Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri told his men "we still have 50% possibility in the next match"

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri warned against an overly critical reaction to his players in a hugely passionate defence of his side after their 2-2 draw with Tottenham.

Gonzalo Higuain scored twice in the first 10 minutes to put last season’s beaten finalists in command against the North Londoners in their last-16 tie.

But Harry Kane pulled a goal back and Higuain missed a second penalty, before Christian Eriksen’s free-kick ensured a pulsating contest finished 2-2.

Anticipating a media bashing towards his players after their failure to hang on, Allegri responded: “This really drives me nuts.

"The top priority of Juventus is (to win) the seventh league championships (in a row), which is a lot.

"We are making huge efforts and we are about to go through in the Coppa Italia, but if a draw like tonight you believe it could repress us that is something I don’t accept.

"We have a draw against Tottenham in Champions League and it is like a big loss. It is not like this.

"Juventus has never been favourites in this tie. We had 50% possibility before the match and we still have that after this match."