Juventus open lead over Dortmund in tactical Champions League battle

Aboutfreekick -- A thrilling match between two impressive sides, both Jurgen Klopp and Massimiliano Allegri approached the game with interesting and intelligent strategies. It was night where attacking the defensive weaknesses of the opponent was the priority and the result was a beautiful tactical encounter.

Juventus love nothing more than to play the ball out from the back, controlling the tempo and looking for the vertical passes forward until they reach the final third. The likes of Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba maintain possession while Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio shield the back-line. The only way Dortmund could win back the ball was by interrupting the less technical players -- the Bianconeri centre-backs. Singling them out, they eventually achieved what they wanted, provoking the Giorgio Chiellini slip that led to the equaliser.

When in possession, Dortmund worked through the flanks, their full-backs pushing high, while Juve's plan to congest the midfield failed on occasion. Marco Reus' equaliser deflated the Bianconeri and they lost confidence while Pogba and Vidal did little to ease the pressure. Thus İlkay Gündoğan was allowed plenty of time and space to dictate play as his teammates pressed and harried, pushing in numbers to intercept passes and overwhelm the opponent. The fans were frustrated, wondering why the Old Lady was being dominated and not pressing as efficiently to win back possession and secure the back-line.

However, Die Schwarzgelben's attacking game was simply not at the level we have seen in previous years. No strategy, no cutting edge and visibly lacking a bull of a striker who would make the most of the intelligence around him. Juventus and their coach seemed prepared.

Allegri was aware of his opponent's offensive flaws and focused on attacking their defensive weaknesses. For despite the drop in confidence, the lack of intensity and the sporadic nonchalance of his midfielders, tactics allowed the Old Lady two goals in the first half. Why? Because the coach realised that BVB's compact style of play meant that if they wanted to push forward, they would be forced to take risks at the back. Those risks would be punished by his leading man on the night, Alvaro Morata.

ESPN FC's Mark Donaldson breaks down all the action from Turin as Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata propelled Juventus to a 2-1 first-leg victory over Marco Reus and Dortmund.

Juventus, at times, overcame the tough pressing game intelligently, sending quick balls through the middle to allow Carlos Tevez to revel in the space and Morata to show off his pace and skills. Swallow pressure, then attack, that was the Bianconeri strategy.

This season, Borussia Dortmund have been forced to possess the ball more often than they have in the past four seasons in the German Bundesliga. Many have pointed out that their inability to show off their perfect reactive game and the lack of a true marksman up top are some of the key reasons behind their domestic collapse this term. As such, why not give them the ball and see what their front-line can do?

Many believe that a giant like Juve should always look to dominate matches and play a proactive style of play, especially at home and that is precisely why they have been hindered in this competition in recent years. A positive result, however it is achieved, is all that matters and the preconceived notion that some teams should be too proud to play a reactive game is damaging for a side still finding its feet in this competition.

It was time for the Bianconeri to realise their limitations and play with their heads and not their hearts, embracing their faults and finding ways to show off their strengths. If Giorgio Chiellini didn't slip, it would have been a perfect night. Then again, Klopp always knew a mistake could be provoked and that's why his strategy also resulted in an important away goal. It's all about the tactics.

Sadly, as one has come to expect from Juventus, they missed several chances to extend their lead to make life that much easier for themselves in the away fixture. Compact and determined, the Bianconeri were barely disturbed by their opponents, who had eased off in the second half. Roberto Pereyra impressed with his bursts forward even if his finishing nearly killed hopeful onlookers, while Claudio Marchisio deserves bountiful praise for his work ethic and tactical versatility.

Leonardo Bonucci proved monstrous at the back and almost punished BVB's poor defending from set-pieces, but one still cannot help but wonder why Pogba isn't delighting in these matches. He produced certain moments of magic, such as his lovely assist for Juve's second goal but his impact was infrequent. These are the games he needs to show fight and greater determination, using his strength and technique to get to the balls quicker and provide the team with his skills in both phases of the game. Thankfully he wasn't given the yellow card he so richly deserved, which means he will be given another opportunity to demonstrate his importance to the side at Westfalenstadion.

It's still all to play for at this point, but Dortmund's defensive inadequacies should give Juve hope they can score in the return leg.


Mina Rzouki appears on BBC 5live, BBC Sportsworld, BT Sports, CNN, ESPN and Football Espana.