Predicted line ups for both Real and Atletico Madrid ahead of Champions League final.
Atletico have a great chance to cap their season off with a well earned double, however, injury concerns to key men could put a damper on their chances. Here is how we think both sides will line up for Saturday night’s showpiece finale.
Atletico Madrid
GK: Thibaut Courtois
The final could be the Belgian’s swan song in an Atletico jersey as he prepares to return to Chelsea after the World Cup.
RB: Juanfran
A quiet yet effective and reliable component in Atletico’s successful season. Will have his hands full with Ronaldo.
CB: Miranda
Solid and dependable, will be able to match up to the prowess of Karim Benzema with no problems.
CB: Diego Godin
The Uruguayan stopper will be looked upon to shut out Real’s attacks and provide a goal threat going forward from set pieces.
LB: Filipe Luis
Perhaps the only man on the pitch capable of keeping Gareth Bale quiet.
CM: Tiago
With his contract expiring in July, he will look to add one final trophy to his extensive collection.
CM: Gabi Fernandez
The skipper will be looked upon to break up Real’s attacks through the middle and distribute the ball intelligently when he gets it.
LAM: Koke
Koke’s creativity will cause Real a cause for concern down the left, and with Filipe Luis bombing past him the two can combine to form a truly deadly threat.
RAM: Jose Sosa
The Argentine loanee has a chance to sign off on a high in the absence of Arda Turan.
CAM: Raul Garcia
Garcia has not scored as many as he would have expected this term, but now is the best time to correct that.
ST: David Villa
Even though Diego Costa is missing, the club are in safe hands in the shape of Villa.
Real Madrid
GK: Iker Casillas
The best thing about being a cup goalkeeper is when a high profile final comes around. The veteran stopper will be as ready as ever, no doubt.
RB: Alvaro Arbeloa
The former Liverpool man is often viewed as the weak link in the Real defence, but he doesn’t give much away and will be a tougher opponent than most give him credit for.
CB: Sergio Ramos
Always one for the big occasion, Ramos will be as dependable as ever.
CB: Pepe
An expert at getting under the skin of his opponents, Atletico’s forwards will need to be on their guard against him.
LB: Marcelo
Will combine well with Ronaldo to cause Atletico real problems on the left side.
CM: Luka Modric
The nippy Croatian will be pulling the strings in the middle to link up with the forwards.
CM: Sami Khedira
The German international has missed the bulk of the season, but has returned just in time to take over from the suspended Xabi Alonso.
CAM: Angel Di Maria
Another player who is expected to move on this summer, the Argentine will be hoping to sign off on a positive note.
LWF: Cristiano Ronaldo
The best player in the world is likely to shake off an injury to feature in the final, and his inclusion will improve Real’s chances greatly.
RWF: Gareth Bale
It would be a shame for Bale to not pick up some form of silverware during a strong debut season in Spain. He will be expected to cause problems by using his strong running abilities to cut inside from the right.
ST: Karim Benzema
Benzema has been the club’s only real out-and-out striker worthy of a regular starting berth, and will look to sign off with one final big contribution.