to go through and even one of the candidates to lift the trophy. Juventus will host the Yellow Submarine in the Champions League last-16 second leg fixture at Allianz Stadium on Wednesday. The first leg clash in Spain ended 1-1, therefore the winner in Turin will go through to the next round. Dusan Vlahovic’s opener inside the opening 32 seconds was canceled out by Dani Parejo late strike at El Madrigal.
Let’s try and get into the quarter-finals!
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⌚ 9pm CET
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? Round of 16 (second leg)
? Juventus Stadium
? #UCL pic.twitter.com/D7SlfHx4WU— Villarreal CF English (@VillarrealCFen) March 16, 2022
“We proved that we are able to compete and react, equalising in the first leg, showing our quality,” said Emery in his press conference.
“That does not change the fact Juventus are one of the candidates to win the Champions League, for their history and what they represent. We want to have our say and try to prove we deserve to be here. We come to Turin intent on being protagonists.”
The abolition of away goal rule means both slides enter the contest on a level playing field. Villarreal will travel to Turin as underdogs but the Europa League champions are capable of punching above their weight.
“Without the away goals rule, I think more ties will go to extra time, so we are preparing for that eventuality. Juve are the favourites in front of their fans, they hardly ever lose and have a strong defence, plus individuals who can make the difference.
“We have to keep the ball well so that Juve don’t get it and that means being aggressive. We know they are the favourites, but we also feel confident.
“Juventus have numerous trophies and are certainly one of the top five clubs in Europe.”
Villarreal’s form has been hot n cold since the 1-1 draw against Juve, thrashing Espanyol 5-1, going down 1-0 to Osasuna and edging 1-0 past Celta Vigo in Saturday’s fixture courtesy of another second-half Parejo goal
