Blanc : Bring on Real Madrid

Juventus chief executive Jean Claude Blanc admits that his side will not have it easy in their Champions League group H but he is looking forward to some classic games after the Bianconeri were drawn up against La Liga champions Real Madrid as well UEFA Cup holders Zenit St Petersburg and Bate Borisov of Belarus.

The Bianconeri return to the Champions League and they face a mouth watering clash of titans against one the favourites to lift the trophy, Real Madrid.

Juventus have a mixed record against the Bernabeu side, the Italians usually lose in Spain and win back home. Blanc is pleased with the draw but he insists his side will need to show all their class if they are to go through to the next phase.

“It’s going to be a busy group and it will not be easy,” Blanc told Sky Sport Italia. “However, the pleasure of returning to Europe is great. There is a classic game against Real Madrid while the game against Zenit will represent something new for us. But this is the image of the modern game. We have to show everyone that we have returned to greatness.”

Claudio Ranieri will be keen to clash against Real as he knows them well from his coaching days in Spain. Juve are 20/1 favourites to lift the trophy and they would be a good bet as they have a history of doing well in the Champions League and they could be the surprise package this term.