Italian Champions Juventus return to the Champions League semi final stages tonight for the first time since 2003.
By coincidence, the Italian side defeated tonight's opponents Real Madrid in that semi final 12 years ago before going on to lose the title to AC Milan in the final in Manchester.
Juventus won their fourth consecutive domestic title at the weekend after defeating Sampdoria 1-0 and will hope their success at home finally transfers itself to continental silverware.
The club has been revitalised since moving into their new home at the Juventus Stadium in 2011 and their recent record in Turin is formidable.
1 - Juventus have lost only one of their last 54 competitive games at home (W45, D8). Stronghold.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 5, 2015
Massimiliano Allegri's men have won four out of their five European games in Turin this season, including knockout wins over Borussia Dortmund and Monaco.
His side remain without influential midfielder Paul Pogba for the game who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Carlo Ancelotti returns to Juventus to face the side he managed at the turn of the century.
The Real Madrid manager managed AC Milan when they defeated Juventus in the Champions League final in 2003.
One of the stars of that Milan team was Andrea Pirlo who is now at Juventus.
Ancelotti spoke at yesterdays press conference of his admiration for the World Cup winner.
Real go into tonight's game without Karim Benzema and Luka Modric who are both missing with knee injuries, although Gareth Bale looks set to return to the starting 11.
Huge game tonight here in Turin, need to get off to a good start against a top team! Come on @realmadrid #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/lh1BzlAD1S
— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) May 5, 2015
The European Champions are looking to build on last years La Decima by retaining their title. No team has yet retained the European Cup in the Champions League era.
Despite the home sides excellent home record, Real Madrid have not conceded away from home since their group game against Ludogorets. The record currently lasts at 444 minutes.
Whatever happens tonight we can be sure that the game will be very competitive going into the second leg. Expect a one goal margin at most after 90 minutes tonight.
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