Champions League Preview: Real Madrid go for its 12th European Cup

Champions League Preview: Real Madrid go for its 12th European Cup

The UEFA Champions League began nearly a year ago with 78 teams competing to reach the final on June 3rd. That final will see Europe’s most storied club team, Real Madrid, competing for its record 12th European Cup. In Real Madrid’s way is Italian champions Juventus, who last won the Champions League in 1995-96. The final will pit, arguably, the two best sides in the world, and two teams that tasted domestic success in 2016-17. Now there is only the European Cup, the proverbial cherry on top of the sundae.

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The best player in the world

The match features two of the biggest clubs in European soccer, and it will match up some of the top players competing in the world today. Cristiano Ronaldo headlines the star-studded list of names as the Portuguese player attempts to win another major soccer trophy. Real Madrid is the reigning European champions, defeating arch-rivals Atletico Madrid in last season’s final.

Ronaldo has scored the second most goals in this season’s Champions League (10), only Lionel Messi scored more; yet the Argentine’s Barcelona bowed out at the hands of Real Madrid’s final opponent Juventus. As always Ronaldo is the player the opposing defense must stop, but that is easier said than done. The forward has tallied 35 goals in all competitions along with 11 assists this season.

But Ronaldo isn’t the only player Juventus must stop in the final. An amazing 19 different players scored at least one goal for Real Madrid during the La Liga season. Striker Karim Benzema added 16 goals in all competitions, and he will be tasked with leading the line – along with Ronaldo – on Saturday night.

The old lady of Italian soccer

For Juventus, the Serie A champions will be full of confidence after winning both the Italian league and the Coppa Italia. The Bianconeri have the chance to seal an historic treble, and could become the first Italian team to win the Champions League since Inter Milan in 2009-10.

Juventus’ leading scorer Gonzalo Higuain is the key man for the Italian club. Higuain was signed last summer to score goals and get the club to the promise land of a Champions League final. He has done that and scored 32 times in all competitions. He will try to bully Real Madrid’s defense as he throws around his big body. Meanwhile, Juventus’ defense has been solid throughout the Champions League. The team has only given up three goals in 12 Champions League matches this term. Despite the outstanding attack Real Madrid has, Juventus’ defense should be up to the challenge.

Sportsbooks favourite

Sports bookies have installed Real Madrid as the Champions League favorite going into Saturday’s final. The Spanish club are -125 to lift the trophy, while Juventus is even money. Ronaldo could be good value to finish the competition as leading scorer as two goals will see him overtake Messi for the title. The Real Madrid man is +170 to win the golden boot.

Saturday’s final will be a star-studded event, and two of the best teams in all of the world will do battle for the biggest prize in club soccer.

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