When the Champions League started all the way back in July, we hoped for a final like this which sees two European giants in the form of Juventus and Real Madrid go head-to-head.
This final represents a chance for Juventus to win their first ever treble after winning both the league and cup in Italy. They are in fantastic form going into this match in Cardiff having won their last three in all competitions.
We all know that Massimiliano Allegri’s side pride themselves on their defensive solidity and it is no surprise that they conceded the fewest goals in Serie A this campaign with just 27 against in 38 games whilst they have also conceded just once in their last three matches in all competitions. This excellent defensive form is not just evident in Serie A but also in Europe with their legendary goalkeeper keeping more clean sheets than anybody else in the Champions League – eight. The goal they conceded against Monaco last time out was the first time they failed to keep a clean sheet in the Champions League knockout stage this season. However, they are not just a defensive outfit – they are also excellent going forward and have scored in all but one of their European games this season.
The Old Lady did of course reach the Champions League final in 2015 but could only finish runners-up which means their most recent Champions League win came all the way back in 1996. However, they have a wealth of big-game experience and have won their last three Coppa Italia finals. Furthermore, going back to their excellent defence, they have won all but one of their Champions League matches away from the Juventus Stadium this season and have conceded just once.
Real Madrid will be playing their third Champions League final in four years and recent history is certainly on their side having won their last two. They are also in good form going into this match with three wins in their last three matches, however, they did lose their last Champions League match away at Atletico Madrid.
Los Blancos have been sublime in the final third this campaign with 106 in 38 league matches – second-best. They are the top scorers in the Champions League with 32 goals scored – an average of 2.67 per game – whilst they have also found the back of the net in every single game in all competitions this season. Defensively though, there are a few question marks hanging over them with their record of 41 conceded in La Liga only the fourth-best in the division. Furthermore, they have kept just one clean sheet in the Champions League this season. They certainly look to outscore the opposition.
As mentioned above, this is Real’s third final in four years and their second under their leadership of Zinedine Zidane. The former France international certainly knows how to win these big matches but this is arguably their toughest Champions League final of those three. Additionally, Real have only won 50% of their European matches away from the Santiago Bernabeu this campaign which could add to the worries.
Real are the favourites here but I think Juventus could present a much tougher challenge than people think. This will no doubt be a tight affair and I feel one goal could win it for either side. Considering, a single goal difference has settled three of the last five renewals of this fixture, ‘One Goal Winning Margin’, at 6/5, looks a good bet in what should be a tense affair.
More Champions League final tips can be found here.