Two clubs chasing the holy grail, the UEFA Champions League trophy, will do battle today in a cup match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. The European final scheduled for 2:45 p.m. ET will be held at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon and can be live streamed here free.
All respect to Atletico Madrid, but the narrative surrounding the first-ever Champions League final with two clubs from the same city is all about Real Madrid. Los Galacticos are in search of their illustrious 10th European title (La Decima) and obsessively allowed the league title slip away because of it. For all Real Madrid parties involved, today's final is career defining.
Despite facing a slew of injuries, manager Carlo Ancelotti believes his side is ready to play (h/t to Marca). "Cristiano Ronaldo was not comfortable. In training yesterday he was confident, Benzema was too. When he made a pass to Bale he felt a twinge in his muscle but it is nothing to stop him playing the final," Ancelotti said.
"Pepe has improved. Tomorrow he will begin to train on the pitch again. Until now he has had treatment and we are confident that he will play," he added.
"Obviously, I would like all of them to train normally, but the important thing is that all the team are ready to play."
Will Real Madrid be ready enough to handle the pressures of today's final? Tell us @SportsWN
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: With no Xabi Alonso around—the Real Madrid midfielder is forced to miss the final due to yellow card accumulation—the driving force in the club's midfield will undeniably be Luka Modric. The 28-year-old has been deadly accurate with his passes in Champions League play, completing 92.1 percent.
Real Madrid's Projected Lineup (4-3-3): Casillas; Marcelo, Pepe, Ramos, Carvajal; Modric, Illarramendi, Maria; Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale
Atletico Madrid's Projected Lineup (4-4-2): Courtois; Luis, Godin, Miranda, Juanfran; Koke, Gabi, Tiago, Turan; Garcia, Villa
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