Real Madrid go in search of their first European Cup since 2002 when they face their city rivals – Atletico – at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon. Having won the Spanish Cup but losing their title to the other half of Madrid, this match takes on huge importance in Carlo Ancelotti’s first season in charge. A loss and it will be deemed a failure; a win and it’s a glorious success. Those are the margins involved in this game. Their form throughout this competition on route to the final has been emphatic for the most part, with their only major scare coming in the quarter finals against Borussia Dortmund, where they scraped by 3-2 on aggregate. They had no such issues in the semi-finals against another German opponent, and last year’s winners, Bayern Munich. The 5-0 victory over two legs was a signal to the rest of Europe that this Real Madrid team are here to get the job done this season.
Last weekend saw Atletico Madrid crowned La Liga Champions for the first time in over 15 years. They secured the draw they needed in the Nou Camp against Barcelona but it came at a cost as they could well be without two of their key players because of that. Diego Costa and Arda Turan – both of whom have been excellent throughout this season, both domestically and in Europe – had to come off injured. They will be given every opportunity to prove their fitness ahead of the match but there must be a doubt whether either fully fit. Considering they are very much Champions League novices, the fact that Diego Simeone has led his players to the pinnacle of becoming European Champions indicates how far they have come in such a short space of time over the last couple of seasons.
Cristiano Ronaldo was not afforded the opportunity to take Europe’s Golden Shoe award as he had to sit out last weekend’s game against Espanyol but he won’t be caring about that if he can secure his second Champions League medal after winning the competition with Manchester United in 2008. The Portuguese captain has the World Cup to look forward to after this match but winning Saturday’s final in his home city is his priority and you would be a brave man to bet against him doing it.
The real strength to Atleti’s performances this season has been their organisation, especially away from home. In essence this will be an away game despite being played at a neutral venue and that could play into their hands. They have avoided defeat at places such as the Nou Camp (three times), Stamford Bridge and even the Bernabeu. Even if their attacking options are limited by the absence of key players it will not detract the 11 who do line up from putting in another resolute and determined display.
It’s a game that really whets the appetite as these two fierce rivals contest Europe’s showpiece game. Real have had to carry the burden of being one short of ‘La Decima’ for over a decade whilst Atletico can create history of their own by winning a historic double. I think it’s a match which could go all the way to extra time, and even penalties. Real are the favourites in many eyes but Atleti have been written off many times already this season – at the very least, they’ll make their more illustrious opponents work for it.
Draw 5/2 @ Bwin
