Villarreal coach Unai Emery repeatedly warned Juventus are ‘the favourites’ to go through and even ‘one of the candidates to win the Champions League.’
The first leg ended 1-1 and the decider for this Round of 16 is in Turin on Wednesday at 20.00 GMT.
“We proved that we are able to compete and react, equalising in the first leg, showing our quality,” said Emery in his press conference.
“That does not change the fact Juventus are one of the candidates to win the Champions League, for their history and what they represent. We want to have our say and try to prove we deserve to be here. We come to Turin intent on being protagonists.”
The away goals rule has been abolished this season in Europe, so if the two teams are level on aggregate, they will go straight to extra time and maybe even penalties.
“Without the away goals rule, I think more ties will go to extra time, so we are preparing for that eventuality. Juve are the favourites in front of their fans, they hardly ever lose and have a strong defence, plus individuals who can make the difference.
“We have to keep the ball well so that Juve don’t get it and that means being aggressive. We know they are the favourites, but we also feel confident.
“Juventus have numerous trophies and are certainly one of the top five clubs in Europe.”
Gerard Moreno is one of the players in doubt through injury, but he is working in training with his teammates today along with Raul Albiol, who missed the most recent match to nurse a muscular issue.