The big day is here, the stage is set, the anticipation levels are unprecedented, the tension is palpable. It is Juventus vs Real Madrid in the final of the UEFA Champions League 2016/17, a game that has been touted by many to be the replay of the 1997/98 final which Los Blancos won courtesy of Predrag Mijatovic’s winner.
19 years later, the two sides meet again. The Madrid giants have won 4 Champions League titles in this time while the Turin outfit have reached the final on two occasions, losing to AC Milan and Barcelona in 2002/03 and 2014/15 respectively.
Real Madrid are looking to becoming the first team in Champions League history to retain the title and win La Duodecima, while Juventus on the other hand are searching for their 3rd title.
The two teams have had an incredible season so far, winning the leagues in their respective countries and are now looking to cap it off with the Champions League. Who will prevail tonight, your guess is as good as mine and we will have to wait and find it.
However, some legends of the game have made their predictions on who would will the all-important game. Here we have collected all the predictions for you ranging from Alessandro del Piero to Xavi to Iker Casillas and the whos who of the footballing world.
Zinedine Zidane
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has downplayed his side’s chances of winning their 3rd Champions League title in 4 years while also laughing at their favourites tag.
Speaking in an interview with Mediaset Premium, the World Cup winning Frenchman – who played for both Juventus and Real Madrid and was part of that Old Lady side which lost the final to Los Blancos – has lauded Juventus’ neigh impregnable defence while also highlighting the danger possessed by their attack.
“Real Madrid are absolutely not the favourites. It's very difficult to score against this Juve side. The defence isn't their only strength, either. They have great players in attack, too.” ~ Zinedine Zidane
Massimiliano Allegri
On the other hand, his opposite number has insisted that Real Madrid are clear favourites going into the game and their unbelievable record in recent years is a testament to his notion. The Italian, who lost the 2015 UCL final against Barcelona, has hailed tonight’s clash as the 2nd biggest of his career and wants to bring home the trophy this time.
“We go there with more conviction than we had two years ago, but then again we are still up against Real. They are the favourites. Real are in their third [Champions League] final in four years and are used to playing in them, even though we have been there twice in three years.” ~ Massimiliano Allegri
Ranveer SinghBollywood superstar Ranveer Singh – who is a big-time fan of the Gunners (Arsenal) – has also had his say on the biggest night of club football of the season. The Bollywood sensation has been in Europe for a while and was in attendance for Arsenal’s FA Cup win over Chelsea. Ranveer is expected to be in attendance for tonight’s highly-anticipated clash.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I have some mad love for Gigi Buffon, and I really want him to get the one trophy he has never won and I think it will be a fitting farewell for one of the greats of the game.
“Therefore, my prediction, or rather what my heart says, not what my head says, forget what my head says, forget the head, who listens to the head, anyway. Listen to the heart and the heart says: 3-2.” ~ Ranveer Singh
Cafu – On the fence
Legendary Brazilian defender Cafu, who knows a thing or two about winning the Champions League – having himself lifted the trophy in 2007, has had his say on who would end up lifting the trophy tonight. The two-time World Cup has has predicted a 2-2 draw in tonight’s highly anticipated clash.
Cafu was part of the AC Milan team that beat Liverpool to avenge the loss of Istanbul and win their 7th European title. The 46-year-old expects Juventus to score twice without any reply from the free-scoring Real Madrid side – a rather bold prediction one must say – considering that Zinedine Zidane’s side have scored in 64 consecutive games going into the final.
Fernando Sanz – Real Madrid
Fernando Sanz is a Real Madrid boyhood fan having come through the ranks of the Santiago Bernabeu outfit. The central defender may have played the most for Malaga but that didn’t stop him from helping Los Blancos win the coveted title in 1997/98, when they beat Juventus in the final.
Speaking in an interview with FCNaija, the 43-year-old quipped that Madrid are always the favourites going in to a Champions League tie and it will be no different tonight.
“Real Madrid change a lot when they play in the Champions League. I think Real Madrid are the favourites. In the Champions League, Real Madrid are always the favourites.” ~ Fernando Sanz
Michel Salgado – On the fence
Another member of Real Madrid’s 1997/98 UEFA Champions League winning side, Michel Salgado has also weighed in with his predictions. The full-back, who spent 10 years at Santiago Bernabeu and won the prestigious title on two occasions has a rather unexpected take on the final.
The former Spanish international is of the opinion that tonight’s clash will be one of the toughest finals of all-time, while also stating that the game is evenly poised between two teams who are at the same level, although he did add that Juventus are a ‘complete team’.
“It will be the toughest final because of Juventus’ Champions League results. They are a very solid team and the defensive system is important for them.
“They have quality attackers like (Paulo) Dybala and (Gonzalo) Higuain. They have intense midfielders and are very strong defensively. They are a complete team and I think Real Madrid against Juventus is a fair final.” ~ Michel Salgado
David James – Juventus
Liverpool great and former England shot-stopper David James has also had his say on who will win tonight’s all-important clash. The 46-year-old who has played for numerous clubs during his playing career has backed the Old Lady to lift the trophy tonight.
