Intro
No team in the history of the Champions League has lost more finals than Juventus. The Old Lady has lost a total of seven Europen Cup/Champions League finals. Bearing in mind their absolute dominance in Italian domestic competition Juventus has often disappointed on the international platform. Always good but never quite good enough the 34-time Italian champions have not lifted the famous trophy for nearly a quarter century.
This year they have had enough and forked out around $100 million to somehow convince the 5 time Balon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo to join the Black on White. Ronaldo has on several occasions displayed his match-winning potential in the Champions League, often hurting his new employers. Ronaldo's acrobatic bicycle finish in Turin last season was the final straw, Juventus knew if they were ever going to win a Champions League it will be with the man who has won it for the last three years. In fact, Ronaldo's five Champions League wins is more than any other active player and second most in history. What makes his achievements even more remakrable is that he was instrumental in each one of his teams' titles.
The Champions League is really the Ronaldo show, as the player has more goals and more assists than any other player in the history of the competition. If you can't beat him buy him, this has been Juventus transfer policy domestically and Zebras felt this season was the opportune time to flex their financial muscle in Europe.
Meeting Diego Simeone in the round of 16 is not the easiest of mountains to climb. Atletico Madrid themselves have felt the wrath of Ronaldo both in Spain and on the continent. CR7 has scored a crazy 22 goals against Atletico over his storied career.
Atletico Madrid is once again having a strong season under their Argentine manager and sit second on the La Liga table.
The hallmark of the team, as it has been for many seasons is its watertight defence. Arguably the most difficult unit to breach in Europe, Juventus will have to be on top of their game to turn over Diego Godin, Jan Oblak and co.
Simeone is not without offensive heat of his own. The club was very active in the transfer market and has equipped the team with an arsenal that needs to be respected.
Predicted Line-up- Atlético Madrid
Predicted Line-up-Juventus
Diego Costa has missed much of the season with an injury and while there is a chance he recovers in time for Juventus, Alvaro Morata has been brought in as potential cover. As Chelsea supporters can testify Morata is no Diego Costa. Morata, however, is an ex-Juventus player and could have his story to write over the two legs. That role could be given to Kalinić who has equally contributed when given chance up front. Diego Godin is also being closely monitored as the tie nears. Lucas could fill in the middle of defence if needed meaning that either Filipe Luis or even Saul could go left back. Arias has convinced in his first season in Madrid and the last Eredivisie Player of the Year may have taken the right-back spot from Juanfran.
Goals(all season)- Antoine Griezmann 18 Koke 5, Diego Costa 4
Key Player- Antoine Griezmann , The French World Cup winner always turns up for the big occasions and would be expected to do the same if Atletico is to topple Juventus.
There are severe injury issues for Juventus in the defence. Barzagli, Bonnici and Chiellini all have slight injury issues. Juan Cuadrado's long term injury means he is likely to be unavailable. Sami Khedira has recently returned to the squad and will hope to get up to speed for the encounter in Madrid. Emre Can, can also be utilized in the midfield if tactically needed. The departure of Medhi Benatia sent the defensive alarm bells ringing and Allegri re-signed old boy Martin Caceres for the third time on loan. Douglas Costa can always provide a spark when he is involved. In recent weeks it also appears there is a goalkeeping duel ensuing as Mattia Perin has been trusted in the Serie A but it would be very unlikely this trust extends into Europe.
Goals(all season)- Cristiano Ronaldo 21, Mario Mandžukić 9, Paulo Dybala 8