As the curtain rose on the 2017-18 UEFA Champions League quarterfinal, Juventus, led by the experienced Giorgio Chiellini, envisioned a formidable defensive wall holding firm against Real Madrid’s attacking prowess. However, it would soon become apparent that Chiellini and his team had grossly underestimated the Spanish juggernaut’s secret weapon – the mercurial Isco.
With the first leg being played at Turin’s Allianz Stadium, the stage was set for a titanic clash between two of Europe’s elite clubs. But it was Real Madrid who emerged victorious, securing a 3-0 triumph that would ultimately prove pivotal in their quest for the coveted Champions League trophy.
In a candid interview with The Overlap, Chiellini confessed that Isco’s incredible display on the night was instrumental in Real Madrid’s crushing victory. “He was the one who broke our plan,” said Chiellini, his voice laced with a mixture of admiration and frustration. “He creates on the right, middle, left, it wasn’t easy for us to stop them.”
The Italian defender went on to describe Isco’s unorthodox style, which made him an absolute nightmare to deal with on the pitch. “Most difficult thing for a defender is unpredictable players,” Chiellini emphasized, “and Isco that season… was really unstoppable.”
The Juventus stalwart recalled the team’s strategy, which had initially paid dividends in previous encounters against Real Madrid. “We’ve beaten Real Madrid with James Rodríguez as the midfielder and with three forwards, it was an offensive team, it was ‘okay, we defend really well and we score’,” Chiellini explained. However, Isco’s introduction to the fray changed the dynamic entirely.
“We could manage Gareth Bale, we’ll concede a couple of chances but we know what he’s doing… but Isco that season… it was a different story,” Chiellini mused, his words echoing the sentiments of many a defender who has had to face the Spanish maestro.
Despite ultimately succumbing to the 3-0 deficit, Juventus did manage to secure a narrow 3-1 victory in the return leg. However, the damage had already been done, and Real Madrid went on to conquer the Champions League, defeating Bayern Munich and Liverpool en route to their 13th title.
Fast-forward to the present, and Real Madrid’s season has been anything but glorious. Carlo Ancelotti’s men, bolstered by the arrivals of Kylian Mbappé and Endrick, have struggled to find their rhythm in the Champions League. For the second time in three seasons, they have won only two of their five games, scoring nine goals and conceding nine in the process.
Despite their struggles in the European competition, Real Madrid have performed admirably in La Liga, sitting second in the standings, four points behind leaders Barcelona. However, Chiellini’s assessment of Isco’s influence on their Champions League triumph is a timely reminder of the importance of adapting to the unpredictable nature of modern football. As the curtain continues to rise on this season’s Champions League, only time will tell whether Real Madrid can rediscover their mojo and reclaim their perch at the top of European football’s elite echelon.
