Champions League final: Juventus vs Barcelona preview

June 5, 2015
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Bayern vs BarcelonaTwo-time winners Juventus surprised everyone by reaching this year’s final, but the Bianconeri are determined to defy the odds once again in spite of some injury problems.

Meanwhile, Barcelona hope to justify the favourites’ tag at the Olympiastadion in Berlin and secure the second treble of titles in club’s history.

Juventus did well to re-establish domestic domination under Antonio Conte, winning three Serie A titles on the bounce, but the Bianconeri just could not prove their worth in Europe.

Things didn’t look too promising when the current Italy boss decided to step down from the post, especially as new coach Max Allegri wasn’t seen as a perfect replacement.

But, the former AC Milan boss proved his credentials by leading the Bianconeri to domestic double, while also helping his side reach the Champions League final.

Juventus eliminated Dortmund, Monaco and Real Madrid on the road to Berlin, giving the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo and Andrea Barzagli an opportunity to lift the coveted trophy at the same venue where they won the 1996 European Championship with Italy.

The Bianconeri can be backed at 3.50 (5/2) to win the title, whereas top scorer Carlos Tevez is 4.00 (3/1) to score anytime.

There have been some bad news for Max Allegri seeing as key defender Giorgio Chiellini suffered a torn calf muscle, with Andrea Barzagli set to deputize despite not being fully fit.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-1-2): Buffon – Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Barzagli, Evra – Marchisio, Pirlo, Pogba – Vidal – Tevez, Morata.

Barcelona recovered well from a trophy-less season and they have been absolutely brilliant in all competitions this term under Luis Enrique.

The Catalans were trailing Real Madrid in the La Liga title chase, but they quickly turned things around and went on to secure the trophy ahead of the final day of the campaign.

Barcelona also eased off to the Copa del Rey trophy, hammering Athletic 3-1 in the final, and they are now one win away from turning this into a perfect season.

Given the standard of their latest performances, it is hardly surprising the Catalans have been made 1.62 (5/8) favourites to win the match in ninety minutes.

And having already netted amazing 58 times this season, Argentine superstar Leo Messi is priced at 4.50 (7/2) to score the first goal of the game.

With Andres Iniesta recovering from injury, Luis Enrique has fully fit squad to select from, and he is unlikely to make changes to the side that defeated Athletic in the Copa del Rey final.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): ter Stegen – Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba – Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta – Messi, Suarez, Neymar.

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