IP addresses are NOT logged in this forum so there's no point asking. Please note that this forum is full of homophobes, racists, lunatics, schizophrenics & absolute nut jobs with a smattering of geniuses, Chinese chauvinists, Moderate Muslims and last but not least a couple of "know-it-alls" constantly sprouting their dubious wisdom. If you believe that content generated by unsavory characters might cause you offense PLEASE LEAVE NOW! Sammyboy Admin and Staff are not responsible for your hurt feelings should you choose to read any of the content here. The OTHER forum is HERE so please stop asking.
Robben: I will be ready for Champions League semi-finals
By Stefan Coerts
Apr 22, 2015 08:19:06
The Dutchman has spent the past four weeks on the sidelines due to injury, but he could make his eagerly-awaited comeback inside the next fortnight
Bayern Munich attacker Arjen Robben is optimistic about his recovery and is confident he will be match fit in time for the Champions League semi-finals.
The Netherlands international picked up an abdominal problem in his side's defeat at the hands of Borussia Monchengladbach back in April and has since been out of action.
Robben consequently missed a number of big games, including the Champions League quarter-final tie against Porto.
The winger is edging closer to his comeback, though, and expects to be back in action within two weeks' time.
"I returned to the training pitch on Monday and did some running exercises," Robben told NOS.
"I read somewhere that I was already sprinting again, but they must have been blinded by the sun or something when they were watching me.
"My recovery is going according to schedule. The doctor told me I would be sidelined for six weeks. It's been four weeks now, so two to go... I can only say that things are going very well.
"I was already hoping Bayern would turn things around versus Porto. This gives me a chance to return for the semi-finals."
Robben then went on to voice his disappointment with the departure of club doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt, who resigned last week.
"His departure is a sad thing and comes at a bad moment for us. But these kinds of things happen. I just want to be fully recovered when I return. I don't want to endure any setbacks."
Carlo Ancelotti's Madrid future at stake against Atletico
Apr 22, 2015 09:00:00
EXCLUSIVE: The Italian will leave the Bernabeu at the end of the season if his side fail to knock out their city rivals on Wednesday, regardless of what happens in La Liga
By Alberto Pinero in Madrid
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti will go into Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final clash with Atletico knowing his future at the Santiago Bernabeu is on the line.
Ancelotti led Madrid to four titles in 2014 as the club claimed the Copa del Rey, the Champions League, the Uefa Super Cup and the Club World Cup, but 2015 has been more difficult for the Italian. Barcelona now lead La Liga and European elimination is a distinct possibility after seven games without a win against Atleti.
The last of those came in a goalless draw at the Vicente Calderon last Tuesday as Madrid failed to make their pressure count in the teams' first-leg encounter in the last eight of the Champions League.
The 55-year-old had a fully-fit squad at his disposal for that game, but has lost Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Luka Modric to injury ahead of the second match, while Marcelo is suspended for the Bernabeu return.
Despite those difficulties, Goal understands Madrid will look for a new coach this summer if the club are knocked out by Atletico, regardless of what happens in the last six rounds of La Liga.
Madrid trail Barca by two points in the Primera Division, but face tough fixtures against Sevilla away from home, Valencia at the Bernabeu and Celta Vigo in Galicia, while Barca's run-in looks less complicated aside from a derby date at Espanyol this weekend.
Club president Florentino Perez came out last month to deny Ancelotti would be sacked if Madrid lost the Clasico clash at Barcelona (which they later did), but refused to ratify the Italian beyond the summer and, like last season, success against Atletico in the Champions League now looks like being decisive.
"We are missing some important players but it's impossible for us to be more motivated than we are. We have to live with injuries. We did it in the past and it will not hurt our confidence," Ancelotti said at Tuesday's pre-match press conference.
And he added: "We have the best squad in the world."
That is an opinion shared by the club's board and if Real fall short against Atletico again, the Italian knows there will be no excuses. The writing will be on the wall.
SPECIAL REPORT: The France forward misses the derby with ligament damage in his knee but Real did not discover the full extent of the problem until he pulled up on Friday
By Alberto Pinero in Madrid
Real Madrid failed to detect the full extent of the injury suffered by Karim Benzema in last week's Champions League quarter-final against Atletico until he pulled out of Friday's training session.
