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There was Real Madrid sitting out there. So was the possibility of the first-ever Felipe Melo Bowl with Galatasary. And then there was a chance to get some redemption for 2006 against Arsene Wenger and those oh-so-silly Gooners of Arsenal.
But when the draw finally took place, it was Celtic — the team that beat the almighty Barcelona in the group stage — that will be welcoming Juventus to Glasgow for the first stage of the round of 16. A battle of hoops and stripes. A battle of Green and White vs. Black and White.
/tries to refrain from anything about the great spirit/
So, about that.
As I sat and watched the Sky Sports feed from across the pond in England, they called it a "dream draw" for Celtic. It was hard to tell what they exactly meant by that. I'm not sure if they meant in terms of historical significance or the fact that Juventus is, well, Juventus again. For full disclosure, this was the same channel that had somebody say that Juve are comfortable atop La Liga at the moment, so take their analysis for what it's worth. And if you don't believe me, I will back up my claim with this:
Juventus are in control of La Liga according to Charlie Nicholas. Seriously how do these guys have jobs? #skysports
— Angelo Fiorini (@afiorini78) December 20, 2012
SEE? I wasn't kidding!
Regardless, it could have been a lot worse for Juventus. We don't have to worry about the drama that comes along with playing Real Madrid (and Jose Mourinho). While laughing at Arsenal woulda been fun, I'm pleased with how things turned out. Sure, playing at Celtic Park and the atmosphere that comes with it won't be the easiest thing in the world, but you can say the exact same thing about Celtic's visit to Turin in the second leg of the tie.
So, not so bad, eh? Yeah, I thought so, too.
Jorid will have a more in-depth look at who Juventus will be facing in the first stage of the knockout rounds, Celtic of course, in a week or so. Hey, it's the winter holiday and we gotta write about something, people!
JUVENTUS VS. CELTIC AT A GLANCE
Feb. 12: Juventus vs. Celtic at Celtic Park, Glasgow
March 6: Juventus vs. Celtic at Juventus Stadium, Turin
Oh, if you're on the Twitter machine, say hello to this guy before Juve make the trip to Celtic.
Boooooom.....absolute beauty of a tie...very tough but then they all potentially were..brings back great memories
— Neil Lennon (@OfficialNeil) December 20, 2012