Juventus vs Real Madrid preview

June 1, 2017
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

The National Stadium in Cardiff will be the setting of the 2016/2017 UEFA Champions League final, where Italian champions Juventus will attempt to prevent last year’s winners Real Madrid from defending the coveted trophy.

The Bianconeri currently have two trophies to their name, but it’s now been 21 years since the second of those was won and they will also attempt to lift the title for Gianluigi Buffon, the club icon who will soon end his playing career.

Juventus have already secured domestic double, having defeated Lazio in the Coppa Italia final and they are now evens to make it three this season.

The Bianconeri travel to Cardiff in good spirits and without any new selection problems, with only Marko Pjaca missing through injury.

Max Allegri is widely expected to field a similar formation to the one that faced Monaco on the road, meaning that Andrea Barzagli will start at right back and move into the back three when Real Madrid attack.

At the same time, Dani Alves will start ahead of Juan Cuadrado on the right wing and there will be no major surprises in the team selection.

Having conceded just one goal in last seven Champions League fixtures, Juventus will again attempt to keep things tight at the back.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Buffon – Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Alex Sandro – Pjanic, Khedira – Dani Alves, Dybala, Mandzukic – Higuain.

Real Madrid are one of world’s most decorated clubs and they are current Champions League record holders with 11 titles to their name.

Los Blancos now plan to become the first club to defend the UCL trophy, but they’ve got hungry Juventus standing in their way.

Real Madrid did well to win the first La Liga trophy after four years and they will be feeling confident ahead of the trip to Cardiff.

Los Blancos have been in fine form of late, winning seven of last eight matches on all fronts and they are available at 17/20 to pip Juventus to the Champions League trophy.

Even though Gareth Bale has resumed training after recovering from injury, the Welshman is unlikely to start as his replacement Isco has been in stunning form of late.

Meanwhile, Daniel Carvajal has returned to full fitness and he should start, while Pepe and Fabio Coentrao face fitness tests.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-1-2): Navas – Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo – Modric, Casemiro, Kroos – Isco – Benzema, Ronaldo.

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