It seems only yesterday that these two teams met in Champions League with Ramos’ last gasp equaliser proving the difference and Real Madrid went onto claim La Decima.
It’s going to be a battle for the ages, the best defensive team versus the most expensive attack in the world. You hear many coaches saying that defence wins you championships, and it’s hard to argue with this statement.
However, Real’s attacking firepower can take the game away from Atletico in a heartbeat.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid have had a relatively easy run to the Champions League final drawing Wolfsburg, Man City and Roma. However, despite the ease of the ties they have struggled, being 2-0 down to Wolfsburg and only beating City 1-0 over two legs.
Do they have what it takes to beat a big team on the big stage?
You’d be silly to discount Real in a final, that’s where they thrive. The team is full of stars who are used to the spotlight. They did what was asked of them, to beat the teams they were drawn against, regardless of the manner they won they nevertheless made the final.
As the saying goes, anything can happen in a final, history goes out the window and form goes out the window. It becomes about will and desire.
Real possess two of the most deadly players in Ronaldo and Bale, both can win a game for Real at any moment. Against the well disciplined and structured defence of Atletico it might just be up to either Cristiano Ronaldo or Gareth Bale to win it for Madrid with a moment of brilliance. Their talent might just be the difference between in the final result.
Ronaldo has often been criticised for being a big player against small teams, and non-existent against big teams. He’s proven this year already that his drive and determination can pull Real out of the depths.
His presence and fire to win could be the driving force behind a spirited Real performance.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico are seemingly the complete opposite to Real. Atletico are built from the defence, and have proven nigh impossible to break down. Simone’s will to win a game at any costs has meant that Atletico are built to win and not to play attractive football.
This mentality may be the difference in the game, their sheer will to win could drag them across the line and gain vengeance for their agonising loss in 2014.
They’ve already forged their reputation as the team to fear this year, beating Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Their defence is second to none, with the likes of Diego Godin and Jose Giménez, they’ve been exceptionally tough to break down and thrive on being on the back foot, holding Barcelona to a scoreless Champions League game for the first time since 2014 and holding off Bayern’s relentless barrage in the final 30 minutes of their semi-final match.
At the other end of the pitch, they have an in-form Fernando Torres and Antoine Griezmann, who have been deadly on the counter. Even more they have the talented Saul Niguez, Koke, and Yannick Carrasco to provide that creative spark that can break a game open.
Prediction
Much like the 2014 final, it will go down to the wire. Taking your chances will be key, but even more so in a final.
Real’s chances will rest on their defence rising to the occasion and their strike force stepping up. Atletico will rely on their discipline and structure to counter the freedom Real crave.
Atletico key to success relies on finishing counter attacks, being clinical will win them the game.
An early goal will make for an exciting game, however, you can’t look past Atletico. 2-1 to Atletico Madrid, holding off a late Real surge. Their unbelievable defence will be too good.
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