Juventus vs Real Madrid: Seven reasons to watch tonight's Champions League semi-final

A look ahead to tonight's semi-final first leg in Turin

Cristiano Ronaldo with Carlo Ancelotti (GETTY IMAGES)

1. RETURN OF THE OLD LADY

It’s been an eventful 12 years for the Italian giants since their last Champions League semi-final. Match fixing, relegation, and now four consecutive Serie A titles, Juventus look to have now returned to the European powerhouses they once were.

2. RONALDO

Despite recent criticism at his selfish attitude on the pitch, the current Ballon D’or holder is still a superstar in the game, capable of winning any match. A relatively indifferent start to 2015, Ronaldo is seemingly back to his best, scoring a hat-trick in Real Madrid’s latest victory, against Sevilla.

3. THE GREAT WALL OF ITALY

Most defences in Europe would shudder at the thought of facing up to Ronaldo, Benzema, Rodriguez and co. However, in Chiellini, Bonucci, and Buffon, the team from Turin have one of the world’s most solid and experienced defences. Perhaps it is Real’s attack who are shuddering at the thought of facing the bruising backline of Juventus.

Juventus' goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon

4. FIRST TO DO A DOUBLE?

Since its inception in 1992, no team has ever won two Champions League titles in a row. Having claimed their La Decima last year, beating rivals Atletico, Real will be hoping to be the first side to win back-to-back crowns of the reformed European Cup. With La Liga seemingly heading to Barcelona, a Champions League triumph may be Carlo Ancelotti’s only hope of keeping his job beyond the summer.

5. PIRLO, POGBA, MARCHISIO

Although starting the game as underdogs, a central trio of Pirlo, Pogba, and Marchisio has the ingredients to cause any side in world football serious problems. Experience, youth, goals, assists, Juventus will be looking to those three to dictate much of their play. Their battle with Ramos, Kroos and Rodriguez could prove key to deciding the tie.

Pogba has been linked with a Premier League return in the summer (Getty Images)

6. BALE BACK?

Gareth Bale has endured a difficult second season at Real Madrid, often being the focal point of fans abuse despite scoring the winning goals in last year’s Copa Del Rey and Champions League. Expected to return from injury, there’s no doubt Bale has the ability to be Madrid’s match winner and get the fans at the Bernabeu back on his side.

7. TEVEZ VS BENZEMA

You could argue that neither player is their respective side's most important, however both lead the line in their eleven and are two of the world’s best forwards. Tevez, Serie A’s top goal scorer, and Benzema, a third of Real’s attacking trio have the all round game that could prove the deciding factor at who reaches this year’s final.