Real Madrid are set to defend their UEFA Champions League crown, against Serie A’s Juventus, after besting in-town rival Ateltico Madrid 4-2 on aggregate. Los Blancos set the tone in game 1, as Cristiano Ronaldo netted his impressive seventh Champions League hat-trick.
Game 2 had Real on their heels early, conceding two early goals, including a Antonie Griezmann penalty in the 16’ minute. However, Isco was able to net Los Blancos an away goal, which locked up Real’s spot in the finals.
The 2017 finals are set for June 3rd, at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
Breaking down the red hot Los Blancos
Cristiano leads the way for the best offense in Europe. Ronaldo has 10 goals in his last 12 Champions league games.
The best offense, will be up against the best defense. Juventus and Gigliani Buffon are 9-0-3 this Champions League, and I’ll go further in depth in their preview, have only allowed 3 (you read that right) goals all tournament.
Real is 8-1-3 in their stretch, while hammering away 32 goals. They are no stranger to shootouts but that will not be Juventus’s game plan heading into June 3rd.
The starting XI for the finals will look almost the same as their last game against Atletico. The one question being the status of Cardiff’s own, Gareth Bale. Still questionable at this point but expect the same three-headed attack of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Isco, who is playing in a very fine form as of late.
En proceso de recuperación… 💪
🏃 @GarethBale11
⚽ @DaniCarvajal92 #RMCity #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/OjWQrg2v0G— Real Madrid C. F. (@realmadrid) May 18, 2017
Real’s back line has been superb. Don’t count the first 15 minutes of game 2 against Atletico. Marcelo is playing some of the best defense of his life. Sergio Ramos has been himself, and causing problems for the opposing side’s strikers.
The larger story following Los Blancos is the mindset of goalkeeper Keylor Navas. Rumor after rumor with names like De Gea and Courtois being thrown around have upset the Costa Rican keeper. With the writing on the wall that he may be out, even though he is in his top form of the season, could be trouble for Real.
We’ll have more coverage as we get closer to June 3rd, with injury updates and predictions for the big game.
You may find Juventus’ preview here.
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