Benzema limped off in the goalless draw at the Vicente Calderon last Tuesday after hurting his knee and was replaced by Isco in the second half.
The France forward underwent tests with Madrid the following day, but those examinations did not show any serious damage and the club doctor ruled out further checks.
The striker's injury was confirmed as a simple sprain, but Benzema felt discomfort in training again on Friday and was withdrawn from the session immediately.
Ruled out of the game against Malaga, coach Carlo Ancelotti assured his centre-forward would be ready to face Atleti on Wednesday but fresh tests showed the 27-year-old has ligament damage and Madrid finally confirmed the extent of his injury in a medical report on their website on Tuesday.
"Following tests carried out on Karim Benzema at the La Moraleja Sanitas Hospital by Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been found to have a sprain to the medial collateral ligament of his right knee," a statement read. "His situation will be monitored."
That was almost a week after the initial injury and valuable time was lost which could have been used for the player to get himself fit for the crucial Champions League clash.
However, midfielder Luka Modric is out for six weeks with a similar injury and Benzema would have been unlikely to make it back in time for the second leg against Atleti even if the full extent of the problem had been identified earlier.
Nevertheless, at this stage of the season and with several other players sidelined, important time was lost due to an oversight by the medical team and it remains unclear how long the France forward will be out.
"Benzema got injured on Tuesday and on Friday it seemed as if he was alright," Ancelotti said on Tuesday when asked about the situation. "He tried to work on Saturday and Sunday, but he didn't improve.
"He has a sprain. Nobody was confused. He just has quite a serious injury and he hasn't been able to recover."
The experienced attacker has admitted that Lauren Blanc's men are not on the same level as the Catalans, whom he expects to go all the way this term
Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic expects Barcelona to win the Champions League after the Catalans swept his team aside in the quarter-finals.
Two goals from Neymar either side of half-time helped Barcelona to a 2-0 win at Camp Nou on Tuesday, just six days after the Catalans had recorded a 3-1 victory in their first-leg encounter with the Ligue 1 titleholders at the Parc des Princes.
Ibrahimovic had no complaints about the result, conceding that Luis Enrique's men were a class above PSG.
"We have to be realistic, Barcelona were simply better than us," the former Blaugrana attacker told reporters in Catalunya. "They were the better team and deserved their win.
"They will probably go on to win the Champions League now."
PSG's quarter-final exit means they will have to wait at least another season for European glory, but Ibrahimovic thinks it could very well take them even longer to conquer the continent.
"As for PSG, it is not possible to win the Champions League on the short term," the Sweden international added. "We have taken several big steps forward in recent years and were eliminated by a superb team.
"But it is not worth lying about it or hiding behind excuses. Reality is that PSG are not at the level to win the Champions League yet."
Champions League success would show Juventus are back, says Buffon
By Stefan Coerts
Apr 22, 2015 11:21:12
The veteran shot stopper believes his side's performances this campaign prove that they are on the right track to re-establishing themselves as a major force
Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon feels reaching the Champions League semi-finals at the expense of Monaco would be confirmation that the Serie A champions are once again a force to be reckoned with in Europe.
Massimiliano Allegri's men recorded a 1-0 win the first leg of the quarter-final tie with the Ligue 1 outfit last week and, a year after being knocked out at the group stage, the Bianconeri are hoping to seal their place in the last four at the Stade Louis II on Wednesday.
"Reaching the semi-finals would show that Juventus are coming on leaps and bounds and also display that we’re ‘back’ on the European stage," Buffon said at a press conference.
"This is perhaps the most significant aspect, which heightens the responsibility and pride felt at being here.
"I hope to win the Champions League sooner or later, because it’s an achievement that I’ve personally missed out on and one that Juve have gone too long without winning.
"I have no idea when it will happen, but I hope it will be as soon as possible.
"Monaco have what it takes to overturn the scoreline, but we’re also confident in our own abilities.
"We’ve shown ourselves to be reliable performers up until now, but success also depends on how good the club and backroom staff are. The coach’s done really well to immediately get on the same wavelength as us."
Juve have not been crowned champions of Europe since defeating Ajax on penalties in 1996. The Bianconeri were beaten in the next two finals, by Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, and were also defeated in the 2003 tournament decider, by compatriots AC Milan.
