All eyes will be on National Stadium in Cardiff when Juventus and Real Madrid face each other in the Champions League final. Los Blancos aim to become the first team to defend the Champions League trophy, but beating the high-flying Bianconeri is easier said than done.
Rock-solid defence
Juventus are enjoying yet another season to remember. The Bianconeri are on the right track to win Scudetto and thanks to a victory over Monaco in the two-legged tie the Italian giants set up a meeting with Real Madrid in the Champions League final. Juve have been impressive at the back in the elite competition this season and they did remarkably well to prevent star-studded Barcelona from scoring in the double-header earlier in the process. Max Allegri’s troops are likely to rely on their rock-solid defence in the title game against Real Madrid and, on the other hand, Gonzalo Higuain is likely to prove a handful for his former teammates. The Argentine attacker has netted 32 goals in all competitions this season, meaning that the opposition defenders should have him at bay. It has to be noted that Juventus are eyeing their first Champions League trophy since 1996, when they defeated Ajax in the final of the elite competition.
Sami Khedira is a major doubt, while Marko Pjaca will definitely miss the Champions League final with injury. Coach Max Allegri has no other selection worries ahead of the Real Madrid clash.
Los Blancos eager to make history
A win over Juventus would see Real Madrid become the first team to defend the Champions League title, but los Blancos will have a mountain to climb in the title game against the Serie A champions. Zinedine Zidane’s men have defeated the likes of Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid on their way to the final, with Cristiano Ronaldo already netting eight goals in the knockout stages of the elite competition. The Portuguese superstar impressed in a 4-1 win over Celta Vigo as well and thanks to the triumph over the Europa League semi-finalists the capital club moved one step closer to winning the La Liga title. Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid on penalties in the 2015/2016 Champions League final, but they will have a much bigger fish to fry in the game against Juventus, who have been producing terrific showings in all competitions this season. It is well known that the Spanish titans are after their 12th European Cup (Champions League) title.
As reports in Spain suggest, Gareth Bale should recover in time to face Juventus in the final of the elite competition, meaning that Zinedine Zidane could have a full squad to choose from this time out.
Prediction
We have asked Joshua Parker, expert predictor at FootballPredictions.com for his analysis. Joshua is convinced Juventus and Real Madrid are evenly matched at the moment and a close encounter appears on the cards. Both sides are likely to adopt a cautious approach in the Champions League final and it is no surprise many football predictions suggest that match will go into extra time. Speaking of winner, Real Madrid are closer to clinching the trophy as Juve won their last Champions League trophy back in 1996.