Battle of the BBCs
> Subplots aplenty as Real take on Juve in Champions League final in Cardiff <
BLUES PARIS
REAL MADRID aim for an unprecedented title defence in tomorrow’s Champions League final but run into a Juventus side determined to lift the trophy for the first time in 21 years.
BBC is the key phrase used on both sides, standing for Real’s attack of Cardiff-born Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo; and Juve’s defence of Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzaglio and Giorgio Chiellini.
“They don’t concede many and we score a lot but that won’t influence what is going to happen. It’s going to be a very nice match,” Real coach Zinedine Zidane said.
The final to be broadcast around the world also features a duel of Brazilian fullbacks Marcelo (Real) and Dani Alves (Juve); of German midfielders Toni Kroos (Real) and Sami Khedira (Juve); and Khedira, Gonzalo Higuain (Juve) and Alvaro Morata (Real) facing their former club.
Juve have won the showcase tournament twice before, in 1985 and 1996, but have lost in their six other appearances in the decider, the last time 2015 against Barcelona.
Victory tomorrow would give the 2006 World Cup champion Gianluigi Buffon the only major trophy eluding him, and at age 39 also make the goalkeeper the oldest winner.
“Two years ago everyone thought it was my last final but you have to believe in your dreams,” Buffon said after Juve beat Monaco in the semifinals.
Real captain Sergio Ramos praised Buffon as “a legend” and Chiellini said: “I feel fortunate to have played my whole career for Juve and the Azzurri with Gianluigi Buffon in goal.”
Chiellini said Juve’s defence was not only about the BBC trio and is cautiously optimistic they can stop Real like in the 2015 semis.
“The strength of Real Madrid’s attack is no secret. We need to keep the ball as far from our goal as possible,” he said.
“We feel stronger and better prepared for this final than two years ago. We’ve grown in quality since then.”
Coach Massimiliano Allgeri was also upbeat that Juve can complete their first title treble in club history, after claiming a sixth straight Serie A title and another Italian cup last month.
“We go into the final with great conviction that we can bring home the trophy,” he said.
Allegri named Real favourites but said self-belief was a key for the team that ousted Barcelona in the quarterfinals.
Both coaches have no major injury concerns although it remains unclear whether Zidane, who spent part of his playing career at Juve, will have Bale in the starting 11 in the winger’s return from injury or field the popular Isco.
“Gareth doesn’t have to say anything to me. He’s ready, with us, and really excited. Playing at home and that’s that. The players are motivated and I’m only interested about that,” Zidane said.
Bale said: “I feel great and I’m fully recovered. It’s a special final, in the city where I was born, and we’re just one step away from winning the second consecutive Champions League and making history.”
Bale and all other players, officials and fans will be greeted by the biggest ever security operation in Cardiff, with some 6,000 officers deployed around the 66,000-seat stadium and the city, and the roof closed for the first time at a Champions League final. – dpa