Carlos Tevez
Carlos Tevez (L) of Juventus FC scores his goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Champions League semi final match between Juventus and Real Madrid CF at Juventus Arena on May 5, 2015 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

TURIN, Italy – Carlos Tevez set up the game's first goal, and then converted a second half penalty to turn the tide as Tevez and Juventus shocked reigning Champions Real Madrid 2-1 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals.

Juventus opened the scoring in the 8th minute thanks to a beautiful move inside the box by Tevez. Tevez swept past the Los Blancos defenders and shot from the right side of the box. Iker Casillas was able to get a hand on the shot, but the ball deflected to Alvaro Morata in front of the bottom left corner of the net who easily tapped in the game's first goal.

Although there were plenty of reasons to celebrate, especially on Italian soil, Morata, the consummate professional simply walked back to the line, ready to resume play. In an ironic twist of fate, Morata became the third Spanish player to score against Real Madrid in a row.

As expected, Real Madrid would not go scoreless. Cristiano Ronaldo found the equalizer less than 20 minutes later when he headed in a cross from James Rodriguez in the left corner of the six-yard box. It was Ronaldo's 76th career Champions League goal, one more than Lionel Messi (75) who plays on Wednesday.

The momentum turned in the 56th minute when Daniel Carvajal was called for penalty on Tevez inside the box that awarded a penalty. Tevez took the shot and converted the goal giving Juve the 2-1 lead. It was Tevez's seventh Champions League goal this season, more than any other campaign combined.

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez did not start in the match, leading some people to speculate as to his future with the Spanish club. Earlier in the week, Real did not exercise their exclusivity clause in their one-year loan with Hernandez. Making the Mexican international a hypothetical "free agent" this summer. Meaning, Manchester United will retain his rights, and can loan or transfer him to whomever they please.

Gareth Bale started over Hernandez and had a pathetic 14 touches in the first half. Chicharito made an appearance in the 63rd minute as a substitute after Madrid fell behind 2-1. Needing a late goal to head home tied on aggregate, Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti subbed in the "Little Pea," but to no avail.

Despite the result, the game was pretty evenly matched throughout the contest. Possession was evenly matched and Real Madrid shot just one more time than Juventus. Juve was called for more fouls and was shown one more yellow than Real, but the match was physical on both sides.

Real Madrid will have a great opportunity to advance to their second consecutive Champions League Final eight days from now at the Bernabeau if they can keep a clean sheet and score at least one goal.

The Zebras are hoping that history repeats itself as the past six teams who have hosted the first leg of the Champions League semifinal have been able to advance to the Final.

Game Notes:
Iker Casillas and Cristiano Ronaldo made a UEFA Champions League record 54th appearance in a UCL knockout game.

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