The Champions League Final is nearly upon us! The teams have now arrived in Cardiff, Wales and have begun their final preparations for the last match of the 2016/2017 campaign. Real Madrid are looking to become the first team in history to repeat as UCL champions, but The Old Lady, Juventus, stand in their way. What will it take for Zinedine Zidane and his men to win their 12th UCL title? Ben Sundock gives you some insight.
The commanding play of Ronaldo
Thanks to his stellar play against Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, and Malaga, Real Madrid are not only La Liga champions, but they’re in the position to win their second consecutive Champions League trophy, mainly thanks to the phenomenal play of their star, Cristiano Ronaldo, in the last couple of months.
Since March 1st, CR7 has scored 19 goals, adding 3 assists, and earning Man of the Match honors 3 times according to WhoScored.com. If Real Madrid are going to beat one of the best goalkeepers of all-time, Gigi Buffon, and maybe the best back three in Europe, Ronaldo is going to need to create chances.
Karim Benzema hasn’t been the best at creating chances and scoring goal, so it’s going to be up to Ronaldo to draw defenders off Benz and Isco and give them opportunities.
Cristiano has been Mr. Clutch the last month, (yes more than Sergio Ramos), and the success of the team has hinged on the quality of his play. He’s well rested, still as hungry as ever to win trophies, and knows the talent he will be facing on the side.
If Ronaldo can get touches on the wings, or maybe work into the center of the park and get lots of shots on goal, good things will happen. His passing isn’t to be underestimated either. Juventus better keep close tabs on the Portuguese beast.