Champions League: Juventus held to draw at Brugge

Juventus had to settle for a 0-0 draw at Belgian side Club Brugge in a lacklustre Champions League clash on Tuesday.

Juventus, who have now drawn more than half of their 30 games in all competitions this season, are 14th in the table on 12 points.

Brugge are 17th on 11, with places from nine to 24 booking a spot in the knockout phase playoffs.

The Belgian side travel to Manchester City in their final league phase game on Jan. 29, when Juventus host Benfica.

“All the teams that have played here have had difficulties; they defend very well,” Juve coach Thiago Motta told reporters.

“We could have done better, respecting the opponent and not taking away their credit because they have caused many difficulties.

“We have suffered very little but not created enough to win,” he added.

The two sides started off cautiously and had only one attempt each in a dull first half, both off target.

The tempo increased slightly after the restart, when Brugge produced their best chance to break the deadlock through forward Ferran Jutgla.

Jutgla nutmegged defender Pierre Kalulu before his low attempt flew just wide of the left post.

Motta introduced fresh legs in the 66th minute, replacing forwards Timothy Weah and Samuel Mbangula with Francisco Conceicao and Kenan Yildiz.

But little changed in terms of overall play and, while Juventus had more possession, chances were few and far between.

Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet stretched to deny midfielder Manuel Locatelli from distance late on, saving the only goal-bound effort in the match.

“Difficult match; they prepared for it very well. They were closed but they pressed well,” Locatelli said, adding: “We could have done more”

Juventus had won three of four previous meetings between the sides, including the two most recent in the 2005-06 group stage.

The 19-time Belgian champions Brugge are unbeaten in all competitions since a 3-1 loss at AC Milan in late October.

Reuters/NAN.

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