Sarri: Dybala is world class, making the difference for Juventus

Juventus beat Atletico Madrid to seal up the Champions League group, thanks to a moment of magic from Paulo Dybala.

Speaking after the game, manager Maurizio Sarri summarized the game neatly.

“We used up a lot of energy this evening, as is inevitable in the Champions League. I think we did very well, but like the Atalanta match at the weekend, we had to fight very hard to achieve the victory.

“It was above all a great first half and we built on that. We tend to struggle more in Serie A to pass it around quickly. Perhaps there is more motivation for us in the Champions League, but that is a mistake, because we have to play this style of football in every tournament.

“I was angry in the second half, as we gave the ball away cheaply. The sensation was that, just like Atalanta, we allowed them to cross too much. Maybe we need to improve the intensity with which we close down these crosses and passes in wide areas.”

Cristiano Ronaldo came back into the team after missing the Atalanta win over the weekend, how was his knee issue?

“I haven’t spoken to him yet about the pain in his knee, but he looked to be in good shape, as in the final stages he was tracking back, fighting hard and helping out in defence.”

On Dybala, the matchwinner today -

“Dybala is world class, in a very positive period of form, so right now he is making the difference.”

Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

The young wizard spoke to the media as well after the game, starting with the goal he scored.

“It was a good goal, as it was a difficult position, the angle was tight, there were lots of players in front of me.

“The team played a really good game, especially the first half, and we’re happy with the win. I feel in good shape, I try to give my best and at times can risk something a little more audacious, as things are going well for me and I want to make the most of that.”

Dybala celebrated in two different ways, first pointing at his chin, followed by a military-style salute to Merih Demiral - the Turkish team have already caused an international scandal for celebrating in a similar manner after scoring.

“The first gesture to the chin is for my girlfriend, as we saw it in a film and it was the sign for love. As for Demiral, he’s great fun and it was just a joke between us in the dressing room, there was no message in that.”