Juventus and Bayern Munich are historically among the world’s most successful clubs but, despite their frequent involvement in Europe’s elite competitions, the two giants were made to wait until 2004 before locking horns for the first time.
Since that inaugural meeting almost ten years ago, the Italian and German champions have been pitted together in the group stages of the Champions League on two further occasions, in 2005 and 2009.
From the three clashes contested in Turin, one at the Stadio Olimpico and two at the Delle Alpi, the Bianconeri hold a favourable record, registering two victories and one defeat.
The first meeting between the sides occurred in October 2004. The match was decided 15 minutes from time when Kahn fumbled Ibrahimovic’s cross and Nedved was on hand to pounce on the mistake to secure a 1-0 win.
The following year, Juventus drew Bayern in the groups once again. Having suffered a 2-1 defeat at the Allianz Arena just weeks before, the Bianconeri responded in kind on home soil. After a goalless first half, Juve were quickest out the blocks after the restart as Trezeguet provided the breakthrough with 62 minutes on the clock. Deisler managed to get the visitors back on level pegging moments later with a stinging deflected shot that beat Abbiati. However, Trezeguet proved the hero as he netted a winner in the dying stages to set Juventus on their way to the last 16.
The most recent encounter took place in 2009. Trezeguet opened the scoring when he met Marchisio’s inch perfect aerial ball with a magnificent first-time volley on the run. However, that was to be the only shining light on a gloomy evening for the hosts in Turin. Bayern keeper Butt then ensured the visitors went into the break on level terms when he converted a penalty on the half hour mark. The Germans then secured progression to the next round via a dominant second half display during which Olic, Gomez and Tymoshcuck all found the back of the net to seal a 1-4 victory.
The defeat condemned Ferrara’s Bianconeri side to Europa League action whereas Van Gaal’s Bayern would go on to reach the Champions League final in Madrid where they suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Mourinho’s Inter.
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