Two teams from one city are facing each other in the Champions League final for only the second time in history – and it’s again these two, just as it was two years ago. Madrid is the capital of world club football once more.
I’m backing Atletico Madrid to lift the trophy, they must take revenge for the defeat in 2014 final when victory was snatched away from them with only 13 seconds remaining. This time around they look stronger and surely have an even better chance of winning. I can’t understand why the bookmakers make Real Madrid such favourites. Atletico were ahead of the Royal club in the league until Gameweek 37, and they came out victorious against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu not that long ago. That was a brilliant tactical win by Diego Simeone. Los Indios know how to win in a derby, they always show their unrelenting spirit and determination in such games. On top of this, Atleti have some highly skillful players, arguably as many as Los Blancos’, although they probably lack the attacking depth. But this is made up for by their defensive line, the back four Simeone has assembled is arguably the toughest in world football right now.
Los Colchoneros have already beaten Barcelona and Bayern Munich on their way to this final, while Real Madrid got the better of some weaker opponents with 2nd leg home victories. Based on their route to Milan, I think Atletico deserve the trophy more.
Atleti to win the game is a fair bet, but they won’t be worried about going all the way to ET and grinding this one out. So the bet to be on is Atleti to lift the trophy at 11/10. They can do it in FT or in ET, they are well prepared physically, and there is no doubt they will have that unrivaled determination in the San Siro tonight.