The UEFA Champions League 2015/16 will come to a close this Saturday, May 28 when the two giants from Madrid will go head to head. The Finals of Europe’s most prestigious club football competition will be contested by Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid for the second time in three years. This will indeed be a feisty match up but who will come out on top in Milan?
Atletico Madrid
Antoine Griezmann
Atletico Madrid will be playing their second champions league final in three years just two years after they lost to Real Madrid in the 2013/14 finals. Atletico has been great all season and have gotten pass both Barcelona and Bayern Munich en route to the finals. For Atletico, securing the title is largely continent upon their defensive ability. They can give away absolutely nothing defensively and that will be key against a Real Madrid team that has the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale in their attacking ranks.
To put Atletico’s defensive prowess into perspective, they have conceded 18 goals in their 38 league games this season. Taking into account that they played both Real Madrid and Barcelona twice during the season this is absolutely spectacular. If Atletico is able to maintain their defensive identity, they can get the ball to Antoine Griezmann who has scored 32 goals this season and they will have a genuine chance of winning the trophy. That being said, Atletico cannot afford to play dirty as they tend to do at times against tougher opposition. I like their chances if they play their game and maintain their discipline.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid will be looking to extend their record of ‘most champions league wins’ to 11 on Saturday. This season has been an up and down season for the Zidane led team and winning the champions league might be the only positive from what has been an underwhelming season. Real Madrid had a slightly easier path to the finals, nonetheless they should be ready come Saturday.
Keylor Navas has been very impressive in goal for Madrid this season and he will have to pull one more out the bag in order to help his team secure the championship. There haven’t been much to write home about this season for Real Madrid so they will want to win this for their fans. Real Madrid has only won one of the previous ten games against Atletico in all competition so they will be looking to get over their recent struggles against their city rivals. A lot will be riding on Cristiano for this game.
My Prediction
I expect a close game in Milan. The match will be decide by the odd goal. I am predicting Atletico to win the game 1-0.
48-NINETY SPORTS 