Jesus predicts Juventus will fail to advance in Champions League

23 nov 2017

Juventus, while still a point ahead of Sporting Lisbon for the second and final Round of 16 spot in Group D, has at least one vocal detractor predicting they’ll spend the winter roaming the dark corners of Europe in Europa League.

“I don’t believe Juventus will win in Athens,” said Sporting manager Jorge Jesus after their victory over Olympiacos last night. “If we win at Barcelona we’ll be through.”

The Bianconeri simply have to beat Olympiakos in the next, and final, Champions League group stage matchday, to be guaranteed qualification. On the other hand, Sporting have to win at Camp Nou against Barcelona, who are already through, and hope Olympiacos can pull out a result.

“I don’t believe Juventus will win in Athens, Olympiakos are a very strong team. What’s more difficult is winning in Barcelona, I’m under no illusions about that. We want to go to Camp Nou and win, the teams who have gone through often rest players. Today, for example, Barcelona rested [Lionel] Messi.”

“Let’s believe that we’re going to pass the group stage.” If Jesus’ squad can somehow complete the shocking advancement, he’ll be hailed as Sporting’s messiah.