“This is not easy, these are the two best teams in Europe, logically, but also because they are awesome. There’s a lot of indecision but I am going with a 1-0 win for Juventus.” ~ David James
Davor Suker – Real Madrid
The former Arsenal, Real Madrid and Dinamo Zagreb striker – who also lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy with Real Madrid in 1997/98 – has backed his former side to come out victorious in tonight’s encounter.
Suker spent 3 seasons with the Santiago Bernabeu outfit and scored 49 goals for the club. The 49-year-old also added that although the game is evenly poised, he expects Madrid to edge their opponents and has backed the two Croatians in Zidane’s side to have a huge impact on the game.
Suker had famously claimed that he had dreamt a night before the 1997/97 final that Predrag Mijatovic would score the winner in a 1-0 win and that he had told his strike partner about it on the night before the final. Mijatovic did score the only goal in the 1-0 win.
“I think that Madrid will win the final against Juventus. They are always the favourites and have two very good Croats in their team. Although I will say that in a final it is usually a 50-50 game and [Andrea] Agnelli has made a great team at Juve and those players are very hungry, which is important in a final.
“When we are in Cardiff, I'll make my final prediction but I'm sure that Real will win it. They are already the best team in the world. The night before, I told [Predrag] Mijatovic that we would beat Juve 1-0." ~ Davor Suker
Edgar Davids – Juventus
Former Juventus and Netherlands midfielder, Edgar Davids, who has also tasted European success with Ajax – having won the trophy back in 1994/95 has backed the Turin outfit to take a revenge of their 1997/98 loss.
Speaking in an interview with Marca, Davids highlighted that the game has changed a lot since when his Juventus side lost to Real Madrid. The 44-year-old added that the two teams are very defensive but both deserve to be in the final.
"Juve. In 1998 we were the favourites and the much better team, and the result was to the contrary. They have the opportunity to win it now." ~ Edgar Davids
Clarence Seedorf – On the fence
Former Real Madrid midfielder, Clarence Seedorf, who attained legendary status at AC Milan expects a low risk, defensive game tonight. Seedorf is the only player ever to win the Champions League with 3 different clubs, having done so with Ajax, Real Madrid and AC Milan. The former Dutch international expects one of the two sides to nick a 1-0 win.
“I don't expect a lot of fireworks. It's a final, and both teams know that in the final it's about that one chance that's going to make a difference. So nobody wants to take a lot of risks.
I expect really a tactical match, a tough one, but I don't expect a lot of goals, maybe 1-0 or so. Both Juventus and Madrid I think have the capability of doing what it takes to make sure that there's no space for counterattacks and using that moment to make a difference.” ~ Clarence Seedorf
Emmanuel Petit – Juventus
Real Madrid have Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most revered footballers of all time but Juventus have Gianluigi Buffon, one of the most respected footballers of all time and that is why former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder, Emmanuel Petit, wants the Old Lady to lift the trophy tonight.
"I have respect for both clubs but for one player in particular I would love Juventus to win the Champions League – I want them to win it for Gigi Buffon.” ~ Emmanuel Petit
Radomir Antic – Juventus
Going into the final, Juventus have only conceded three goals in 12 matches and kept the Lionel Messi’s Barcelona from scoring for 180 minutes, and that is sufficient for former Real Madrid manager Radomir Antic to pick the Old Lady as favourites for tonight’s clash.
Speaking in an interview with Serbian newspaper Blic, the former Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona manager said that the biggest weapon that Juventus have is that they are a well balanced team.
"A team that has conceded just two goals in 11 matches and that was able to keep out Barcelona for 180 minutes makes itself the favourite to win the Champions League," he said in an interview with Serbian newspaper Blic."Juventus is a balanced team in every phase of the game and that is their best weapon." ~ Radomir Antic
Luis Milla – Real Madrid
One of the very few players to have played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid, Luis Milla, has backed his former side to lift the trophy once the game ends tonight. The 51-year-old spent 7 years at the club and twice came close to winning the UEFA Champions League with Valencia but failed on the final obstacle.
“It’s obvious, as a Spanish guy and former Real Madrid player that I want Real Madrid to win. It’s going to be an interesting match with two different styles. They’re two teams that have reached the final in really good shape.” ~ Luis Milla
Alessio Tacchinardi – Juventus
Former Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi has put his weight behind his former side to claim the silverware tonight – one that has evaded the Old Lady since 1995/96. Not only that, the 41-year-old, who spent 11 years in Turin and won 6 league titles has backed Gonzalo Higuain of stealing the show tonight.
Speaking in an interview with AS, the Italian also warned his side to not understimate the strength of the reigning Champions.
“I'm betting on Higuain. I see all the desire that he and Juventus have to take the throne from the champions of Europe. They have reached the final in great shape. It's a game between two super sides that deserve praise, no matter what.
