Juve Takes One Step Into Champions League Final

It was a sight that brought back memories of some of the Barclays Premier League’s most exhilarating years, Carlos Tevez scampering forwards, ball at his feet, just one thought in his mind.

It is the way the little Argentinean, once of both Manchester clubs and, remarkably, West Ham, always played.

The embodiment of courage, determination and belief, Tevez occasionally disappointed us away from the field but, when the ball was in play, he always did this.

He is 31 now and by his own pre-match admission had presumed occasions like this were behind him. But, given unexpected opportunity here, Tevez played from memory and from the soul. In the end, it was enough to win this game and the defining moments arrived just before the hour.

Carlos Tevez's second-half penalty proved the difference as Juventus beat Real Madrid 2-1 in their Champions League semi-final first leg

All of a sudden, with the ball at his feet and open space ahead of him, Tevez sensed opportunity. Breaking away, he found the Real defence undermanned and the opportunity was clear. To his right arrived team-mate Alvaro Morata but when he was cynically taken out by the retreating Marcelo, Tevez was left one on one against Real right-back Dani Carvajal.

Five years ago, dressed in Manchester blue or red, Tevez would have fancied his chances in a foot race. He was always quick. Footballers who endure, however, do so because they are clever and here Tevez simply drew Carvajal to his right, showed him enough of the ball to invite the challenge and waited for the foul.

When it came, the offence was clear. Marcelo was booked for his cynical take down of Morata and Tevez stepped forwards to sweep the penalty kick past Iker Casillas to the goalkeeper’s right.

Tevez's team-mates surround the star striker in celebration of his second-half penalty at the Juventus Stadium

Come a week’s time, it is a goal that may not be enough. This was not actually that bad a result for Real. Their performance was patchy but they have an away goal. Nevertheless, this was wonderful throwback football from Tevez, enough to make you wonder what he has been doing playing in the relatively undistinguished Italian league for the last couple of years.

From the first minute, he troubled Real with the directness and sureness of his running. He was the game’s best player even before he scored. Certainly he eclipsed the evening’s two other most familiar faces. Cristiano Ronaldo scored Real’s equaliser and in doing so edged ahead of Lionel Messi as the Champions League’s record goal scorer. He has 76 now.

Ronaldo’s overall contribution, though, was modest by his standards while Gareth Bale rarely managed to get on the front foot. He looked hesitant and unsure. Frankly, he didn’t look fit.

The atmosphere at the Juventus Stadium was a sea of colour and a cauldron of noise as both teams prepared to get the match underway
From the very start, Juventus had a hunger that wasn’t reflected by their opponents and within nine minutes they were in the lead. A lovely pass down the right from Juventus defender Stephan Lichsteiner found Tevez in space and when his cross shot was palmed out by Casillas, Real old boy Morata shovelled the ball in from a couple of yards.

At this point, Real looked rather lost and for a while they continued in that vein. Having begun with a 4-2-4 formation, Carlo Ancelotti’s team was being overrun in the centre of the field. Only when Bale was instructed to drop off Ronaldo a little did things improve.

Bale (left) and Cristiano Ronaldo cut dejected figures after conceding the opening goal at the Juventus Stadium

By that time, Juventus could have stretched their lead. Tevez struck a couple of low shots wide and every time black and white shirts eased in to the attacking third of the field Real immediately looked uncomfortable.

The second goal didn’t come, however, and rather inevitably Real imposed themselves. Ronaldo dragged once shot wide after being released by Isco while Toni Kroos worried Gianluigi Buffon with a fizzing low shot.

Ronaldo's mood of dejection was soon turned into ecstasy when he headed Real back on level terms on 27 minutes

By the time the equaliser came, in the 26th minute, Real were well in the contest. James Rodriguez advanced down the right, lifted the ball over Buffon and Ronaldo nodded it in from a yard. It was simple and it felt pivotal, especially when Rodriguez headed an Isco cross against the bar just before the break.

The 30-year-old (right) jumps for joy in celebration after scoring his ninth goal in 11 Champions League appearances this season for Real

Tevez, though, was to change things all on his own and, after his goal, Real offered little. Indeed, had substitute Fernando Llorente shown the same poise with two late chances, Juventus’ lead would have been a little larger.