Atalanta and Milan wasted chances to avoid the dreaded Champions League playoffs in an intense league-phase finale. Meanwhile, Juventus slipped to another dismal European result but still locked down a knockout berth.

After Juventus were beaten at home by Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday their manager Thiago Motta said the Portuguese side were deserved winners and took the blame for the defeat.

Juventus coach Thiago Motta took full responsibility for his side's defeat against Benfica in the final matchday of the Champions League group stage.

Juventus enter Champions League Matchday 8 with a spot in the next round locked up, but if they are going to make the top eight and earn a bye into the round of 16, a lot has to go their way for them to jump 11 spots.

While Juve revolutionised their midfield in the summer transfer window, the rebuild has yet to yield the desired results. New arrivals like Teun Koopmeiners and Douglas Luiz have failed to hit the ground running. Despite shining at their previous clubs, both midfielders have struggled to adapt to the demands of playing in Turin.

Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli is not concerned by the surprising Thiago Motta choices against Benfica and assures their ‘transfer market is effectively closed’ with no sales planned.It

The upcoming game between Juventus and Empoli FC will be a matchup featuring two offensive stars. Both teams’ leading scorers (Dusan Vlahovic and Sebastiano Esposito. respectively) are

Santos's pursuit of Arthur Melo demonstrates the club's ambition. Following the signing of Neymar, the addition of Arthur would significantly strengthen their midfield and increase their competitiveness in the Brazilian league and beyond.

Two teams looking to advance face off as we continue our Champions League odds series with a Juventus-Benfica prediction and pick.

Manchester City are nearing a £58.7 million deal for Andrea Cambiaso this week. The Juventus full-back ruled himself out of their crucial Champions League match against Benfica. City had a £54.5 million offer rejected, with Juventus demanding £75.5 million, per The Mirror.

Juventus fans booed the team and urged the players to ‘show some balls’ after a poor first-half performance against Benfica at the Allianz Stadium.Juventus are 1-0 down at the break as Vangelis