Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid are set to do battle this evening in the showpiece Champions League final. Who will win this 2014 rematch?
The Champions League final takes place this evening in the San Siro, with Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid squaring off in a replay of the 2014 final. Chelsea may not be in it, but that hasn’t stopped us making our predictions.
Yves Binda: 2-1 Atletico Madrid. This is a much better side from the one that gifted Real Madrid the Champions League trophy two years ago. After disposing of Barcelona and Bayern Munich, the Rojiblancos have the mental edge. It’s time for the giant-slayer to become the giant.
Ben Croft: It’s not often you say Real Madrid are underdogs, but tonight they probably are. I believe Atletico as a team are better, however Real Madrid have the individual quality to win them the game. Tough one to call but I think Atletico deserve to win it after knocking Bayern and Barcelona out in the previous rounds so I’m going for a 2-1 Atletico win.
Travis Tyler: 2-1 to Atletico after extra time. Real Madrid to score within the first 5 minutes, then Atletico bunker and counter the remainder of the game, Real Madrid go full offense and leave themselves vulnerable to it all game long. Torres finally scores off a counter after the 70 minute mark.Game ends at 1-1 after 90. Atletico score off a set piece in the 105th minute. Real pound Atletico’s goal for the remainder but to no avail. Diego Simeone’s tactics outwit Zidane and his managerial inexperience and win the day. Perez sacks Zidane and offers Mourinho double wages to come back, United forced to scramble and appoint Roberto Martinez. United finish next season in 14th, Real win La Liga and the Champions League.
Anoop Ramakrishnan: 2-2 regulation time. Atletico to then win on penalties. They’re a vastly better version of their 2014 selves. And will be looking to prove a point that they also now belong in the European elite.
Brendan McDonnell: Real 2-0. As annoying as it is to pick Real, I just think they’re better and they have the speed to force Atletico into errors. Real’s biggest threat to Atlético, and my pick for MOTM, is Gareth Bale. His dynamic playmaking and superior speed will cause all kinds of problems. Real gets #11 and the world gets annoyed.
Devesh Rasgotra: Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid. Real Madrid to win on penalties. Atletico have had Real ‘s number since Diego Simeone took charge. Their style of play is perfect to counter Real’s BBC and take advantage of the Blancos’ somewhat suspect defence. However, Real up their game when it is needed and the game will end up in a stalemate. Real will win on penalties because their individual players will handle the pressure better.
Dan McClue: 2-1 Atletico. This Atleti team is more experienced than last time around, Real Madrid are still so susceptable in defence. Atletico should be able to contain Real’s attack whilst striking on the counter. “It’s written in the stars”.
As for me? I’m going with a 2-0 Atletico win. They will be desperate to avenge the defeat of two years ago and will make sure that the game is beyond a Sergio Ramos header.
Next: The battle plan: Chelsea FC moving forward
Sound off with your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!