2014 Champions League Final Preview

The most prestigious club competition in the world will reach it's climax tonight as Simeone's Atletico prepare to take on their fierce rivals, Real Madrid. Having spent shedloads of money over the last decade, Real will be hoping to reach La Decima while Atletico have only ever reached the final once before, losing to Bayern Munich 4-0 in 1974.

Tonights final marks the first time that 2 teams from the same city have reached the final and we can certainly expect a mass exodus from the Spanish capital across to Lisbon. The Portuguese city will be Spanish for one night only as many of the unfortunate fans who were unable to get tickets will have to settle for a screen in the raucous atmosphere of one of the many Lisbon pubs.

Nobody expected Atletico Madrid to reach the final, so a victory would certainly announce themselves on the European scene. Fresh from clinching the La Liga title in the Nou Camp, confidence will be flowing through the veins of Atleti, as they hope to complete a memorable double. Few will have predicted at the start of the season, that Atleti would win the league and reach the Champions League Final, and possibly even win it. It shows that Diego Simeone has acquired a close-knit bunch with exceptional talent within the squad. 

Having suffered a hamstring injury against Barcelona at the weekend, Atleti hotshot, Diego Costa is trying every possible way to get on Simeone's team sheet for the final. His absence would be a mighty blow to the team and to neutral, who want to see all the best players fit and able to play. Whether, he is risking his World Cup and future career on this match is another question. The native Brazilian has been at the centre of Atletico Madrid's success this season having scored 27 goals in the league, more than 1/4 of Atleti's goals in the league this season.

There were doubts as to whether Real's explosive duo, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale would start on the final, but earlier in the week, Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that both would feature in the star-studded affair on Saturday. Like Costa, the final would lose some of its gloss if Bale and Ronaldo were to miss out. After signing for a world record fee from Tottenham, Bale has caught the eye of Ancelotti who has been impressed with his debut season in Spain. His compatriot and Ballon D'Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo has been unstoppable this season, scoring 47 goals and also breaking a record for the most goals in a tournament after his brace against Bayern in the previous round.

Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid both express similar philosophies when it comes to tactics. As seen against Bayern in the previous round, Real tore the reigning champions to shreds through the pace of Bale and Ronaldo, as well as the defensive discipline at the back with Sergio Ramos and Pepe. Bayern were unable to cope with Real's attacking trio and Guardiola opted to save his dignity by bringing on Javi Martinez at half-time to prevent any further damage being done. 

Similarly, Diego Simeone is a master tactician, out-witting the 'Special One' in the previous round. Atleti have a very solid defence, courtesy of their reliable centre-halves in Diego Godin and Miranda. During the knockout rounds, the team have only conceded 3 goals, meaning that Real will have to work hard in order to break down this defence. It is obvious that Atleti will pose a different kind of threat towards Real to the one that was delivered by Bayern in the last round. Atleti may surrender some of the possession to their rivals in the hope of getting a break and scoring on the counter attack.

Any tie where the finalists are local rivals, leads to wondrous occasion. We will most likely see a tentative start from both sides as no one will want to lose to their rivals. In terms of where my allegiance lies, I am torn. I would much like Real to achieve the long over due La Decima, while it would nice to see Atleti win their first ever trophy.