Champions League final preview: Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid

May 23, 2014
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Real vs Atletico 0-1The Champions League final at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon will be the first in history that will see two sides from the same city vying for the coveted trophy.

And while Real Madrid hope to turn their La Decima dream into reality, Atletico Madrid plan to add their first ever Champions League trophy to the La Liga title they won just a week ago.

Following a number of unsuccessful attempts, Real Madrid are now just a step away from winning the tenth European Champions Cup title, but they cannot afford to relax just yet.

While los Blancos managed to win the Copa del Rey trophy in style, they could only achieve a third-place finish in La Liga, ending the campaign three points behind their next opponents.

To make matters worse, Carlo Ancelotti had quite a few of his key men pick up an injury during the season finale, but the Italian might just be able to field a very strong side at Estadio da Luz.

With key players Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale passed fit, it is hardly surprising Real Madrid have been made 2.00 (1/1) favourites to win in regular time.

Meanwhile, fit again Cristiano Ronaldo is available at 4.33 (10/3) to score the first goal and get his side closer to winning the trophy.

Xabi Alonso misses the final through suspension, but Karim Benzema is expected to start despite battling an injury.

However, key defender Pepe is unlikely to recover in time, meaning that Raphael Varane is almost certain to start in Lisbon.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Casillas – Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Coentrao – Modric, Illarramendi, di Maria – Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo.

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Atletico Madrid have already made this season very difficult to forget having pipped mighty Barcelona and Real Madrid to the La Liga trophy, but los Colchoneros are still hungry for more.

Diego Simeone’s charges have a historic opportunity to win the double of major titles and no doubt they will give their all to lift what would be the first Champions League trophy in club’s history.

Atletico fought bravely to earn a 1-1 draw with Barcelona on the final day of the league season, showing a great deal of character to come from a goal down at a time when Diego Costa and Arda Turan had already left the pitch through injury.

The pair is now doubtful for the Champions League final, but the good news is both players have trained with their teammates on Thursday.

Having defeated Real Madrid in Copa del Rey final last term, Atletico Madrid are priced at 2.88 (17/9) to win the second successive final against their bitter rivals.

With Diego Costa rated a major doubt, chances are David Villa will keep his place in the side, and the Spain international is 4.33 (10/3) to score anytime.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Courtois – Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Filipe Luis – Koke, Tiago, Gabi, Raul Garcia – Villa, Adrian.

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