TOTTENHAM head into their mouthwatering Champions League last-16 tie against Juventus with one massive psychological advantage.
Despite the Serie A giants’ incredible recent history in the competition, they have NEVER beaten an English team over two legs.
Following the reformatting of the Champions League in 1992, Juventus were one of the most impressive sides, making it to three finals in a row from 1996 to 1998.
It used to be said that you would eventually have to overcome the Italian giants if you wanted to win the competition.
And, with two finals in the last three seasons, that statement appears just as true now.
But, despite the monumental task awaiting Tottenham, they will take hope from the impressive knock-out record English sides have enjoyed over Juventus.
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Manchester United, semi-finals, 1998-99
Ryan Giggs‘ stoppage time strike cancelled out Antonio Conte‘s opener in the first to take a fragile 1-1 to Turin.
And United looked in disarray when two Filippo Inzaghi goals inside 11 minutes put Juventus firmly in control.
However, despite picking up a booking which would ruled him out of the final, Roy Keane headed one back for the Red Devils, before Dwight Yorke gave them the lead on away goals just before half-time.
Andy Cole capped off a stunning comeback with a stoppage time goal — and United would go on to win the Treble that season.
Liverpool, quarter-finals, 2004-05
The Reds produced arguably their best 45 minutes in Champions League history as they battered favourites Juventus in a rampant first half at Anfield.
Sami Hyypia gave them an early lead, before a sensational Luis Garcia strike made it 2-0.
A Scott Carson fumble allowed Fabio Cannavaro to score a crucial away goal for the Bianconeri.
Liverpool then produced an impressive rearguard display to earn a 0-0 draw in Turin — and they, too, would become European champions that season.
Arsenal, quarter-finals, 2005-06
This was billed as Patrick Vieira‘s homecoming — but like Liverpool 12 months earlier, the Gunners produced a stunning first leg display.
Cesc Fabregas and Thierry Henry scored as Arsenal took a commanding 2-0 lead to Turin.
However, Juve’s star man Pavel Nedved had missed that clash through injury, and his return meant there was still hope of a comeback.
But Arsenal held on for a 0-0 draw, and the Czech midfielder was sent off. The Gunners would reach the final, where they lost 2-1 to Barcelona.
Juve's incredible group stage record vs English sides
DESPITE their shocking history when facing Premier League sides in knock-out rounds, Juventus have an almost flawless record in group meetings.
1996-97, Manchester United
ITALIANS beat United 1-0 home and away as Red Devils were taught a lesson in Europe.
1997-98, Manchester United
A 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford was followed by a 1-0 win in Turin — and Juventus would reach the final, despite finishing as runners-up in the group.
2001-02, Arsenal (second group phase)
DESPITE finishing bottom, their 1-0 victory over the Gunners prevented the North Londers qualiying.
2002-03, Newcastle
JUVENTUS topped the group, beating the Toon 2-0 at home — and lost 1-0 on Tyneside.
2002-03, Manchester United (second group phase)
WES BROWN and Ruud van Nistelrooy gave the Red Devils victory at Old Trafford, before a sensational Ryan Giggs solo effort helped them on their way to a stunning 3-0 win in Turin.
2012-13, Chelsea
CAME from 2-0 to draw 2-2 in London, before a crushing 3-0 defeat in Turin helped eliminate the European champions at the first hurdle.
2015-16, Manchester City
CITY may have reached the semi-finals that year, but they were beaten home and away by Juventus in their group meetings.
Chelsea, last-16, 2008-09
Juventus returned to Europe’s top table after a two-year hiatus following their relegation for match-fixing.
In their first season back, they topped a group including Real Madrid to set up a meeting with the previous year’s beaten finalists.
Didier Drogba gave Chelsea a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge in the first leg — but the Blues were teetering in the return as Alessandro Del Piero’s 74th-minute meant one more goal would see the Italians through.
However, the Ivorian was typically on hand to calm an nerves late on to make it 2-2 on the night.
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