Former Real Madrid and Juventus midfielder says the Italians can come out on top in the clash between his two old sides and reach the Champions League final.
The Old Lady visit the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday holding a 2-1 lead. If they avoid defeat, they will reach their first final since 2003 as they search for their first Champions League trophy in 19 years.
Los Blancos will be confident of turning it around, with the away goal all important. They will also be playing in front of 90,000 Madridistas roaring them on as they hope to reach their second final in two years and become the first team to retain the Champions League since it adopted its current format.
Speaking to Tuttosport, Emerson, who joined Madrid in 2006 from Juventus, said:”It will be difficult in Madrid, much more so than at Juventus, but I think in the end Juve will progress. I liked the way they played a lot. It’s a tough team. In critical moments they grow and defended well.
“Who would have thought that they would reach the semi-finals? I would look in their eyes and say to the players: ‘Nobody believed in us, now we must show that we can win the Champions League’.”
Emerson only staying in Madrid for a year, featuring 28 times. He fell out with then boss Fabio Capello and was sold to AC Milan in 2007.
