Ghana and Juventus midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah international has cited the teamââ¬â¢s response to Jimmy Briandââ¬â¢s leveller as an important factor behind tonightââ¬â¢s 2-1 success over Lyon.
Asamoah believes the Bianconeriââ¬â¢s spirited reaction to Jimmy Briandââ¬â¢s equaliser proved crucial in taking the sting out of the threat posed by Lyon tonight in Turin.
The Ghanaianââ¬â¢s boundless energy on the flank was again influential in this eveningââ¬â¢s 2-1 Europa League win over the French outfit, a result which makes Juventus the first Italian side to seal a European semi-final spot in seven years.
Speaking to the media after the final whistle at Juventus Stadium, the 25-year-old said: ââ¬ÅOur tempo dropped after going in front and we werenââ¬â¢t switched on for the corner that led to their goal.
That particular moment made it a different game, but we did well to keep possession. With the amount of matches weââ¬â¢re playing, we canââ¬â¢t always go at full pelt.ââ¬
Asamoah had no qualms about acknowledging the difficulties faced in combatting a strong Lyon side, and revealed the hard graft in training once again paid dividends.
He concluded: ââ¬ÅIt was very important for us to go through and it wasnââ¬â¢t easy. Lyon played very well, but we managed to do what weââ¬â¢d prepared in training.ââ¬