It’s matchday one in Group H of the Champions League (CL), where Valencia welcome Juventus to Mestalla for their first taste of European football in three years. It’s a welcome return for the finalists of 1999/00 and 2000/01, who badly need to kickstart their season.
Valencia have opened their domestic season with four winless games (D3, L1), but are now in for something completely different. Playing Italian opponents for the first time since 2009, ‘Los Che’ need to take inspiration from their home form in the 2017/18 La Liga season (W13, D3, L3) in which they conceded just 13 goals (0.68 on average).
The ‘Bianconeri’ have progressed from the group stage in four straight seasons, although results on the road in those games (W6, D2, L4) have been mixed. Recent matches involving Juventus have not always been goalfests, highlighted by the fact that only two of their ten CL matches last season produced over 2.5 goals.
However there is still every chance that both teams could score, given that Juventus have kept a clean sheet in just one of their last four games since parting ways with legendary goalkeeper Gigi Buffon.
Players to watch: Rodrigo was top scorer for Valencia last season and scored in both of Spain’s matches in the Nations League recently.
For Juventus, Cristiano Ronaldo needs no introduction. It’s currently 120 CL goals and counting, and he faces an opponent that he’s scored against 15 times in 18 matches.
LIVE STREAMING VALENCIA VS JUVENTUS EUFA 20.9.2018
Stat attack: Topically, across all competitions, Juventus’ last seven away matches have averaged 3.57 goals.
In their first four matches this season, Valencia have been shown 11 yellow cards (2.75 on average).
It has been close to a year since Juventus lost a match of consequence on the road, with a record of W16, D3 from the last 19 across all competitions.
Will not play
Coquelin F.
(Achilles Tendon Injury)
De Sciglio M.
(Muscle Injury)
Kondogbia G.
(Ankle Injury)
Spinazzola L.
(Knee Injury)
Probably will not play
Garay E.
(Knee Injury)
Barzagli A.
(Calf Injury)
Match Information
Referee: Brych F. (Ger)
Venue: Estadio de Mestalla (Valencia)
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