goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was the difference in
the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
Goals in either half from Gonzalo Higuain saw Juve
record a 2-0 win at the Stade Louis II on
Wednesday.
But Buffon, 39, was instrumental for the Serie A
champions, making numerous saves to put them in
control of the tie.
Jardim's team have been prolific this season, but
were unable to get past Juve and Buffon, and the
Monaco coach said the shot-stopper was key.
"Juventus started well. They were better than us in
the first 10 or 15 minutes. But then, the match was
more even," he said.
"We had more possession, we played more in their
last 30 metres. But I think that the clinical finishing
made the difference.
"Juventus had three chances and scored two goals.
With three chances, we didn't score.
"And Gianluigi Buffon produced some great saves.
Our lack of goals is because of him. He produced
two or three wonderful saves. Juventus didn't
concede a goal thanks to his efforts."
Higuain's brace leaves Monaco battling to reach
the decider ahead of the return leg in Turin next
week.
Jardim retains some belief his team can advance,
but admits their chances are slim.
He said: "I have talked to the players. It is difficult
now, but I told them that we have to believe, even if
we have only a five per cent chance to qualify for
the final.
"And the best way to keep believing is to win
against Nancy in Ligue 1 on Saturday. If we win
there, we will have more motivation for the second
match against Juventus."
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