Who will win battle of Madrid giants?
TOMORROW’S European Champions League final is in Milan but let’s be honest – the heart of football, the core of the sport’s lustre and celebrity, and the essence of it’s beauty, resides in Madrid.
The first time that two football teams from the same city competed in the Champions League final was when Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid met two years ago in Lisbon. Tomorrow night at the San Siro, the Spanish city will do it, amazingly, for the second time.
In 2014, Real were victorious. Can they do it again, to win the sought-after European trophy for an 11th time? Or can Atletico pull the plug on their neighbours and win the prestigious trophy for the first time?
As the countdown to the much-anticipated kickoff begins, we take a look at some of the key protagonists:
THE MANAGERIAL MAESTROS
ZINEDINE ZIDANE
A living legend, Zizou’s place in football folklore was secured in 2002 at Hampden Park in Glasgow, when he inspired Real Madrid to their ninth Champions League success with a stunning volley. He was also present in Lisbon – this time as assistant to Carlo Ancelotti – when Real beat their neighbours.
Called on to replace Rafa Benitez as head coach earlier in the season, Zidane’s reputation as one of the alltime greats has engendered the respect of the big egos in the Real dressing-room, and they’ve responded with some resplendent performances and results. He’s quickly transferring his on-field genius to his new role, and steer Real to European title No 11.
DIEGO SIMEONE
Let’s first rewind to December 2011 when Simeone first joined Atletico. They were four points away from the threat of relegation. Five months later, Atleti ended fifth in La Liga and were crowned Europa League champions. More success followed, including the European Super Cup, the Spanish Cup, the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup.
The Champions League has eluded them, but tomorrow is another opportunity. For Simeone, however, whatever you may think about his style and approach, it’s the result that matters. His philosophy revolves around effort, hard work, organisation, team-ethic, meticulous planning and intensity. In the Argentine’s own words: “You might not have the budget to compete, but you can beat them with unity and a work-ethic they can’t match. It’s not a question of who has the bigger army, it’s more about who organises his troops better.” Say no more …
THE HOLLYWOOD BRIGADE
CRISTIANO RONALDO
What more is there to say about Ronaldo? Certainly, one of the best footballers in recent years, and he’s matured to such an extent that’s he’s almost unrecognisable from the player who came to prominence at Manchester United. Then, as a young star, he was a lot more flashy and, a bit inconsistent.
Now, at Real, he knows his game inside out, and he’s an unwavering menace to defences. And the goals – oh, boy, the goals! – have tumbled off his boot with monotonous regularity.
If Real are to emerge victorious tomorrow, rest assured that Ronaldo will be a major contributing factor.
ANTOINE GRIEZMANN
Simeone has no doubt that Griezmann is among the current top three players in the world. The other two, says the Atletico coach, are Ronaldo and Lionel Messi – let that thought sink in and you will soon realise just how good the Frenchman is. Already he is on the shopping list of many of the world’s big-spenders, including Chelsea and United.
Quick, technically-gifted and predatory in the penalty box, Griezmann doesn’t lack for big-match temperament, either – the winner against Real in the Madrid derby in February, a double when Atletico defeated Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-final, and the goal that eliminated Bayern Munich in the semi-final. Can Griezmann inspire his team to a first Champions League success? You bet he can.
THE INDISPENSABLE DUO CASEMIRO
Cast your mind back to the era when Claude Makelele stalked the Real midfield like a colossus. Then, remember how important N’golo Kante was to Leicester City’s Premier League title success.
Focus on tomorrow’s Champions League final, and it’s evident how crucial the contribution of Brazilian holding midfielder Casemiro is to Real’s chances of victory. In the words of the great Dunga, current Brazil coach: “Someone has to carry the piano for Real Madrid.”
With the flash and flair of all the individual talent Real have at their disposal, the dirty work needs to be done – the hounding, the pressuring, the tackling, the passing, the linking. In short, to be the unnoticed, unsung hero, and that’s a job tailor-made for the industrious Casemiro.
KOKE
Remember the great Xavi and how his composed, metronomic passing orchestrated the dominance of Barca and the Spain national team over the last decade or so? Well, the ageing Xavi’s time is over and Koke’s has arrived.
The 24-year-old is already the heartbeat of Atletico, and he is viewed as the footballer around which Spain will build its future. Technically sound and blessed with a superb passing range, he pulls the strings in the Atleti midfield, not just in terms of assists but also late runs into the penalty area to get goals as well. He’s an authoritative presence and if the noisy neighbours are to upset their more illustrious counterparts, then Koke will have a role to play.
THE VERDICT
It’s a game that pits the flamboyant against the modest, the wealthy and extravagant against the unpretentious. It’s a contrast of styles featuring the dashing flash of Real’s individual talent and squad quality versus Atletico’s intensity, character and team diligence and rigour. For me, it comes down to a choice between the head and the heart. The head says Real will win – they have the winning pedigree and experience, as well as the class and the game-breakers. My heart, though, insists Atletico – they are the self-effacing underdogs and represent the romance and wonder that keeps us addicted to the sport. So, what the heck, forget the head, I’m following my heart.