Manuel Pellegrini felt Juventus “had luck” in their two victories over Manchester City and still hopes to top the group.
The Premier League giants won all their Champions League games this season except against Juve, who did the double.
“I think it was a good game and could’ve ended in a draw. They scored first and we had several chances to equalise,” said the manager in his Press conference.
Manuel Pellegrini felt Juventus “had luck” in their two victories over Manchester City and still hopes to top the group.
The Premier League giants won all their Champions League games this season except against Juve, who did the double.
“I think it was a good game and could’ve ended in a draw. They scored first and we had several chances to equalise,” said the manager in his Press conference.
“It is very important in this type of game to score the first goal. We were unable to take some extremely big opportunities. At the end we still maintained a certain balance throughout the match.
“It was a difficult stadium and a difficult team to face, but I am convinced we could’ve scored here if we wanted. We must wait for the last game, but in general it was not a negative performance. I think I chose the right starting XI, though it’s tough to explain the reasoning behind these decisions.”
Pellegrini was asked whether the back-to-back victories meant Juventus were a stronger side than Manchester City.
“I think both teams were similar and perhaps luck was in Juve’s favour. Manchester City played better here. Juventus have great players and many were in the Champions League Final last season.”
Juventus will now be sure of first place in the group as long as they avoid defeat away to Sevilla, who lost 4-1 to Borussia Monchengladbach today.
“The group is not finished yet, though obviously this was a very important opportunity to win the group, but now we have to wait and see what Juventus do against Sevilla.
“It will certainly be a very difficult game, because they are away from home and Sevilla absolutely must win that match if they want to enter the Europa League.”
Goalkeeper Joe Hart had to come off with an injury in the final stages.
“At the moment it is impossible to know his exact condition, perhaps it’s a back problem that he’s been carrying since last week. We need to see what the doctor says tomorrow.”