Freiburg will host Juventus in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 return leg following a narrow 1-0 defeat – in what will be the Bundesliga club’s first home match against any Italian side in Europe. Austrian winger Michael Gregoritsch believes Freiburg can upset the odds and stage a comeback against the Bianconeri.
Speaking to the press in the pre-match conference, Gregoritsch backed his side to beat Juventus despite the visitors being favorites to win the tie.
“There is a possibility of going through. We only lost 1-0, it gives us hope even if Juventus are favorites and I can’t wait to take the field tomorrow.” (via Tuttomercatoweb)
Gregoritsch was then quizzed if he is looking forward to dueling against Angel Di Maria, who scored a belter against Nantes in the previous round.
“I will hardly have direct duels with him. He’s exceptional but there are other extraordinary players, let’s remember that without the penalty Juventus would be second. Everyone will need attention, not just him who is a world champion.”
Finally, he shed light on what awaits at the Europa Park Stadion.
“We all know how important it is to light up the stadium, we’ll have to give our all from the first minute. There’s been great euphoria in the city since the draw, playing the second leg at home against Juventus gives us the chance to make a surprise.”
Juventus have progressed from each of their last nine major European knockout ties when they’ve won the first leg, but Gregoritsch and Freiburg will look to overturn the trend midweek.
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