Real Madrid 1-0 Atletico Madrid (agg 1-0): Chicharito the hero as holders march on
Apr 22, 2015 21:37:00
The Mexican tucked home Cristiano Ronaldo's pass to seal the win in the derby after Arda Turan had been shown a red card
Real Madrid kept their Champions League defence alive as Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez scored in the closing minutes to seal a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
Chicharito was only playing due to the injury crisis at Madrid but, after missing several chances, the striker proved to be the European champions' match-winner as he settled a feisty encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Mexico international was on hand to apply a simple finish after being set up by Cristiano Ronaldo to ensure Real beat Diego Simeone's side for the first time since winning the Champions League final in Lisbon last May.
Spanish champions Atleti had not lost to their neighbours in seven matches this season, but were made to pay for showing a lack of ambition over two legs and their task was not helped when Arda Turan was shown a second yellow card 14 minutes from time.
The tie looked destined for extra-time until Chicharito took centre stage, finally popping up with the solitary goal over two legs as Real stayed in the hunt for a Champions League and Liga double.
Chicharito made only his seventh start for Madrid, while Dani Carvajal, Fabio Coentrao and Raphael Varane also came in with Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Luka Modric injured and Marcelo suspended. Sergio Ramos was moved into midfield.
Atleti striker Mario Mandzukic was passed fit to lead the line, while Saul was preferred to captain Gabi in midfield and Miranda returned to the starting line-up.
Chicharito was presented with an early opportunity to mark his rare start with a goal, but fired a poor finish wide of the near post from a tight angle.
Ronaldo then dragged a left-footed strike off target as Real enjoyed plenty of possession, but Atleti were typically well organised and hard to break down.
Jan Oblak made a string of saves to frustrate Real in the first leg and the Slovenia goalkeeper made another fine stop to thwart Ronaldo a minute before half-time when the Portugal forward was sent clear after Mandzukic had been dispossessed.
Real had been lacking the sort of incisive passes that Modric usually provides, but Chicharito could have no complaints with the service when Isco picked him out with a sublime pass and he blazed a shot wide of the far post three minutes after the break.
There was a nervous moment for the home side when Turan went down under pressure from Sergio Ramos, playing in midfield, but there did not appear to be any contact and referee Felix Brych waved play on.
Ramos then made his presence felt at the other end when he rose well to meet Ronaldo's cross, but planted a powerful header straight at Oblak.
Raul Garcia replaced the in-form Antoine Griezmann and the substitute was left holding his head when he was shown a yellow card that ensures he will miss Atleti's next European match.
And referee Brych brandished another significant yellow card 14 minutes from time in the direction of Turan, who caught Ramos late and was given his marching orders having already been booked.
Oblak came to Atletico's rescue yet again when he came out to narrow the angle and make a fine save to deny Chicharito after the striker had turned Diego Godin sharply.
The Manchester United loanee was not to be denied, though, finally scoring the only goal over the two legs by sweeping home with his right foot from inside the area after Ronaldo had teed him up.
Monaco 0-0 Juventus (agg 0-1): Allegri's men scrape through to semi-finals
Apr 22, 2015 21:37:00
A stalwart Bianconeri backline restricted the Ligue 1 side to few clear-cut chances and secured a place in the last four of the Champions League
Juventus are through to the Champions League semi-finals after their 0-0 draw with Monaco on Wednesday secured a 1-0 aggregate win.
Arturo Vidal's first-leg penalty proved crucial in the tie as Massimiliano Allegri's men booked an elusive semi-final berth, having fallen short at the quarters three times since their run to the final 12 years ago.
Allegri's men were made to work hard for their progression by a Monaco side that had shocked Arsenal in the previous round and conceded just twice at home in this season's competition.
Geoffrey Kondogbia went close twice before the break while Leonardo Jardim's side saw penalty appeals turned down when the midfielder went down in the box.
That pressure continued after the break with Juve surprisingly sluggish on the counterattack in their bid to kill off the tie.
Monaco ultimately ran out of steam towards the end of a low-key second leg as Juve displayed typical defensive strength to stay on course for a domestic and continental treble.
