For the first time ever, two clubs from the same city will contest European football’s top prize as Real Madrid face fierce rivals Atletico in the UEFA Champions League Final in Lisbon on May 24. Real’s attack has been an irresistible force that has powered its quest to win a record 10th title while also producing the top scorer in a single Champions campaign, but can it budge the immovable object that is Atletico’s defense?
With one of the great games of the year’s soccer schedule now set, it’s the perfect time to open a betting account and get into the action with the complete betting preview below.
Not only did Real get past Bayern Munich in the semifinals, they thoroughly dominated and embarrassed the defending champions over two legs, winning 5-0 on aggregate. The highest scoring team in the tournament by a significant margin, Real’s goal tally is now up to a gaudy 37 in just 12 games.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]With two more goals in the semifinal second leg, Cristiano Ronaldo gained sole possession of the Champions League record for most goals in a single season with 16. Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale (five goals each) have formed a lethal attacking triumvirate capable of unlocking any defense, especially on the counter-attack.
Against Atletico, though, Real will likely dominate much of the possession, which means they won’t have many opportunities to break like they did against Bayern. That wouldn’t normally pose a problem, as Real are equally comfortable in possession, but the suspension of midfielder Xabi Alonso suspension will be huge on both offense and defense.
Alonso was suspended automatically for the Final after an ill-advised challenge in the semifinal gave him three on aggregate. To say the least, Alonso isn’t pleased about the ruling, but there’s little he can do, and Real will be without one of their most important players when the Championship is decided.
On offense, Real loses its midfield orchestrator capable of dictating play with his uncanny range of passing. And on defense, Real loses its shield to the backline, which could prove costly against the swift counter-attacking of Atletico.
Despite their wide array of offensive talent, manager Carlo Ancelotti’s main task coming into this match will be preparing for the absence of Alonso.
Betting on Atletico Madrid
Key stat: 6 goals conceded – least in the Champions League
Key factor: Pressing the Real Madrid midfield
The level of Atletico Madrid’s dominance throughout their Champions League campaign is almost unprecedented for a team as new to the competition as they are. Consider that Atletico are still undefeated in the tournament, they have conceded just six goals in 12 matches, and the brief period they trailed in their semifinal second leg against Chelsea was just the second time they’ve gone behind all tournament.
Atletico’s attack showed its worth by finally breaking through Chelsea’s stubborn defensive formation to win comfortably, 3-1. Star striker Diego Costa notched his eighth Champions League goal in eight games from the penalty spot and will be the main threat to Madrid’s goal, while midfielders Arda Turan and Raul Garcia (four goals each) have also chipped in with important goals all season.
Atleti may not have Real’s array of defense-unlocking creative geniuses, but they do possess a pack a voracious midfield that will press and chase down their opponents to turn their effective defense into a swift counter-attack. Atletico won at Real’s home stadium and drew in their two league meetings this season, thanks in large part to that incessant pressing.
Xabi Alonso’s absence should be a major advantage for Atletico, as Real immediately loses a midfielder capable of overriding their pressing with his passing. Without him, Real’s midfield looks ripe for Atletico’s picking, and could lead to great scoring opportunities.
Prediction
This has the potential to be a legendary final, with both teams bringing significant offense to the table with the absense of Alonso opening the game up considerably. Take the over.
