For the first time in history, two clubs from the same city will fight it out over the European Cup/Champions League trophy when Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid clash in Saturday’s final from Lisbon.
Surprisingly, they’ve met only once outside of their numerous domestic duels over the years, going head-to-head in the semifinals of the 1959 European Cup. Both won their home legs, setting up a third match in a neutral setting that was won by Real Madrid from goals by Alfredo Di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas. Los blancos ended up being crowned champions 25 days later, winning their fourth of five consecutive titles.
Saturday programming alert: Watch Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final from Lisbon’s Estádio da Luz live on all four main Sportsnet channels. Our coverage begins with the pre-game show starting at 2 pm ET before kickoff at 2:45 pm ET. | Sportsnet World Online | TV schedule
Atletico Madrid are the only team unbeaten in the Champions League this season (nine wins and three draws), and could become the first team since Manchester United in 2008 to be crowned champions without losing a single game. Real Madrid is vying to win La Decima, its 10th European crown.
The battle of Madrid and European glory pits offence against defence. Here’s how Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid match up.
GOALKEEPER
In most cases, Iker Casillas would win a head-to-head battle, as there are very few goalkeepers that can match his quality and consistency. He has been a giant presence between the goalposts for Real Madrid ever since becoming the youngest goalkeeper to participate in the competition’s final in 2000. Five clean sheets in 12 games this season speaks to his resiliency, given the attack-minded style Real deploy and the inconsistent performances by a shoddy back four. The opposite is true for Thibaut Courtois, who has been fortunate to have a defensive core equal in comparison with his undeniable talents in goal. The Belgian has seen his stock rise considerably in the three seasons spent on loan from Chelsea, meriting recognition for his leadership of Europe’s best structured defensive unit—securing five clean sheets in the competition (level with Casillas for the joint-lead in the current campaign)
Advantage: Atletico Madrid
DEFENCE
Six goals conceded in 12 matches—its safe to say Atletico holds the edge in this category. The foursome of Diego Godin, Felipe, Juanfran and Miranda has combined to create an almost impenetrable back line which is complimented by the intimidating presence of Courtois in goal. Normally, defensive-minded teams deploy a system that is for the most part unattractive and heavily criticized for being anti-football. Diego Simeone’s masterful approach focuses on keeping his three lines tight and compact, placing a tremendous amount of pressure in midfield that restricts space and frustrates the opposition. The key to Atletico’s success has been a collective effort from back to front—Simeone relies heavily on his two forwards to work hard for 90 minutes and do more than just stand at the halfway line waiting to hit back on the counter attack.
Advantage: Atletico Madrid
MIDFIELD
Nothing against Atletico’s collection of hard-working midfielders (Gabi, Raul Garcia, Koke & Arda Turan), they’ve truly been a key component to their teams success this season. However, the wealth of world-class options available in the opposing dugout is impossible to overlook. Real Madrid are second to none in this category, and easily win the head-to-head battle in midfield. Let’s go down the list from an offensive standpoint; Angel Di Maria (three goals & five assists), Gareth Bale (five goals & four assists), Isco (three goals & one assist) & Luka Modric (one goal & two assists). Defensively, Ancelotti can choose between Xabi Alonso, Sami Khedira & Asier Illarramendi. The ability to tweak tactics without sacrificing the teams structure and general style of play is an advantage that few managers can boast. Each formation possess an immediate threat, no matter which one Ancelotti chooses to deploy. If Atleti seal up the middle, Real are more than capable of exposing their opponents down the wings. Is it any wonder that Real Madrid boast the best attacking record in the Champions League this season, scoring 37 goals in 12 games. They are the only team in the competitions history to average over three goals per game in a single campaign (3.1).
Edge: Real Madrid
FORWARD
How important is Diego Costa to Atletico? So important that the Brazilian-born Spanish international travelled to Serbia for an experimental horse placenta treatment on his torn hamstring. Surprisingly, the striker participated in light training with his teammates after arriving in Portugal following the procedure. Unfortunately, Costa still remains a major doubt, though it wouldn’t be wise to rule him out completely. Atletico’s hit-man has scored eight Champions League goals to date, and his presence at the Estadio Da Luz on Saturday is of great importance. Staying with injuries, Real Madrid might be without the services of Karim Benzema, with manager Carlo Ancleottti confessing that the French striker is not at the level of fitness required. The news might have merited more attention had Cristiano Ronaldo not been declared fit for duty, having not played in Real’s last two domestic games. Ronaldo has resumed full training and will be in Ancelotti’s starting 11, giving him the chance to add to his recently achieved European goal scoring record in a single season (16). Ronaldo has now scored 37 times in his last 29 Champions League matches. There is no player that is more integral to his team’s success than the Portuguese superstar.
Advantage: Real Madrid
MANAGER
No one could have ever imagined the significance of Diego Simeone’s arrival at Atletico Madrid in December 2011. In three seasons, the former Argentine international has guided the club to a Europa League title (2012), UEFA Super Cup (2013), Copa del Rey (2013) and most recently the La Liga crown. If you’re keeping score, Real Madrid have collected three trophies in the same time period (2012 La Liga title, 2012 Supercopa de Espana and 2014 Copa del Rey). On the other hand, Carlo Ancelotti has reached the final of the Champions League for the fourth time as manager—winning in 2003 and 2007 with AC Milan. A victory on Saturday would mean the Italian would become only the second manager to win three European Cup/Champions League titles, after Liverpool’s Bob Paisley. Tactically, Simeone has out maneuvered the best in the business this season, so Ancelotti will have his hands full.
Advantage: Atletico Madrid
More Champions League coverage: Watch: Ronaldo embraces pressure at home | Photo gallery: Road to the final | Photo gallery: 10 players to watch in the final | Names in the news: Sergio Ramos | Names in the news: Diego Godin | Atletico Madrid captures the hearts of neutrals | Real Madrid’s obsession with la Decima | Sharman: Ronaldo is simply the best | Atletico Madrid keeps coming through | Sportsnet’s soccer panel handicaps the final | Massive history at stake for Real Madrid