The hosts were perhaps made to pay for a first half that saw them make most of the running. Kondogbia flashed a fierce drive wide in a purposeful start before testing Gianluigi Buffon again from range 19 minutes in.
A series of fouls from both sides also punctuated play although Jardim's men should perhaps have had a penalty when Kondogbia appeared to be bundled over inside the area.
Vidal and Giorgio Chiellini clumsily sandwiched the Frenchman but Scottish referee William Collum waved away protests.
Carlos Tevez offered a reminder of Juve's threat with a shot narrowly wide from distance prior to the interval.
Throwing caution to the wind, Jardim introduced Dimitar Berbatov for Jeremy Toulalan at the interval and Monaco almost took the lead when Buffon flapped at a Joao Moutinho cross – though Patrice Evra was on hand to clear the loose ball.
Buffon redeemed himself to come out and save from Berbatov after Juve lost possession in overplaying at the back.
Juve gradually began to bring more composure to their game and kept hold of the ball well after the hour as they sought to see out the result and frustrate their hosts.
Allegri's men could have wrapped up the tie in the dying embers when Andrea Pirlo's free-kick grazed the crossbar a minute from time.
But any late Monaco surge failed to materialise, keeping Juve on course to add European silverware to their domestic dominance.
Unlikely hero Hernandez saves Madrid's season - and Ancelotti's job
Apr 22, 2015 22:45:00
COMMENT: The Mexican striker sealed a precious win for Real with a late strike against Atletico at the Santiago Bernabeu to keep hopes of a second successive trophy alive
By Ben Hayward | Spanish Football Writer
It was a typical opportunistic finish from Javier Hernandez. The Mexican's scuffed strike from close range slotted past two rival defenders and into an empty net. It won't win any awards, but it was enough to settle an extremely tense derby duel, save Real Madrid's stuttering season and probably Carlo Ancelotti's job as well.
Madrid came into this match having failed to beat Atleti in any of the last seven derbies disputed in 2014-15. They were depleted too as Marcelo missed out through suspension and injuries left Luka Modric, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema sidelined.
Without a like-for-like replacement for Benzema, Ancelotti was down to the bare bones and Chicharito, who has spent most of the season on the Bernabeu bench, was given a rare opportunity to show what he can do in place of the absent France forward.
"He can't fail," former Madrid and Mexico striker Hugo Sanchez said before this game. "If the midfield works, he will have a chance and he must take it."
And he did, albeit after missing several other opportunities. Unlike the more technical but languid figure of Benzema (who, incidentally, has scored only once in 15 appearances against Simeone's side), Chicharito was everywhere in this one, making himself a nuisance throughout.
The Mexican had given glimpses of his worth against Malaga at the Bernabeu on Saturday, setting up a goal for Cristiano Ronaldo and running tirelessly to cause problems for the visitors.
That performance raised optimism among Blancos followers and many Madrid fans were confident ahead of this game that the Mexican would win it - despite their recent record in the capital clash.
And he didn't disappoint, his cute finish giving Atleti no time to react while keeping alive Madrid's hopes of a second successive Champions League crown. He also eased pressure on Ancelotti, who will be unlikely to keep his job beyond the summer unless Madrid can claim La Undecima - an 11th European Cup.
"I have to congratulate him," Ancelotti said afterwards. "He has had a difficult year, but he has fought and he has suffered. He deserves it."
And the Italian added: "Atletico are a strong rival, very strong. I have a lot of respect for them and they have beaten us several times. So I knew it would be difficult."
That was an understatement. Madrid threw everything at Atleti, but again came up against the imposing figure of Jan Oblak in the visitors' goal and, with the magic of Modric missing from their midfield, they found it incredibly hard to break down Simeone's side - just as they had done in previous derbies.
But over the two games, Madrid came closer, looked likelier to score, played most of the football and managed to match the intensity of their rivals this time. That was absolutely key and with time to recover injured players ahead of the semi-finals, Ancelotti's side remain a huge threat in the last four of this competition.
And it's all thanks to Chicharito. Sometimes an unlikely hero can be crucial to winning the biggest prizes and on this occasion, that man was Hernandez. The Mexican, who prays whenever he enters the pitch, has kept the faith through tough times and he delivered when it mattered most. Madrid and Ancelotti have much to thank him for.
