Higuain nets brace as Juve edge toward Champions League final

Italian giants Juventus closed in on a second UEFA Champions League final in three seasons as Gonzalo Higuain struck twice to beat Monaco in the semi-final first leg at the Stade Louis II on Wednesday night.

The hosts started brightly, with Kylian Mbappe heading at Gianluigi Buffon before forcing another low save.

But both of Higuain’s goals came from Dani Alves assists, with the Argentine hitman rounding off a breathtaking team move to open the scoring on 29 minutes.

He then converted the second from close range after the break on the half-hour mark.

Higuain, who now has 31 goals this season, received applause from all around the ground as he came off to be replaced by Juan Cuadrado late on.

Radamel Falcao went close for the French side after the break, but Monaco, who have won their previous 13 matches at the Stade Louis II and been so thrilling in attacking, could not find a way through the brilliant defence of their visitors.

“I fight so hard for these moments,” Match winner Higuain said after the victory.

Read Also: Juve’s experience will count against ‘youthful’ Monaco – Buffon

“I’m delighted with the goals but this isn’t over yet.

“Goals were not coming for me in this competition but I knew I just had to stay calm and keep working hard. We also wanted another clean sheet and we are delighted with the result.”

Monaco will now need something very special next week if they are to make it to a first Champions League final since 2004.

However, after Real Madrid’s comprehensive first-leg win over city rivals Atletico on Tuesday, it now looks almost certain the two teams in Cardiff on 3 June will form a repeat of the 1998 final, in which the Spanish side beat Juve 1-0.

 

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