UEFA Champions League 2016/17 semi-final, Juventus 2-1 Monaco (Agg. 4-1): 5 talking points

The Juventus team celebrates going into the final of the Champions League

Ninety minutes away from a place in the UEFA Champions League final, both Juventus and Monaco set out to do battle in the 2^nd leg of their semi-final tie. With Monaco still reeling from the 2-0 defeat at the Stade Louis II, they were unable to overturn the insurmountable odds. The road to Cardiff took a definitive turn as it was Juventus who booked their place in the revered final.

Mario Mandzukic opened the scoring in the 33^rd minute after pouncing on an exquisite cross from Dani Alves. The Brazilian later decided to take matters into his own hands 10 minutes later by executing a low-drilled volley to perfection. Going into halftime, the Italians were firmly in control with a four-goal lead in hand.

After the break, Leonardo Jardim’s men tried to even the books but they could only muster up one goal in the 69^th minute. Things would stay the same until full time and the history books will record a 4-1 Juventus aggregate triumph.

Here are the biggest 5 talking points from the game.

#5 Gianluigi Buffon is still one of the best

TURIN, ITALY - MAY 09: Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus celebrates with fans after the full time whistle following victory in the UEFA Champions League Semi Final second leg match between Juventus and AS Monaco at Juventus Stadium on May 9, 2017 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images) — Gianluigi Buffon has started 523 games in his career

At the age of 38, Gianluigi Buffon is still one of the best keepers on the planet. The Italian exuberates quality, class and excellence like no other player. In a day and age where first team players are getting younger by the minute, Buffon has stood the test of time. Funnily enough, Buffon has literally been playing football longer than Kylian Mbappe has been breathing. And today he didn’t look like he’d lost even a step.

Whilst he wasn’t troubled into making many saves thanks to his defence, for a man under such intense pressure from Monaco’s forwards, Buffon was still able to complete 76% of his passes. In terms of kicking from dead ball positions, he only missed his target Mario Mandzukic on one occasion. That’s what you call pinpoint excellence at the highest level, even at the age of 38.