Juventus produced a dire performance at home to Benfica. Juventus produced a dire performance at home to Benfica. Thiago Motta assumed full responsibility for Juventus' meek 2-0 defeat to Benfica in the Champions League, saying the Bianconeri got what they deserved. (More Sports News)
Motta's side had already secured their place in the knockout-phase play-offs going into matchday eight, but the loss in Turin saw them slip to 20th in the 36-team standings.
They will now enter the play-offs as an unseeded team, to face either Serie A rivals AC Milan or Eredivisie side PSV.
The defeat came after Juve saw their unbeaten domestic run halted by Napoli last weekend, and they were booed off by frustrated supporters at the Allianz Stadium.
"Today we didn't deserve the victory. Benfica created and finished better than us," Motta told reporters.
casino sign up bonus no deposit"Now we have to improve quickly, because on Sunday [versus Empoli] we have to play immediately.
"In Naples we played a good first half, today the first half was difficult. In the second half we did better, but not enough and they deserved to win."
Juventus attempted 17 shots to Benfica's 16 throughout the course of the game, yet their total expected goals figure stood at a mere 0.92 xG, compared to 2.4 for the visitors.
The Bianconeri have now lost five of their last eight home Champions League games, with none of their last 25 such matches finishing level (16 wins, nine defeats).
Motta refused to put the blame on individuals, saying: "After a defeat I certainly don't want to point the finger at anyone.
Akhimullah Anuar scored Malaysia's lone goal in the 34th minute. The victory gave India the lead in the standings with nine points from three successive wins.
"I'm definitely the one responsible, but the boys are trying to give their best. When there is a defeat, we are the first to be dissatisfied.
"There are things to improve quickly, because there is a game on Sunday.
"Today we lacked in the last meters. For the rest, little to saydc188, because Benfica deserved the victory."
