UCL Final – Match Preview – Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid

UCL Final – Match Preview – Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid

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Zinedine Zidane’s men have their eyes firmly set on the prize ahead of the all Madrid affair in the UEFA Champions League final against Atletico in Milan.

It was a fight to the finish in the La Liga this season for Real, ultimately missing out on the silverware by a mere point on the final day of play. Their same-town rivals finished close behind them in third position, but both will have a hunger to get their hands on the UCL trophy.

Both teams have had an impressive run in the European competition this season, with the 2014 final re-match set to send sparks flying on and off the pitch.

Atletico Madrid are coming to Melbourne for the 2016 International Champions Cup Australia, presented by Audi.
 
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Atleti coach Diego Simeone has denied revenge plans, instead saying his side will seize the chance to once again prove their worth and highlight the improvements made.

“Opportunity is about optimism, confidence and what’s to come, and that’s what we want to show in the Champions League,” he said as reported by Eurosport.

Intensity has been the main focus for the Rojiblancos for the past four years and having already eliminated two of the top three teams in the world, they intend to continue this form in the final.

In comparison, Real Madrid had an easier run to the final, progressing past a somewhat dismal Manchester City in the second leg of their semi-final clash.

They no doubt will take this confidence to Milan, with coach Zidane hoping to continue to get the best out of his players.

READ MORE: UCL final support cast – Real Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez (Part two)

Key Battle – Cristiano Ronaldo vs Juanfran

Despite his injury and the scoreline in the 2014 final, Juanfran proved to be excellent in minimizing the influence of Ronaldo.

Indeed, it seems as though the defender has worked out a solid method to not only nullify the Portuguese star, but to also frustrate him. He has the tendency to mark him closely in the opening exchanges, often with another coming into the Atletico defence in the right-back position.

Juanfran’s speed, combined with his excellent positioning, frustrates the rhythm of Ronaldo who is often unable to cut inside from the line.

However, when the 31-year-old is on the opposing flank is where the troubles may occur for the Rojiblancos, as he is then able to move to become another central-striker.

Ronaldo is also a threat aerially, which could prove hard to control for Juanfran.

Team news

Portuguese star Ronaldo gave fans and coaches a scare earlier on in the week, after an incident in training saw him hobbling off the pitch. Yet in typical fashion, he insists he will be fit for the crucial match, much to the delight of the Madridistas.

An unfortunate absence for the side will be defender Raphael Varane, after sustaining a hamstring injury which will see him miss the Euro 2016 championships.

Luckily for Atletico coach Diego Simeone, none of his players will be sidelined. A cloud of doubt hung over Diego Godin following his thigh injury, but has recovered to full fitness just in time for the clash.

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Head-to-head

Unfortunately for the Blancos, they have only won two of their last 12 consecutive matches against Atletico in their domestic competition.

Yet, los Galacticos have won all three of their Champions League/European cup clashes with the Rojiblancos, in the1959 semi-final, the 2014 final and the 2015 quarter-final.

Atletico, on the other hand, have registered less than 30% posession in the last four UCL clashes against Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

It seems that they have more reason for concern with Real goalkeeper Keylor Navas having kept 11 clean sheets in 12 games in his UCL appearances.

Prediction

Real Madrid 2 Atletico Madrid 1

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