The UEFA Champions League final holds this Saturday 28th May 2016. This all Spanish final, the 24th edition of the competition, will take place at the San Siro Stadium, Milan between Madrid rivals, Real and Atletico at 7.45pm GMT. English interest lies in the referee, Mark Clattenburg who will be in charge of the proceedings.
Both finalists have been impressive throughout the tournament; with Real Madrid, targeting an 11th European Champions League title, as expected displaying their attacking wares. While Atletico Madrid have further consolidated their now renowned defensive, high work rate and at time breath-taking counter-attacking.
Two legends of the modern game of football, Zinedine Zidane and Diego Simeone will lead out both teams as coaches. Indeed this final is a testament to the trust shown to relatively young coaches by Europe’s top clubs. Real boasts the competitions top scorer in Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 16 goals in the tournament so far, just one shy of equalling the competitions record of 17 he set the season Real Madrid won the La Decima in 2013/14 - defeating Atletico Madrid in the final then, coincidentally. In comparison, Atletico’s top scorer, Antoine Griezmann, has netted just 7 goals. But that should take nothing away from the danger the French striker poses - as he has put sword to the ambitions of several clubs with his breath-taking goals.
In the days leading to the finals, Gareth Bale came out to say no Atletico Madrid player will make the starting line-up at Real. One can only think that’s an unnecessary controversy being stirred by the Welsh superstar, who may yet have to eat his words. It does, however open a welcome debate and banter among football fans.
Recent results and history favours Atletico heading into this game. The City neighbours have quietly gone about their business - defeating Real Madrid in almost all league and cup games contested in recent memory. Also consider the Pep Guardiola factor! Every time Pep has lost a UEFA Champions League Semi-finals (Inter Milan-2010, Chelsea-2012, Real Madrid-2014 and Barcelona-2015) his conquerors have always gone on to clinch the title. Atletico defeated Bayern Munich in the semi-finals. The Atletico players, Simeone, and club’s faithful fans can only pray and wish the gods of football continue the Pep factor in their favour on Saturday.
Cristiano Ronaldo should hopefully overcome his latest injury scare to make the line-up for Saturday. Only the best deserve to play the biggest games of the season. As they say in Spain, Buena Suerte (Good luck) to both sides.
Should be a hell of a game!
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