Coaches hail Del Piero display
06 Nov 2008 - 08:36:18
Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero took the plaudits after guiding his team to a superb 2-0 Champions League victory over Real Madrid in the Bernabeu.
Del Piero netted two superb strikes to down the Spanish giants and was afforded a standing ovation when he was substituted in stoppage time at the end of the game.
Juve coach, Claudio Ranieri, beamed: "The Spanish fans are fantastic and when they see a champion - and Alex didn't just score the two goals, he sacrificed himself for the team - they appreciate it.
"Del Piero took the team on to his shoulders and carried them forward. He was fantastic and is really taking on the role of the captain.
"Congratulations to the Madrid fans who gave him a standing ovation. It was fully deserved, a great gesture."
Real coach Bernd Schuster was also impressed by the response from the home side's fans, adding: "I enjoyed the ovation given to Alessandro Del Piero because he is a great player, he has proved his class and the Bernabeu recognised this fact."