Predicted Real Madrid Lineup To Face Juventus In The Champions League Final
Reigning champions Real Madrid will look to become the first team retain the UEFA Champions League, since its rebranding, when they take on Juventus in the finals of the competition on Saturday night, at the Cardiff Stadium.
Zinedine Zidane’s men were recently crowned the La Liga champions and will want to cap the season off with a double by getting their hands on their 12th European title. Madrid made it to the finals of the competition, after beating local rivals Atletico Madrid 4-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals. However, they will be up against a Juventus side that has had the best defensive record in the Champions League this season, having conceded just 3 goals throughout the competition.
Team News
The biggest news coming out of the Madrid camp is that Gareth Bale is completely fit and will be available for selection after missing a good part of last month due to a thigh injury. Right-back Dani Carvajal will be unavailable though, after picking up a season-ending injury in the quarter-finals tie against Bayern Munich.
Probable Real Madrid Starting XI
Formation: 4-3-2-1
Manager: Zinedine Zidane
Keylor Navas (GK)
The Costa Rican international has been instrumental in Madrid’s success, despite making several errors over the course of the season. Will need to be at his best to keep Juventus at bay.
Danilo (RB)
Not the most solid of the defenders and Danilo will have a hard time containing the Juve wingers. He will need to be confident and must back himself on the big night.
Raphael Varane (CB)
The Frenchman has been impressive since his return from injury last month. Will be given a hard test by the Bianconeri forwards but expect him to put up a fight.
Sergio Ramos (CB)
Has been Madrid’s hero in the previous two finals, chipping in with late goals. However, he would prefer it doesn’t come to that. Will have a battle on his hands against former teammate Gonzalo Higuain.
Marcelo (LB)
His attacking runs from the left-back position are a key part of the way Madrid play. But will have to stay alert at the back against the likes of Juan Cuadrado and Dani Alves.
Casemiro (DM)
The Brazilian will be handed the task of keeping the threat of Paulo Dybala away. Will also need to stay disciplined to not put his team under pressure.
Luka Modric (CM)
Modric has become the beating heart of the Madrid midfield. Will battle it out against former teammate Sami Khedira.
Toni Kroos (CM)
The German brings calm and composure to the table for the Galacticos. His set-piece delivery will also be crucial against a strong Juve backline.
Isco (CAM)
Does Zidane go with Gareth Bale? Or does he stick with Isco? It will be the biggest conundrum for the manager. But Isco was arguably Madrid’s best player after Cristiano Ronaldo in the last two rounds and has done enough to merit a starting berth for the showpiece event.
Karim Benzema (ST)
May not have been as prolific in front of goal as expected this season, but brings so much in terms of all-round work and efforts. A Sure starter.
Cristiano Ronaldo (ST)
The Portuguese international has been in hot form and scored 8 times in the last two games against Bayern and Atletico, including two hat-tricks. But can he find a way through an impregnable Juventus defence? We will know on Saturday.
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