Real Madrid
Strengths
Real Madrid have been sweating on the fitness of their star man Cristiano Ronaldo, but with the Portuguese forward declaring himself fit, Zidane will almost have a full strength squad to call upon. Real Madrid look like a completely different side when they have the trio of Bale, Benzema and Ronaldo fit.
Another move by Zidane which has paid off spectacularly is the introduction of Casemiro in the defensive midfield area. Casemiro’s ability to get stuck in, aggression, break up play, and physicality has been vital in Madrid’s recent upturn in form. The only true defensive minded midfielder in this expensively assembled Los Blancos squad, his ability to sacrifice himself for the team’s cause has made him undroppable for Zidane.
Also, man to man, Real Madrid unquestionably have more talent and a single moment of magic from their expensively assembled galaxy of stars can prove to be the difference in a one-off match like the Champions League final. Also, with key players like Gareth Bale hitting their peak form at the right time, the task of containing Real Madrid will be an especially onerous one for the Atletico defence.
Weaknesses
Diego Simeone has a very good record against Los Blancos and he seems to know the exact formula to beat them time and time again. Although the primary formation of Atletico Madrid is 4-4-2, they are also extremely well drilled to effortlessly change to the 4-1-4-1 formation effectively allowing them to form two banks of 4 with or without the ball making them extremely solid defensively.
Also, Atletico have the meanest defence in Europe and it has proved difficult for Real Madrid to unlock the Rojiblancos defensive puzzle under Simeone. The extremely physical style of Atletico can also cause some problems especially since Varane has already been ruled out because of injury. An injury or a yellow/red card to the defensive duo of Sergio Ramos and Pepe can cause some real problems.
The Real Madrid defence has looked suspect right throughout the campaign and although they did not concede in both the legs against Manchester City, their performances against Roma and Wolfsburg will leave the likes of a clinical Griezmann and a revitalised Fernando Torres licking their lips. Atletico Madrid can frustrate Real Madrid and the longer the game goes on as 0-0, the more Real Madrid will open themselves to the devastating counter attack of the Colcheneros.
Opportunities
Real Madrid and Zidane have the opportunity to make history by winning the ‘undecima’. This match will determine Real Madrid’s season and Zidane has a chance of cementing his legacy as a Real Madrid manager. If they win the Champions League, their failure to win the La Liga title will be forgotten almost instantly.
This match gives Zidane and his men the perfect opportunity to salvage the season and end their 2015/16 campaign on a high. On a much more personal note, a good performance by Cristiano Ronaldo will provide the perfect answer to his critics who claim that he performs well only against the ‘smaller teams’.
Threats
In the last 6 league games Atletico have played against Real Madrid, they have won 3 and lost 3. This Atletico Madrid team also looks much stronger than the team which suffered heartbreak in the 2014 final and their performances against Barcelona and Bayern Munich this season show just how difficult they are to beat.
Torres and Griezmann have also been in very good form this season and the pace, movement and pressing of the duo can cause Real Madrid some huge problems. Also, a defeat in the final will make Real Madrid’s season a failure as they would end the season trophyless. This quite simply is a game Real Madrid cannot afford to lose.
X-Factor
Watch out for Fernando Torres’ incredible record of winning finals. The Spaniard has taken part in eight major finals for Club and Country and he has managed to end up on the winning side on seven occasions!
