Former Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata believes Juventus can put their comparatively poor Champions League record behind them and squeeze past the record 10-time winners and into this year’s final.

Juventus host Real in Turin on Tuesday

in the first leg of a semifinal that is likely to confirm, or dispel the theory the Italians are the weakest side in the competition.

On paper, Real are already streets ahead.

While Real swept city rivals Atletico aside 4-1 to claim their 10th crown last year, Juventus were ousted from the semifinals of the Europa League by Benfica having failed to make it past the Champions League group stages.

Indeed, the last time Juve claimed the last of their two trophies from the competition was in 1996, when they ousted Real in the quarterfinals before dominating Ajax in the final after a penalty shoot-out.

Despite Juventus also losing five finals, the gulf between the sides in terms of trophies remains immense but Madrid-born Morata said Juventus's belief they can go all the way remains intact.

"The fact Juventus haven't won the Champions League in a long time doesn't count for anything.

"We're in contention right now and we're totally focused on the job," said Morata, who switched the Bernabeu stadium for Turin last year despite being given increased playing time by former coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"We want to win the title. We’re in the semifinals and we've already shown we're among the four best sides in Europe. Let's hope we make it to the final two."