Fan Preview: Real Madrid – Champions League Final
The Champions League final is here the biggest match of the season, Real Madrid vs Juventus at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. The third Champions League final in four years for Los Blancos and an opportunity to win the Champions League title consecutively, calling this an amazing achievement would be an understatement. Zidane’s men go into the match with full confidence having just been crowned Spanish champions. The final will undoubtedly be decided by marginal details.
The final will be similar to the two Champions League finals against city rivals, Atletico Madrid. Real Madrid face the similar organized opposition that defend as a unit and attack as a unit, except for the fact that anything Atletico Madrid do defensively Juventus do it better. Allegri is expected to start: Buffon, Dani Alves, Barzaghli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Alex Sandro, Pjanic, Khedira, Dybala, Higuain, Mandzukic (5-3-2)
Real Madrid may be inferior to Juventus in the defensive aspect, but Real’s attack is more deadlier than that of Juve’s, and their midfield is a lot better than Juventus’ two man midfield of Pjanic – Khedira especially with Isco expected to start alongside Kroos, Modric and Casemiro. Juventus face a new challenge which is to attempt to contain Marcelo and Carvajal on the flanks and attempt to push Kroos, Modric and Isco out of their comfort zone. Easier said than done.
Real Madrid are going to start the match with their best starting lineup and most convincing starting lineup: Navas, Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo, Casemiro, Kroos, Modric, Isco, Benzema, Ronaldo. Marcelo and Carvajal will be occupying the flanks, while Isco will be playing between the lines and linking up the midfield to attack. Kroos and Modric will control the midfield and dictate the speed and rhythm of the team. Similarly to the semifinal tie in 2015, Juventus will be waiting for a Real Madrid mistake to attack us and take advantage having scored all three of their goals vs Real Madrid in 2015 through individual mistakes committed by Real Madrid. However since 2015 especially under Zidane, Real Madrid have changed their approach in the big matches focusing more on their defensive organization, and attempting to concede few clear cut chances. Real Madrid may not be as strong as Juventus defensively but their midfield and attack certainly makes up for that especially their attack, if they’re given just a little space they’ll hurt you with their counterattacks like we’ve seen vs Bayern and Atletico. It is too hard to pick a winner and predict the scoreline for this match. Hala Madrid! A Por La Duodecima!
Predicted lineups: Juve – Buffon, Alves, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Alex Sandro, Pjanic, Khedira, Dybala, Higuain, Mandzukic
Real Madrid – Keylor Navas, Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo, Casemiro, Modric, Kroos, Isco, Benzema, Ronaldo.
Photo Credit: Reuters
By: @Kroosology