Lippi plays down controversy of Roberto Carlos goal

Juventus coach Marcello Lippi refused to get drawn into any criticism of the referee after Real Madrid's 2-1 victory over the Italians in the opening leg of their Champions League semi-final first leg.

Three Real Madrid players were standing in offside positions as Roberto Carlos cracked in what turned out to be the winner in the second half.

The linesman raised his flag but Norwegian referee Terje Hauge let the goal stand and Lippi accepted that as a judgement call.

"It was the referee's decision," Lippi shrugged at his post-match news conference. "I wouldn't want to get into any debate."

Speaking on Italian television, he added: "The linesman put his flag up as he saw three players in an offside position."

"Unfortunately, the referee interpreted that they were not interfering with play. That is his personal judgement."

Juventus defender Lilian Thuram also accepted the decision, saying the referee was probably correct in his reading of the situation.

"I think it was a goal," Thuram said. "None of the three offside players was blocking Buffon's vision."

Roberto Carlos told Italian television he doubted the three Real players were interfering with play.

"No, I don't think so," the Brazilian defender said. "It was a valid goal. The shot went straight in."

Lippi said his side remained confident of reaching the final, despite their first leg defeat.

"We played very well in the second half and I have great confidence that we can turn this around in the second leg," Lippi told reporters.

"We'll have to be alert to Real Madrid's attacking ability and make sure we don't concede a goal but in general I think it will be a similar game in the return."