Juventus had conceded only twice in this season’s competition – and not at all in the knockout stage – but Monaco were the first to threaten them, 18-year-old Kylian Mbappé twice denied by Gianluigi Buffon, 21 years his senior.
At the other end, Higuaín flashed a volley across goal, yet Monaco failed to read the warning. Minutes later the Argentinian’s clever pass set Dani Alves away down the right flank, and his improvised back-heel returned the ball to Higuaín who supplied an assured low finish in the left corner.
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Monaco came out rather positively after the break, with Buffon down smartly to deny Radamel Falcao and then saving at the feet of Mbappé. Juve, however, came closer to the second goal as Monaco failed to clear their lines, leaving Claudio Marchisio to bear down on goal; only a smart Danijel Subašić stop kept the hosts in touch.
The reprieve was brief as Paulo Dybala released Alves down the right; once more the delivery was perfect, a deep cross inviting Higuaín to volley in from close range. Valère Germain’s late header was tipped over by Buffon as Monaco sought a response but Juve held on for a fifth clean sheet in as many games in this season’s knockout rounds.