English teams always leave gaps, Higuain claims

Gonzalo Higuain says Juventus knew Tottenham’s defensive failings would offer them opportunities after the Serie A title-holders knocked Spurs out of the Champions League.

Juve gave up a 2-0 lead and missed a penalty to draw 2-2 at home to Mauricio Pochettino’s side in the first leg of their round-of-16 tie.

But they responded effectively on Wednesday at Wembley, where goals from Higuain and Paulo Dybala in the space of three second-half minutes saw them win 2-1 to earn a 4-3 aggregate victory and seal a place in the quarter-finals.

According to Higuain, the Italian giants were ready to pounce on any mistakes made by the hosts.

“It was a very difficult match against a great side like Tottenham, who always give their best and are aggressive, but we know English teams always leave gaps at the back and would give us opportunities,” he told Mediaset Premium.

“We had to make the most of them and we did. I’m very happy with this win, as a comeback at Wembley is not easy.

“I am proud of this team and of the medical staff, who worked so hard to get me in shape for this game.”

 

Grazie squadra … grazie ragazzi.. sono orgoglioso di voi … cosi si fa lo ho detto prima che tutti insieme si puo fare e ce le abbiamo fatta.. grazie a tifosi.. grazie a tutti..wembley e nostra!!! Gracias equipo.. gracias a todos el gran esfuerzo hecho.. orgulloso de todos.. merecido.. lo dije antes que juntos se podia.. wembley es nuestra…!!! #finoallafineforzajuventus️ #wembleyconquistata

A post shared by Gonzalo (@ghiguain20_9) on Mar 7, 2018 at 2:00pm PST

Spurs fullback Kieran Trippier, meanwhile, acknowledged the tactics of Juventus stifled the hosts in north London.

“We had a lot of chances in the first half and put in a great performance. It’s a difficult one to take,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“Juventus changed their formation and they had a lot of the ball, we just [needed] to settle down a little bit.

“The lads are gutted because of the way we started the game. It’s a tough one to take.

“We wanted to come out fast in the second half, but they killed the tempo out of the game.”