Leonardo Jardim praises 'incredible' Gianluigi Buffon in Monaco defeat by Juventus

Image: Buffon hasn't conceded a Champions League goal in 621 minutes

Leonardo Jardim was full of praise for Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon after Monaco were beaten 2-0 by the Italians on Wednesday.

Gonzalo Higuain's double gave Juventus victory in the Champions League semi-final first leg, putting them in a strong position ahead of Tuesday's return fixture.

Monaco manager Jardim praised Buffon, who has now gone 621 minutes without conceding in the Champions League, for making several top saves at the Stade Louis II, but says his side did French football proud.

Image: Leonardo Jardim was full of praise for Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon

"I'm really happy with my players. They gave a great impression of French football tonight. Tonight Juve started better than us, we then rebalanced the game.

"The effectiveness of Juventus and the judgments of Buffon made the difference tonight. Unluckily for us he made two or three incredible stops.

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"Their efficiency also made the difference. We didn't put away our chances tonight."

Monaco can take some comfort from the fact they are in pole position to win the French title. They are three points ahead of Paris St Germain and boast a game in hand, with Nancy their next opponents.

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"Nancy will be a key game," added Jardim. "If we can win there, that will give us motivation to launch a comeback in Turin."

Monaco's Kylian Mbappe added: "They had two chances and scored two goals, we had many and scored none, that says it all."

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