Juve were smart tactically, says Buffon

Gianluigi Buffon has hailed Juventus’ tactical nous, after they dismissed Celtic in the Champions League round-of-16.

The Turin side beat Celtic 2-0 on Wednesday to book their ticket to the quarter-finals of the competition after previously beating the Scottish champions 3-0 in the first leg, and Buffon was delighted with Juve’s performance over the 180 minutes.

“Our strength is having a tactical awareness and level that we didn’t have before. This allows us to go anywhere and play our game. You can win or lose, but in the toughest moments, the group has an extra weapon to call on: our playing style,” Buffon told the club’s official website.

“We always look to impose our style of play but in previous Champions League campaigns we may have relied too heavily on individuals. But by sticking to game plan, you actually allow players to shine even more.

“We are into the last eight which is no mean feat when you think that that just 15 months ago we finished seventh in Serie A for the second year in a row.”

The shot-stopper added Juventus need a bit of fortune if they are to win the Champions League this term.

“You need a lot of luck to go all the way – just look at this week’s Manchester United-Real Madrid game, where one incident allowed the Spaniards to progress.”

The draw for the quarter-finals takes place in Nyon on March 15.