Juventus have their backs against the wall - and that could work in their favor because they will know they have nothing to lose as they look to turn around the 2-0 deficit against Bayern Munich in the second leg of the quarterfinals of the Champions League in Turin.
Goals from David Alaba and Thomas Muller put Bayern in command going into the final 90 minutes of the tie, and barring a major meltdown or an absolutely inspired Juve, the German champions will join rivals Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid in the semifinals.
Bayern have everything going for them at the moment. They have just sealed their 23rd Bundesliga title with a 1-0 win over Frankfurt, with six games still remaining in the season.
Such is their dominance in Germany, that it is the quickest any side have won the league in the 50-year history of the Bundesliga.
However, there was also one major aspect sticking out after the unprecedented title win -- the lack of over-the-top celebrations. That is because Bayern know the biggest prize is still quite a way away.
After their heartbreak in last year's Champions League final at the Allianz Arena, the German giants are doubly determined to put things right, and Juve will need to pull off a mini-miracle if they are to go through.
The Italians, though, do not need to look too far in the past. Barcelona thumped AC Milan 4-0 in the last-16 second leg, after going down to the Italians 2-0 in the first leg.
If the reigning Serie A champs can put in anything like that performance by Barca, they might be in with a chance; but then, they will be up against one of the best sides in Europe.
"Certainly our fans are dreaming that we can do it," Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini said.
"They've been looking forward to this game since Saturday and we can feel it, but that doesn't mean we can just go on an all-out attack, because they would hit us on the break. We have to play our usual game."
An away goal from Bayern will mean, Juventus will have to score at least four to progress; so the attacking tightrope coupled with their defensive qualities will be essential if they are to progress against all odds.
Bayern were lucky to enter the quarterfinals, after Arsenal came agonizingly close to upsetting the Germans with a brilliant performance in the second leg. Therefore, complacency will be firmly locked up back home in Germany when they take on Juve in Turin.
"Yes, we got a good result in the first leg, but we cannot sit on that," Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer said. "We've got to have the right attitude and concentrate.
"It's going to be a great atmosphere and we've got to keep our cool. We mustn't let them get many shots in and hopefully get an away goal to help us. It was definitely important to wrap up the Bundesliga title on Saturday."
Bayern will have to do without their influential playmaker Toni Kroos, who could be out for the season, while Javi Martinez returns after serving a one-match suspension.
Juve have plenty of absentees with Stephan Lichtsteiner and Arturo Vidal suspended, while Sebastian Giovinco and Nicolas Anelka are out injured. Martin Caceres though returns after recovering from a car accident in March.
Expected lineups: Juventus: Buffon; Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini; Pirlo; Padoin, Pogba, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic, Matri.
Bayern Munich: Neuer; Lahm, Van Buyten, Dante, Alaba; Martinez, Schweinsteiger; Robben, Muller, Ribery; Mandzukic.
Prediction: 2-2
