Juventus vs Real Madrid: 5 reasons why Champions League final is a must-watch
Juventus will take on Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final in Cardiff on Saturday, with the match promising to be an engrossing affair.
Juventus and Real Madrid will face off in the UEFA Champions League final in Cardiff on Saturday, with both sides boasting of some of the biggest names in world football. Here are five reasons why the match is a must-watch:
Real Madrid’s historic title bid
Defending champions Real Madrid will bid to become the first team to retain the trophy in the UEFA Champions League era. They are a team on a mission with this being their third final in four years, having beaten city rivals Club Atlético de Madrid in both 2014 and 2016. They will look to build on their domestic glory this season.
READ | Champions League football final: Real Madrid vs Juventus head-to-head
Juventus look to bury ghost of 2015
Juventus missed out in 2015 as they lost to FC Barcelona 1-3 in the showpiece. Though they have won the trophy twice, in 1985 and 1996, but have lost in the final six times – more than any other club. But they must be spirited after beating Barca in the quarters, not allowing them to score even once during the 180 mins of play.
READ | Juventus vs Real Madrid - Road to Champions League football final
Compatriots on collision course
The match will see players from same country pitted against each other:
Toni Kroos – Real Madrid and Sami Khedira - Juventus (Germany)
Marcelo, Danilo, Casemiro – Real Madrid and Dani Alves, Alex Sandro - Juventus (Brazil)
James Rodríguez – Real Madrid and Juan Cuadrado - Juventus (Colombia)
Mateo Kovačić, Luka Modrić – Real Madrid and Mario Mandžukić, Marko Pjaca - Juventus (Croatia)
Fans of these country will have a bittersweet feeling after the result of the game.
READ | Champions League final: Juventus F.C., Real Madrid C.F. chase history
Battle of equals
This is a battle of equals in many ways, but sheerly going by the stats it even more cements the statement. This will be the 19th UEFA competition meeting between the two – all in the European Cup – and there is virtually nothing between the sides. Both clubs have eight wins and two draws each, with Juve scoring 21 goals to Madrid’s 18.
READ | Juventus vs Real Madrid: Strengths, weaknesses of the Champions League finalists
Mouth-watering clash in store
It’s the battle between the structured Juve defence led by Gianluigi Buffon as the stopper and the quality attack of Real led by none other than Cristiano Ronaldo. Will Kroos and co. penetrate the wall of Juve and allow Real to score or will the ‘Jewel’ of Juve, Paulo Dybala, catch the Real defence napping in counter attack. In store is one mouth-watering clash.
READ | Gianluigi Buffon looks to cement legacy with elusive UEFA Champions League title
MATCH TIMINGS: 12:15 AM, Sunday, 4th June 2017 - Live and Exclusive on Sony SIX, Sony SIX HD, SONY ESPN, SONY ESPN HD, Ten 1 HD and Ten 2.