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

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.

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.

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.

Juventus suffered a 2-0 loss to Benfica at the Allianz Stadium. Check out the player ratings from our reporter in Turin.Perin 7 – Stunning save to keep Juve alive seconds before the half-time

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

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.

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.

After the completion of the final round of league phase fixtures in the 2024-25 edition of the UEFA Champions League, Inter are the only team who have qualified directly for the round of 16, but

Last season, after winning the Coppa Italia, Juventus decided to sack coach Massimiliano Allegri, and with the appointment of the former Bologna manager, things should have changed. Up to today, Juventus are in the race for the top four in the league and potentially in the race for a spot in the top eight of the Champions League,