Juventus – Real Madrid
Juventus meets Real Madrid in the Champions League final in Cardiff. These two giants of European football will compete for the most precious trophy in club football. Here are the key battles, who are about to decide this clash.
Juventus’ defense vs. Real Madrid’s attack
Juventus have the best defense in Europe right now. The Old Lady conceded just three goals since the start of the competition, with just one of them in the knock-out phase. Which is really impressive.
Most probably Massimiliano Allegri will once again use three players in defense – Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli. With Brazilians Dani Alves and Alex Sandro operating on the flanks.
Juventus’ defense will have a difficult task to stop Real Madrid’s spectacular attack, led by the Ballon d’Or holder Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese international performed in amazing way during the games against Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid, scoring a total of 8 goals in the crucial fixtures. If he continues to show this form in Cardiff as well, then Juventus’ defense will have a really tough times to stop him.
Because of Gareth Bale’s injury problems, it’s expected to see Isco once again taking his place in the starting XI. Which means that Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema will be leading the attack.
Khedira & Pjanic vs. Kroos & Modric
Whoever wins the midfield, wins the game. This rule is very often true in football. So we should expect a fierce battle for midfield between Juve and Real Madrid.
Real Madrid’s former player Sami Khedira and Bosnian international Miralem Pjanic are the key figures in Juventus’ midfield line. Against them there are Toni Kroos and Luca Modric, supported by the hard-working Casemiro.
Dani Alves vs. Marcelo
Two Brazilians on the flanks, who are very important for their teams. Dani Alves and Marcelo will once again meet on the pitch, remembering the days when they used to do it during the El Classico in Spain.
These two players are not just defenders for their teams, but also very valuable attackers. Whoever wins the duel between them, could win the game for his team.
These are the key battles in the game between Real Madrid and Juventus in Cardiff. One thing is for sure – it’s going to be a great night for football!