Ancelotti hails Chicharito after late show puts Madrid through
Apr 22, 2015 21:51:00
The former AC Milan boss described the stand-in striker as "a fantastic solution" as he took his opportunity to shine with Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale injured
Carlo Ancelotti described Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez as a "fantastic solution" after the Mexican grabbed a late winner to edge Real Madrid into the Champions League semi-finals at the expense of Atletico.
After more than 178 minutes of goalless, attritional football across the two legs, Chicharito got on the end of a Cristiano Ronaldo pass to slide the ball home and end 10-man Atleti's resistance in the dying minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The goal left the visitors, for whom Arda Turan was sent off 12 minutes earlier, with little time to muster a response.
Ancelotti had spoken beforehand of having solutions within his squad to the problems posed by the absences of Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Luka Modric.
And in on-loan Manchester United man Chicharito, he struck gold.
"He was a fantastic solution," the Italian said with a smile. "He played really well and with great intensity. He deserved it as he has hasn't played a lot this season. When I told him he was playing he was ready. He was really professional, I am happy for him."
Chicharito limped off shortly after his goal but Ancelotti played down any serious injury concerns.
"It is nothing special," he added. "He was tired. He is not used to playing 90 minutes."
Defending champions Madrid arguably merited their place in the last four after being the more proactive side in the return having dominated the first leg for long spells at the Vicente Calderon.
"We played a very good game," Ancelotti told Sky Sports. "We had good control of the game from the beginning, good possession. We didn't give them the chance to counterattack. We were strong from set-pieces and we found a solution."
Turan's red card, which came about after he picked up a second yellow for a high foot on Sergio Ramos, was an obvious turning point in a fractious affair but Ancelotti insisted there was a lot to admire about the players' conduct.
"Of course, to play with 10 men is more difficult. I don't know if it's right or not, it was the ref's decision. It was a game with intensity but the players showed good fair play."
Madrid will go into Friday's draw as third favourites behind Barcelona and Bayern Munich and Ancelotti was not willing to make any bold claims about his side's chances.
"We will try, it won't be easy, same as last year. When you're in the semis anything can happen, we are competitive of course, we try to do our best."
Simeone: We controlled the game until the red card
Apr 22, 2015 23:08:00
The Argentine hailed his players' efforts despite Atletico going out of the Champions League against their city rivals
Diego Simeone felt his Atletico side were in control of the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final with Real Madrid until Arda Turan’s red card swung it in the hosts' favour.
Turan was dismissed for a second yellow card with 14 minutes to go at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the tie goalless and seemingly heading for extra time.
The sending-off rejuvenated Madrid who grabbed an 88th-minute winner through Javier Hernandez to squeeze Carlo Ancelotti's men into the semi-finals.
And while Simeone refused to criticise Turan for the red card, he admitted it was a game-changer.
“There’s no sense in talking about Arda’s red card, it will change nothing,” he said at the post-match press conference. “But until then we were controlling the game.”
Despite the defeat, Simeone was full of praise for his players.
“We competed well, I am proud,” he added. “We have a team of men who work, have pride and I am very grateful. Except the first 10 minutes when we did not play well, I don't think it was a bad game. The other team had the ball but we had the feeling we covered the gaps very well.
“If you lose giving everything then you must be happy. When the team works like today, I have nothing to say. There are many coaches that envy me for having this team. We congratulate our rivals and now we have to think about the game against Elche on Saturday,
Buffon warns Juventus: We haven't won anything yet
Apr 22, 2015 22:10:00
The goalkeeper says eliminating Monaco from the Champions League was much harder than beating Borussia Dortmund but says the semi-finals alone are not an achievement
Gianluigi Buffon has warned his Juventus team-mates that they have "not won anything yet" after reaching the Champions League semi-finals.
The Serie A champions held a slender 1-0 lead over Monaco heading into Wednesday's last-eight second leg at the Stade Louis II and were able to hold Leonardo Jardim's men to a goalless stalemate to secure a spot in the next phase.
Buffon, who has reached his first Champions League semi-final since Juve were runners-up in 2002-03, says the Ligue 1 side posed a sterner test than Borussia Dortmund in the last round but is thrilled to be among the best four in Europe once again.
