La Liga 2024: Four things we learned this weekend in Spain’s matchday 11
With Barcelona looking set to open up a big gap at the top, here are some things we learned this weekend in Spain:
Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci stressed that the Serie A giants have a ‘fear factor’ about them, in the wake of their momentous triumph over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, according to a statement on the club website.
"As for who we would like to face in the semi-finals, you're better off asking the other three sides given they won't want to meet us. We're a frightening proposition and a match for anyone.”
"Either way they will be two great semi-finals but all that matters is making it to Cardiff."
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The 29-year-old centre back stressed Juventus' growing confidence after the Bianconeri kept out Barcelona to reach the Champions League semi-finals.
"We have more belief now," said the defender. "We now know we really are a top side and we've kept making progress. This is another step on the road to Cardiff.”
The Bianconeri capped off a remarkable 3-0 win in the first leg at Turin with a steely performance at the Nou Camp to hold the Catalans to a 0-0 draw, progressing to the last four with a 3-0 aggregate win.
"We knew they'd press us high but we defended excellently thanks in part to our wingers Juan Cuadrado and Mario Mandzukic, who provided brilliant cover especially against their full-backs.
"We could have done better on the counter, especially at the start when we gifted possession playing out from the back. This was the performance we expected to produce, however, and we did well to keep things tight and break.
"This is a great team and a fantastic squad. We deserve huge credit for how we approach every game."
Bonucci also stressed that "hard work and humility" were key to Juventus' victory over the course of the tie.
"Scoring three at home and coming away from the Nou Camp with this result shows we're a great team,” added Bonucci.
(With inputs from www.juventus.com)
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