Asamoah: Juventus not in great shape

Ghana international Kwadwo Asamoah has conceded that Lyon outclassed them in the second leg quarter-finals of the Europa League on Thursday.

The Bianconeri won 2-1 on the night, 3-1 on aggregate, to reach the Europa League semi-finals, but the Ghanaian feels it was a difficult battle.

“It was very important for us, as it wasn’t easy. We saw in tonight’s game that it was not simple against an opponent like Lyon, who played better than in the first leg,” the 25-year-old told Sky Sport Italia.

“We were able to do some of the things we studied in training. The tempo lowered a little and we lost concentration on the corner, so that’s where the game changed a bit.

“We kept our calm and moved the ball around patiently to keep possession, as physically we’re not in great shape, so we had to make the ball work for us.

“We are playing every three or four days, so it’s not easy.”

Juventus will face Benfica in the semi-finals.