“I hope Juve win, but honestly both sides deserve to take the title. It will be an even match. In Italy there is great excitement about Juve, but I hope the Bianconeri will not underestimate the strength of this Madrid." ~ Alessio Tacchinardi
Andriy Shevchenko – Juventus
Legendary Ukranian striker Andriy Shevchenko who won the UEFA Champions League in 2003 with AC Milan wants the Old Lady to come out victorious for none other than Gianluigi Buffon.
“I will be cheering for both teams but in my heart I would like to see such a great player as Buffon winning the Champions League. Overall, my sympathies will be with Juventus.” ~ Andriy Shevchenko
Ian Rush – Juventus
Liverpool legend Ian Rush, who also had a brief stint with Juventus, has surprisingly backed Gonzalo Higuain to be a key player tonight. The Welsh striker insisted that Madrid are one of the teams who outscore their opponents but believes that if Juventus score twice, Zidane’s side will not be able to put 3 past Buffon and company.
“I am going with Juventus. Madrid are one of those teams who, you know, you score two then we will score three – they are that good. But I think if Juventus score two there's no way Madrid are going to score three. I think they are well organised, they work hard as a team, and they have got those players who can win you the game – the likes of Higuain and people like that.” ~ Ian Rush
Robert Pires – Real Madrid
Arsenal legend Robert Pires has also weighed down on the subject. The former Invincible has backed Los Blancos to win tonight’s clash comprehensively, predicting a 3-1 win for Cristiano Ronaldo’s side.
Marcel Desailly – Juventus
Former AC Milan and Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly has predicted a 2-1 win for Juventus in tonight’s high-octane clash. The Ghanian has himself won the Champions League on two occasions, once with Marseille and then with AC Milan.
Juventus 2-1 Real Madrid ~ Marcel Desailly
Eidur Gudjohnsen – Juventus
Former Chelsea and Barcelona forward Eidur Gudjohnsen has backed the Italian side to come out on top in tonight’s encounter. The Iceland international has himself won the coveted trophy in 2009.
Juventus 1-0 Real Madrid ~ Eidur Gudjohnsen
Steve McManaman – Real Madrid
Former Liverpool and Real Madrid winger, Steve McManaman, who himself won the cup twice with Real Madrid has backed his side to win it for a record-extending 12th time. The former England international spent 4 seasons with Los Blancos winning 7 trophies in total.
Juventus 1-2 Real Madrid ~ Steve McManaman
Alessandro Del Piero – Juventus
Italian and Juventus legend Alessandro del Piero, another casualty of the 1997/98 side which lost the final to Real Madrid, didn’t declare any clear favourites for tonight’s clash citing that the two teams have won the respective leagues in their country.
Del Piero spent 19 seasons in Turin with Juventus and won all that there is to win. The Italian striker insisted that he will encourage his former side and hopes that they come home with the trophy.
"I don't think there's a clear favourite in Cardiff. They are two teams that have the same possibilities, more or less, to win the tournament. They are champions in their leagues and I think they are the best teams at this moment."
"I have an infinite respect for Real Madrid, the club, team and coach and their fantastic fans. But, of course, in Cardiff I will encourage Juventus. I hope you understand. [laughs]." ~ Alessandro del Piero
Antoine Griezmann – Juventus
Considered by many to be the 3rd best footballer in the world only behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Mess, Atletico Madrid superstar Antoine Griezmann has backed the Old Lady to come out victorious in tonight’s clash. Not only that, speaking in an interview with Cadena Ser’s El Larguero, he even backed Gianluigi Buffon to win the Ballon d’Or.
"Juventus will win the Champions League and therefore Gigi Buffon the Ballon d'Or." ~ Antoine Griezmann
Xavi – Juventus
Barcelona legend Xavi has also backed the Old Lady to claim the prestigious Champions League trophy for the 3rd time. The legendary Spanish midfielder knows a thing or two about winning the most coveted prize in club football – having lifted the trophy on 4 occasions.
Speaking in an interview with Le Parisien, Xavi insisted that the tie is evenly poised but wants Juventus to win so that Gianluigi Buffon wins his first Champions League.
"It will be 50-50 for the Champions League final between Juventus and Real Madrid. I would like Juventus to win so that Gianluigi Buffon wins his first Champions League. "He deserves it so much." ~ Xavi
Iker Casillas – Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s legendary captain and goalkeeper Iker Casillas has insisted that he would want Gianluigi Buffon and Juventus to win the clash if the opponent was anyone but Real Madrid. Speaking in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Casillas reiterated that he wants his former side to win but warned them of the threat possessed by the Italian side.
"Had the opponent not been Real Madrid, I would have wanted Buffon to win the Champions League with all my heart, he deserves it. I obviously support Madrid, but Buffon's career should not come to an end without him having won the Champions League. He has won almost everything, except this one and it is weighing down on him.
"The final will be a very even game. Juventus have always been strong in defence, but they are now also strong in attack. I would say it is a fifty-fifty game." ~ Iker Casillas
