UEFA Champions League 2016/17, Real Madrid vs Juventus: 5 things to look forward to in the final
A real clash of the titans awaits us in Cardiff on June 3. The cliched ‘immovable object against the unstoppable force’ metaphors will be trotted out for the Real Madrid v Juventus Champions League final epic but, in truth, never has a match been more deserving of that moniker.
Los Blancos have been relentless in their pursuit of success throughout 2016/17 and have relied upon an incredible front six to keep on hammering the door down until the last possible moment.
A La Liga triumph was a stated aim at the start of the season and just 90 minutes separates them from their first domestic title in five years. European success has come as a bonus – but their biggest test is still to come.
Although Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain, in particular, have been firing the guns loaded by Dani Alves, for Juve, their reliance is the reverse of Real. Built on an incredible defensive line, the Bianconeri will be happy to take all that the Spaniards can throw at them.
With only three goals conceded in the entire competition, it promises to be an intoxicating match at both ends of the pitch.
Let’s take a look at five things that we can hope to look forward to in the final.
#1 Ronaldo’s frustration
If there’s one thing that Cristiano Ronaldo hates more than any other, it’s the inability to affect a game, particularly by scoring the game winner.
It’s been 63 games since Real Madrid were last held goalless, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if they couldn’t hit the target in Wales. An accomplished Juve back line will look to frustrate Real’s forward line in the same way that they did Barcelona’s and when the Portuguese doesn’t get what he wants, there’s only one default action.
Hitting the deck.
Any way to gain an advantage over defenders that don’t give an inch. Fall to the floor, bang your fists in frustration and berate the officials. The Bianconeri will love that if they see it because they’ll already know that they’ve won the mental battle.
This could be Ronaldo’s crowning glory...or one of the worst 90 minutes of his season.