‘I prefer not to meet them again’: Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata admits he is desperate to avoid old side Juventus in latter stages of the Champions League… but Spaniards still face a tricky trip to Anfield first!
- Atletico Madrid produced a fantastic first-leg win against Liverpool on Tuesday
- The victory puts Diego Simeone’s side in strong position to reach the last eight
- However, they still face a tricky trip to Anfield to finish the job they’ve started
Alvaro Morata has stated his desire to avoid another clash with Juventus in this season’s Champions League, despite the fact Atletico Madrid are still to negotiate their last 16 tie with Liverpool.
Atletico produced a defensive masterclass to keep out the holders at the Wanda Metropolitano on Tuesday evening, denying Jurgen Klopp’s men a shot on target in a 1-0 victory.
It stands the Spanish side in good stead ahead of the second leg next month, but Morata made his feelings on their position clear when he talked about possible opponents in the next round.
Alvaro Morata has revealed his desire to avoid another clash with Juventus this season
‘I think Liverpool and Juve are the best,’ he told Sky Sport Italia.
‘I prefer not to meet them [Juventus] again in the Champions League.
‘I think the Bianconeri, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are the favourites. But nothing is for certain in the Champions League.’
Juventus take on Lyon in France on February 26 in the first leg of their last 16 clash.
Morata wants to avoid former side Juventus if his side are to progress past holders Liverpool
Atletico finished behind Juventus in this year’s group stages with Bayer Leverkusen and Lokomotiv Moscow making up the group.
Morata’s current side drew 2-2 with his former employers at home but lost 1-0 in Turin.
The Spaniard played for Juventus between 2014 and 2016 before Real Madrid brought him back to the Bernabeu by exercising a buy-back clause.