This will be the probably the last chance for Gianluigi Buffon to add a Champions League medal to his trophy cabinet. The Italian legend has won all major trophies except Europe’s premier competition. Coming 4th May when he will take the field against Real Madrid in the Champions League final, it could be the last time for the 40-year-old in this competition.
Real will be trying to be the first team to successfully defend their Champions League title. No team has ever achieved this and Los Blancos would be the first team if they can get the better if Juventus. It will be very tempting to see how the Italian pair of Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini chalk out their tactics to cut the Madrid supply line to feed balls to their attackers.
Juventus have always been defensively very strong and they have maintained their shape throughout this season. They have shipped in just 27 goals this season which proves their defending nous. Against a free-flowing team like Barcelona, they didn’t concede a goal in the quarter-final.
Team News And Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid
Gareth Bale has started training but Zinedine Zidane is not expected to take a risk by deploying a half fit Bale. Whenever Isco has played in this team he has proved his credibility every time and the French gaffer should go ahead with him.
Navas; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Isco, Benzema, Ronaldo
Juventus
Sami Khedira and Mario Mandzukic are fit and ready to go all guns blazing.
Buffon; Alves, Bonucci, Chiellini, Sandro; Pjanic, Khedira, Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain
Key Players
Real Madrid
Isco
The Spanish attacking midfielder hasn’t had many opportunities this season but this match in Cardiff could be the ideal platform to glorify his talent. In this type of matches, coaches usually prefer a player with all-around abilities and he does have that quality. He is very quick footed and works tirelessly to find pockets of spaces in the opposition attacking third. He also could be very dangerous while combining with the midfielders and he is expected to be given a free role in putting pressure on the Juventus defence.
Juventus
Paulo Dybala
Tipped as the next big thing in Argentine football, the forward has been a revelation since his move from Torino to Juventus. Max Allegri has been using him slightly behind the main striker which eventually has been proved to be the best suitable position for him.
Odds
Real Madrid- 17/10
Draw- 21/10
Juventus- 2/1
