In perhaps the biggest game of their careers to date, Atletico Madrid faces their bitter and greatest enemy in the Champions League final. Real Madrid has been chasing La Decima from 2003 and now they have a strong possibility to end that dream and make it a reality with victory in Lisbon on Saturday.
Newly crowned Spanish Champions Atletico Madrid led by their courageous and enthusiastic manager Diego Simeone, goes into battle against the much fancied Real Madrid led by the cool and calm Italian Carlo Ancelotti. It is a battle that may be full of emotions and fire as it is indeed a derby match and the last time these two met in a final, Atleti won the Copa del Rey. Ancelotti and co will be hoping that this won’t happen again.
Going into this match Real Madrid are on a high having defeated champions Bayern Munich in emphatic style with a 5-0 aggregate. Atleti on the other hand got past Chelsea with a tough 3-1 aggregate win with all the goals coming at Stamford Bridge. However, Simeone’s team has the better defensive record with six clean sheets compared to Real’s five. Ancelotti’s boys has conceded more goals letting in nine compared to six conceded by Atleti.
So far this season the teams have met four times with Atletico edging the league fixture with a 1-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeua and a 2-2 draw at home. Real however ran out 5-0 winners on aggreate in the Copa del Rey on their way to lifting that trophy. It is still in the balance because there is no advantage for any team which means only the fine details could determine the outcome of such an encounter.
Simeone should have top scorer Diego Costa fit for the clash but there are still question signs over the fitness of winger Arda Turan. There is no other injury worry or suspensions for Simeone to sweat over. Real however has Xabi Alonso suspended while Karim Benzema and Pepe are doubtful for the clash because of injury.
From a neutral standpoint it would be great to see a lot of goals in the final. However it is unlikely due to Atleti’s defensive record and the percentage of battles they tend to win. With all the money Real spent last summer they are huge favourites. It should be a very close encounter which could be decided by a mistake or a moment of brilliance. There is a hope that the referee will have a quiet game and let the players ability be the headline at the end of the game.
Yashiema Love
Senior Contributor
GIVEMESPORT Writing Academy
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