The Stats That Prove Juventus' Defence Is Next Level

Juventus look to have one foot in the Champions League final after recording a 2-0 win over Monaco at Stade Louis II last night.

Gonzalo Higuain bagged a double, including providing the finishing touch on a stunning, free-flowing first-half move, to make Max Allegri's side good value to reach a second Champions League final in three seasons.

There is a wonderful balance to this Bianconeri side, with such a strong defensive unit accompanied by a ruthless forward line in Higuain, Dybala and company at the opposite of the end of the pitch, with an assured midfield pulling the strings in between.

Image: PA

They looked in total control at all times last night and did not a let free-scoring Monaco impose themselves in the game on their own turf.

The backline stood firm and barely gave Kylian Mbappe and his companions a sniff, and when the French starlet and his team did get a sight of goal, Gianluigi Buffon was there to provide the heroics.

The 39-year old recorded his 47th Champions League clean sheet against Monaco, one of many impressive statistics Buffon and his brick wall of a defence reached by shutting out Leonardo Jardim's Monaco.

Incredibly, the last time Monaco failed to find the net on home soil was back in November 2015 in a 0-0 draw against Anderlecht.

And in keeping that all-important clean sheet, Juventus set a new club record; they have now kept six consecutive clean sheets in the Champions League.

Moreover, Juve have now gone 600 minutes of football in the Champions League without their all-conquering defence being breached.

But easily the most impressive aspect of Juve's defensive dominance is the fact that their last two Champions League opponents have been Monaco and Barcelona - the two top scorers in Europe this season.

It's been raining goals for both sides this term, but despite their weatlh of attacking talent on display, neither side has been able to get past The Old Lady.

Whether they are playing with a flat back four, or with a three-man defence as they did last night, Juventus just don't give you a sniff.

Do you think Juventus will go all the way and lift the Champions League trophy this season?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Topics: Gianluigi Buffon, Juventus, Champions League, AS Monaco, Giorgio Chiellini

Josh Lawless

Josh is a writer who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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