January 21, 2025. 10:00 PM. Bruges. Stade Jan Breydel
Champions League. Group Stage. 7th Day
Bruges (Belgium) vs Juventus (Turin, Italy)
Potential Absences: Romero, Vermant – Bremer, Milik, Conceicao, Kabal, McKennie
At first glance, one might assume that the favorite is measured against the underdog simply by looking at the names of the teams and the countries they represent. A high-level team against one that is languishing at the bottom of the table. However, this is not the case. Juventus is only one point ahead of Bruges after six days. Both teams can end up in the top eight in certain circumstances or fall out of the top 24 in less favorable scenarios. Thus, this match is of equal importance for the Italian and Belgian clubs.
In fact, bookmakers’ odds also suggest that Juventus are not clear favorites for this encounter. Although they are favorites, the Turin club are not in such good shape that we can support them with our eyes closed for an away victory.
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Over the last three days, Bruges have collected seven points from a possible nine, celebrating two truly impressive home victories against Aston Villa (1-0) and Sporting Lisbon (2-1). The Belgians already have three victories in the tournament.
-The last time Brugge made such a run to the final was in the 1977-78 season—thanks, in part, to a triumph over future opponents Juventus in the semi-finals. However, since then, Bruges has performed poorly against Italian clubs. The Belgian team has only won one match in its last 20 home matches in Europe against Serie A representatives (six draws, twelve defeats).
On the other hand, Bruges have not lost an official match since October. In this context, the Belgians’ chances against Juventus seem rather promising. We must not neglect the fact that the “Bleu-Noirs” are currently on the rise. Last weekend, Bruges secured their fifth consecutive victory and are now on an 18-game unbeaten run in official competitions (15 wins, three draws).
Juventus
Juventus not only aspires to return to the top of Italian football, but also to play a significant role in Europe again. Unfortunately, the Turin club faces considerable problems in both competitions. They have struggled to find consistency in Serie A, and their European campaign has also been inconsistent. Juventus’ main goal is to reach the playoffs. After a victory against Manchester City, this task no longer seems so daunting. With eleven points out of 18 possible, the Bianconeri currently occupy 14th place. A victory in Belgium would ensure Juventus an early entry into at least the top 24. And if fortune favors them, they could even reach the top eight after matchday 8. A draw doesn’t seem like a terrible result either, but it would complicate their chances of a top-eight finish. Even a defeat would not necessarily put Juventus in a precarious situation, as on the final day the Italian club will play at home against Benfica, who are also a contender for a place in the top 24. However, it is unlikely that anyone at Juventus is seriously considering leaving everything to the last round.
Brugge vs Juventus: Probable Teams
Brugge vs Juventus: Author’s Prediction
In the last 20 home matches against Serie A representatives, the Blue-Blacks have won only once (six draws, twelve defeats), which would make a bet on the Belgian club’s victory a risky proposition. . Still, I’m not entirely convinced Juventus will win this match either. In a sense, a draw would suit both teams. Such a result would help them cement their place in the top 24, while a draw for Juventus would all but guarantee their progression to the playoffs. Given the poor attacking performance of these two teams in the Champions League, I prefer to bet on a total of less than 2.5 goals.
