The architect of this victory, as in the reverse fixture a fortnight earlier, was their talismanic No.10 Alessandro Del Piero who, as well as scoring both goals, played with such style and intelligence that he was given a standing ovation by the Madrid faithful when he was replaced in the final minute of the match.
Juventus now possess a four point lead over Real in Group H, and are guaranteed a place in the knockout stages, but will strive for one more victory that will ensure they progress as group winners and in theory have an easier tie in the last sixteen.
Real Madrid remain favorites to join them but face competition from Zenit St Petersburg, the UEFA cup holders from Russia, to secure second spot. Zenit triumphed 2-0 over BATE Borisov in Bulgaria to retain their qualification hopes.
Real Madrid were just one of the many fancied sides in this years competition to fail to record a victory on Matchday 4 with none of the seven teams who head the betting market managing a win.
Group A
Competition favorites Chelsea slumped to a 3-1 defeat in the Stadio Olimpico to AS Roma, who now move to within one point of the English side at the top of the group. Meanwhile, Bordeaux had an excellent 2-1 win away to Romanian newcomers CFR Cluj to join Roma on six points, while Cluj still remain in contention on four points in what is the tightest of all eight groups.
Group B
Anorthosis Famagusta, the surprise package of this year’s competition, continued their fine debut season with a thrilling 3-3 draw with Italian league leaders Inter Milan. The Cypriot side trails leaders Inter by three points but will go into Matchday 5 seeking a home victory over bottom side Werder Bremen, who suffered a shock 3-0 home defeat to Panathinaikos, that will secure qualification to the next round.
Group C
Spanish giants Barcelona secured qualification despite being held to a surprise 1-1 draw at home to Swiss side FC Basle. They will be joined in the next round by Sporting Lisbon who beat Ukrainians Shaktar Donetsk 1-0 to secure a third straight victory.
Group D
A controversial 95th minute penalty by Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard secured a vital point at home to Atletico Madrid in a 1-1 draw. Both these sides, now on eight points, are strongly favored to progress as they have a five point advantage over Marseille and PSV Eindhoven following the French sides comprehensive 3-0 home win over the Dutch side.
Group E
Holders Manchester United, who needed a late Ryan Giggs strike to secure a 1-1 draw at Celtic Park, and Spanish side Villareal, who drew 2-2 in Denmark, are almost certain to progress as they hold a six-point advantage over Celtic and Aab Aalborg with only two games remaining. Celtic, who have a dreadful away record of ten straight defeats and just one point gained on their travels, must secure at least a point in Denmark if they are to have any hope of the consolation prize of third place and UEFA Cup football.
Group F
Perennial French League winners Olympic Lyon, 2-0 winners over bottom side Steau Bucharest, and German giants Bayern Munich, who drew 1-1 in Florence, lead the way on eight points and are strongly favored to progress with only Fiorentina on three points having a slim chance of making the knockout stages.
Group G
Undefeated Arsenal lead the way despite being held at home to a goalless draw by Fernebache. Former winners Porto leapfrogged Dynamo Kiev into second place following a last gasp 2-1 win in Kiev.
Angus MacKay - Born and brought up on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland. Educated at Glasgow University (BSc Science) and Aberdeen University (PGCE ...
