Molinaro: Juve 'practically perfect'

Molinaro: Juve 'practically perfect'
Tuesday 10 March, 2009

Cristian Molinaro suggests Juventus were “practically perfect” until Michael Essien’s goal destroyed their momentum.

“Juve were practically perfect for the first 41 minutes, but [Frank] Lampard’s shot seemed to stop there and we all held our breath. The goal knocked the wind out of our sails.”

The Bianconeri were leading 1-0 to level the tie on aggregate, but in first half stoppages Lampard’s effort was deflected on to the crossbar and Essien tapped in the loose ball.

“From then on Chelsea were able to control the tempo more and then we went down to 10 men, too,” continued Molinaro.

“We still believed right to the end, but it isn’t easy to play against a side like Chelsea with 10 men.”

Juve were decimated by injuries with Momo Sissoko, Mauro Camoranesi, Cristiano Zanetti, Paolo De Ceglie and Nicola Legrottaglie sidelined, but the situation deteriorated when Pavel Nedved limped off just 13 minutes.

It was a bitter way to end his final Champions League match, as Nedved will retire at the end of the season.

“Every player in the squad is indispensable, so I don’t think there was a huge difference. Having said that, losing Nedved so early in the game was a heavy blow, as he can really drag the team on,” said Molinaro.

“The real blow was that goal before the break, as going into half-time with the lead would have given us a whole other state of mind.”

Juve go out 3-2 on aggregate and the regrets about that 1-0 first leg defeat at Stamford Bridge burn most of all.

“Chelsea did well with their chances, but were by no means superior to Juventus over the two legs. I am pleased with the performance, both mine and the team, so all we have are regrets now.”

“We wanted to do well after such a long absence, but we must take the positives from this experience, especially for those like me who were having their first Champions League games.”

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