"I've had to wait a while to return to this stage of Europe!" the Italian goalkeeper told Mediaset Premium. "But, given how difficult our path here has been, it's even more enjoyable.
"However, we have not won or achieved anything yet, we just wanted to get to the semi-finals at all costs. The opportunity was waiting for us, though tonight there was a lot more tension than in the second leg against Borussia Dortmund in the last round [which Juve won 3-0 at Signal Iduna Park].
"Monaco were trickier and we only had a small advantage. Every little mistake that we made could have cost us dearly, but we're through."
Juventus join Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona in the final four of the Champions League, with the draw to take place on Friday at 12:00CET.
Allegri: Juventus had to be ugly to get to the semi finals
Apr 22, 2015 22:49:00
The coach conceded that his side reached the last four of the Champions League with a very unattractive style of play, but has no regrets
Massimiliano Allegri has defended Juventus' unattractive style in Wednesday's Champions League clash with Monaco, stating they were willing to do anything to get into the Champions League semi-finals.
The Bianconeri had not reached the last four of the European competition in 12 years and took no risks in Wednesday's quarter-final second leg by shoring up their defence as they held Monaco to a stalemate at the Stade Louis II, winning 1-0 on aggregate.
The result puts them in the last four where they will meet one of Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid, and Allegri made no apologies for the way his team played to get there.
"The objective was simply to reach the semi-finals," he told Mediaset Premium. "We might not have played very attractive football, but it’s difficult to take on Monaco and we made many technical mistakes.
"I think it was a good performance defensively, as we allowed almost nothing to Monaco. At the end of the day, the result counts for more than the performance.
"We knew that we had to score to be sure and had two chances before the break where we could’ve done better. We didn’t make the most of other opportunities, but we also ran very few risks in defence."
Juve now await Friday's semi-final draw and Allegri does not expect to be using anything like the same tactics he deployed to see off les Rouges et Blancs.
"These are the three biggest teams in Europe," the former AC Milan boss added. "I can definitely guarantee it will be a completely different game against any of these sides than with Monaco."
Champions League draw: Barcelona versus Bayern Munich, Real Madrid against Juventus
Apr 24, 2015 11:25:08
The Bundesliga champions meet the Catalans in the semi-finals, while the titleholders face Massimiliano Allegri's outfit
Barcelona were paired with Bayern Munich in Friday's Champions League semi-final draw in Nyon, while Real Madrid will have to deal with Juventus.
Luis Enrique's side cruised past Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals to book their ticket for the final four, while the Bundesliga outfit pulled off a fine comeback to see off Porto.
The semi-final encounter sees Bayern coach Pep Guardiola return to the club where he enjoyed so much success between 2008 and 2012.
The sides last met in the Champions League in 2012-13, when Bayern recorded a 7-0 aggregate win in the semi-finals on their way to European glory. Barca proved to be the stronger of the two in 2008-09, recording a 5-1 win on aggregate in the quarter-finals.
Holders Madrid previously locked horns with Juventus in the group stages in 2013-14, with the Santiago Bernabeu side beating the Italians 2-1 at home and then recording a 2-2 draw in Turin in the second encounter. Juve and Madrid also met in the semi-finals in 2002-03, when the Serie A side emerged victorious, while Madrid beat the Italian champions in the final in 1997-98.
The first leg will be played on 5/6 May, with the second leg scheduled for 12/13 May.
The final will take place at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on June 6.
Juventus have a chance to make history, says Nedved
By Harry West
Apr 24, 2015 13:45:09
The former Czech Republic star admits the team did not expect to be such a strong position to win the treble but says they must relish facing Real Madrid
Juventus have the chance to make history after drawing Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals, club legend and current board member Pavel Nedved claims.
Massimiliano Allegri's side booked their place in the semi-finals by edging past Monaco 1-0 on aggregate - Arturo Vidal's penalty in the first leg in Turin proving the difference between the two sides.
Juve, winners of this competition in 1985 and 1996, have not reached this stage since 2003, when they defeated Real 4-3 on aggregate before losing to AC Milan on penalties in the showpiece at Old Trafford.
