PMA Sport
Full-time Fletch... on the Champions League final
What a game we’ve got in store on Saturday night.
In many ways it’s the perfect final; a massive derby match featuring two big city rivals for the biggest prize in club football. My head tells me that Atlético will prevail but it’s so difficult to call.
You’ve got the best defensive team in Europe versus the incredible attacking talent of Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema. It’s such an intriguing match-up.
Whenever Atlético Madrid are involved there’s no doubt what sort of game you’re going to get. They’ve got a game plan and are experts at putting it into action; they will be defensive but will counter-attack with pace.
Atlético tend to play with a front three on the hunt for goals — there is much more to their game then just defending. They are incredibly well organised and will be a big threat from set pieces as well. They’ve had the hardest road to the final and the biggest tests — but their game plan has proved successful against both Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Magic
I think Real have a physical edge, but do give the opposition chances to score. On paper they seem to have a solid defensive record, but watching them over the course of the tournament they have given teams a lot of chances.
Attacking-wise, can Ronaldo deliver that bit of magic that will give Real their 11th European Cup? Or can Bale provide the inspiration? They will need some magic to break this Atlético team down.
Discipline will play its part too. It’s a high pressure occasion and both sets of players will be emotional. We could see a few cards and a busy night for English ref Mark Clatternburg. Keep an eye on Atlético manager Diego Simeone on the touchline as well!
This season’s Champions League has been great. On BT Sport we’ve shown some marquee match-ups all the way from the group stages to the knockout matches. Next season will be a bit of an unknown as Leicester and Spurs are joining the party. How will they perform?
I hope we see an improved showing from all the English teams as it seems as a nation we are quite far behind other European leagues.
