Juventus are one win away from a historic treble. They bounced back from a 3-1 league defeat against Roma to beat Lazio 2-0 in the Coppa Italia final. They then beat Crotone 3-0 to seal a record sixth-straight Serie A title. Juve’s defense has once again been their secret to Scudetto success. They conceded just 27 goals all season, 11 fewer than second-place Roma.
That defense has been even more formidable during their Champions League campaign. They’ve given up just three goals in 12 games, and at one point had a streak of six successive games with a clean sheet. Two of those games were against another Spanish giant, Barcelona.
Despite their domestic dominance, Juventus haven’t fared very well in European Cup finals. They’ve won just twice and lost six times—more than any club in the tournament’s history. However, this year’s team seems to have everything needed to improve upon that unfortunate record, at least on paper.
Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has proven to be one of the most astute tactical minds in all of Europe. His sides have been successful whether they’ve played with a conventional back four or a back three, a formation Juve have brought back into fashion. If there’s any current combination of manager and defense in Europe that can stop a Real side that’s scored in 64 consecutive games, it’s Allegri and this Juve defense.
Meanwhile, Juventus have more than enough firepower with the likes of Paulo Dybala and former Real striker Gonzalo Higuain leading the line. Juve should like their chances of breaching a Real backline that’s kept just one clean sheet in 12 Champions League games this season.
Real Madrid are looking to make even more history in the Champions League. The Spanish giants are gunning for their record 12th European Cup, and have the chance to become the first team to successfully defend the title in the Champions League era. Real have won an incredible 11 out of 14 European Cup finals, and are a perfect 5-0 in the current Champions League format.
Real’s road to a third Champions League final in four years has been nothing short of impressive. They swept aside Napoli 6-2 on aggregate in the round of 16; blew away Bayern Munich 6-3 on aggregate in the quarterfinals; and once again ousted city rivals Atletico 4-2 on aggregate in the semis.
Superstar forward Cristiano Ronaldo was instrumental in their victories over Bayern and Atleti. He blasted five goals over two legs against the Germans, and hit Atletico with a devastating first-leg hat-trick. Ronaldo will enter the final in amazing form; he’s scored 14 goals in his last nine games.
There’s a chance Gareth Bale features in the final now that he’s recovered from an ankle injury which has kept him out for the past month. However, Isco has played very well in place of Bale and should have the inside track at a starting place. Isco has contributed four goals and three assists in his last eight matches.
While Juve’s defense is incredibly tough to crack, Real captain Sergio Ramos has made a habit out of coming up with huge goals in big situations. He scored in each of Real’s last two Champions League final wins, and will be a major threat from set pieces. All three of Juve’s goals conceded in the competition have been from set pieces, including two from corners.
Writer’s Prediction
Juventus (+176) deny Real’s bid to retain the title as the Italian champions win, 2-1.
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