Nedved was part of that side, although he missed the final due to suspension following an accumulation of bookings.
"We want to do something great and historic for Italian football and we will try our best," he told Sport Mediaset.
"We will go and play our own game fairly and do our part, we want to enjoy it. We weren't expecting to be 15 points clear in the league, in the semi-final of the Champions League and in the Coppa Italia final."
Juve may well head into the game with a rare tag of underdogs, but Nedved is keen for confidence to remain high.
"It's crazy to talk about the opposition being better," he added.
"We must play the same way we always have, we have a chance and they will be two fantastic matches."
'Juventus vs Real Madrid is great news for football'
Apr 24, 2015 12:13:52
Former Spain striker Emilio Butragueno is hoping the likes of Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale will be fit for the first leg next month
Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno believes Juventus' return to prominence in the Champions League is "great news for football".
Madrid were paired with Juve in Friday's semi-final draw after the Bianconeri reached the last four for the first time since 2003.
Butragueno is delighted to see Massimiliano Allegri's men challenging once more for European football's biggest prize.
He said: "It's an honour playing a semi-final in the most prestigious competition. Juventus are a legendary club. It's great news for football and for this competition that Juventus return to this level."
Juve edged past Monaco in the quarter-finals while a late Javier Hernandez goal was enough to see Madrid overcome city rivals Atletico.
Madrid went into the second leg of that game without Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale and Butragueno is hopeful the pair can return in time for the opening game against Juve on May 6.
"It is a very balanced tie, we played against them and they are very competitive," he added. "Hopefully we can recover our injured players so we can face this tie in the best shape possible. "
Both the experienced defender and team-mate Giorgio Chiellini say the focus must be on the derby clash with Torino and not the tie against Real Madrid
Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli says he will not allow himself to start thinking about the prospect of facing Cristiano Ronaldo just yet.
The Serie A leaders have been drawn against holders Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals in a repeat of the last-four clash from 2003.
Ronaldo scored three times in the two group games against Juventus last season but Barzagli is confident the collective efforts of his team can nullify the Portugal star - though he says now is not the time to start planning for the tie.
"I don't want to think about it too much. We must think of Torino first," he told Sky when asked about meeting Ronaldo.
"It will be a great challenge. We knew we would have to play a strong opponent anyway. We don't start as favourites but we'll play without fear.
"They have a squad of great players. Juve's strength is not the defence, but the collective. We help each other out on the pitch."
Giorgio Chiellini, meanwhile, admits battling to win the treble is taking its toll this season but is confident they can cause problems for Madrid.
"It will be difficult, of course - we face the reigning champions, a team full of phenomenal players. But we can put them in trouble," he told the club's official website. "We need two great performances.
"Playing on three fronts is difficult because there are a lot of commitments and you spend a lot of energy. But we have not achieved anything yet and now we have to be good to win as much as possible.
"We have to forget the excitement of the Champions League and focus on the derby."
Real Madrid must be at their best against 'legendary' Juventus - Ancelotti
By Joe Wright
Apr 24, 2015 14:30:50
The Italian coach has called on the Santiago Bernabeu support to roar his side to victory against his former club
Carlo Ancelotti says Real Madrid must recapture their very best form if they are to beat the "legendary" Juventus in the Champions League semi-finals.
The holders have been drawn against the champions of Italy in a repeat of the 2003 last-four encounter, in which Juve triumphed 4-3 on aggregate.
Ancelotti believes his players will need to repeat the standards they hit in the last round against city rivals Atletico if they are to overcome a side he coached between 1999 and 2001.
"Juventus are a club that have a legendary history and are returning to a semi-final after 12 years," Ancelotti told Real Madrid TV. "They are having a very good season and have practically won the Italian league. That means they can focus more on the Champions League.
"We are confident that we can follow our dream, which is to reach another final after last year. We need Real Madrid to be at their best to win, we need the same side that played against Atletico, with the same enthusiasm and hope. We have a lot of confidence."
Ancelotti has urged the crowd at the Santiago Bernabeu to get fully behind the team as they aim to secure a final spot against either Barcelona or Bayern Munich.
"The fans helped us a lot last year in the semi-finals against Bayern, with a fantastic atmosphere. They also helped in these quarter-finals, the atmosphere was amazing at the Bernabeu and they had the same enthusiasm as us.
"Everything went well and I hope things continue that way in the semi-finals."
The ex-Blaugrana coach is eagerly anticipating the Champions League semi-final, though he thinks the Bavarians have a tough nut to crack
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has branded Barcelona the "strongest" after the two teams were paired together in Friday's Champions League semi-final draw.
The 44-year-old guided Barcelona to numerous trophies between 2008 and 2012 before taking a one-year sabbatical.
The upcoming Champions League tie will be Guardiola's first return to Camp Nou with another club and he has nothing but respect for his former team.
"Obviously, Barcelona were one of the options. I have enjoyed a lot of success at Barca, but I am very happy to be here at Bayern. It's fine for me. Barcelona are of course the best out there," the Spaniard said at a press conference.
"I am grateful to get this chance to return to Barcelona with Bayern. It is something very special.
"I cannot say anything bad about Barcelona. I have nothing but respect for Barca. I will never forget these two games.
"We will need the entire team to beat Barcelona. Believe me, they are the strongest.
"I am very happy for Luis Enrique. He is a great coach and a fine human being.
"Barcelona's mentality and philosophy has not changed. They are still very much the same team."
Bayern and Barca last met in the Champions League in 2012-13, when the German champions recorded a 7-0 win on aggregate.
Luis Enrique: Guardiola's style and success make him the best
By Joe Wright
Apr 24, 2015 16:06:51
The Barcelona boss is relishing the Champions League clash with Bayern but says Saturday's derby with Espanyol is currently the only game that matters
Pep Guardiola's trophy wins - and the style with which he achieved them - make him the best coach in the world, according to Luis Enrique.
Guardiola is set to return to Camp Nou for the first time since stepping down as Barcelona boss in 2012 after his Bayern Munich side were drawn against the Liga leaders in the Champions League semi-finals.
Luis Enrique feels it will be a special occassion to face his old team-mate but is determined to win both legs and secure a place in the final.
"Guardiola is the best because he has won so many titles, because of the way he did it, and because he’s adapted to another country with a very difficult language and he's implanted his ideas," he told a press conference.
"We have played 10 matches in the Champions League and won nine. We will be out to win both at home and away. Our approach is clear."
Luis Enrique insists, however, that the only game which matters is Saturday's Catalan derby against Espanyol, with Barca aiming to maintain their lead at the top of the table.
"There is only one game and it's the one this Saturday. It's a derby, with everything that it means for the fans. It's a key day for us," said the former Celta Vigo boss.
"Espanyol are defending well. They defend as a unit and we will have to have a good day to get past them. I worry about their transition and Sergio Garcia, who we know well and is their most talented player. It's a great match-up.
"We will be very intense because this match requires it."
Title rivals Real Madrid face a trip to Celta on Sunday having now closed the gap to Barca to two points, but Luis Enrique says he expects more points to be dropped before the season is out.
The Camp Nou coach added: "This is the final stretch and the team's mood is key. I see them in a very positive dynamic.
"I think the top teams will drop some points and hopefully it won't be us. On ability alone we can win, but it is going to be very difficult."
The Bayern Munich midfielder says it will be an honour to return to his old stomping ground when they take on Barcelona in the Champions League
Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago is looking forward to returning to Camp Nou to take on Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals.
The two sides were drawn against each other on Friday, with the midfielder and coach Pep Guardiola coming up against their old side for the first time.
Thiago, who joined Barca at 14 before spending four years in the first team, is "honoured" to get another chance to play in the iconic stadium.
"Any other opponent would also have been very tough, but it’s an honour to play at Camp Nou," he said.
"We’ll do everything we can to get through and play for the European crown in Berlin."
Bayern demolished Barca 7-0 on aggregate in the last four on their way to European glory in 2012-13, but Manuel Neuer believes those results count for nothing heading into this tie.
"We were always going to be drawn against a big name. There are no easy opponents in the semis, it’s all or nothing as of now," he said. "We enjoyed it in the 2013 semi-finals against Barcelona and won both games comfortably, but it’s a completely new situation now and we’ll need two top performances if we’re to make the final."
Barcelona will host the first leg on May 6, with the return leg taking place on May 12.
