To get you ready for the Champions League Final showdown between Real Madrid and Juventus, we here at The Real Champs decided to give our predictions for the match. Will Los Blancos capture their 12th Champions League title? Or will The Old Lady, Juventus, be too much?
Alex McVey, Co-Expert
Real Madrid are going to make a dumb mistake early on to concede a goal. But the will to win will triumph, probably on the back of a Sergio Ramos header. I see this coming down to a goalkeeper showdown with Keylor Navas blocking a crucial penalty, and Ronaldo scoring the winner, just like last year.
Prediction: 1-1, Real Madrid win on penalties.
Tyler Mascarenhas, Contributor
This final seems like the most ‘balanced final we have had in a long time. Two storied clubs, one Italian, one Spanish, battling for European glory. Real Madrid’s attack vs. Juventus’ defense is probably the most talked about. It wouldn’t surprise me to see another Sergio Ramos game-winning goal off of a corner, or a Cristiano Ronaldo poacher style strike from inside the area.
Juve on the other hand, have attackers like Dybala, Mandzukic, Higuain, and others. This is not the same squad that battled Barcelona and lost 2 years ago. The Italian club’s defensive record has been remarkable, though like Atletico Madrid, can be broken, especially when nerves and become a factor.
I feel like since Real Madrid have ‘been there, done that,’ they have the upper hand in terms of confidence and mentality. Juve have more pressure on them to win and that will give a slight advantage to Zinedine Zidane and his men. An early Madrid goal with a late Juventus equalizer is my prediction. With one goal a piece, the final goes to extra time where like we’ve seen time after time, Real Madrid re-group, re-focus, and snag a goal to seal the deal.
Though the unbreakable force meets the immovable object, the La Liga champs will prevail and history will be made. Hala Madrid!
Prediction: Real Madrid 2 – Juventus 1
Ben Sundock, Co-Expert
I’m seeing a trend here. Everyone picking a late Real Madrid goal to either tie the match or send it to extra time. And, I have to agree. But, to change things up, I’m going to go with a bit of a bold prediction.
Real Madrid have already achieved so much winning the La Liga title and going undrafted throughout the Champions League campaign to reach this final. I think that this confidence that is flowing through this team, the calm but firm demeanor of Zidane, and the fantastic play of Ronaldo will be enough for Los Blancos to win their second consecutive Champions League title, and 12th all-time.
I have lots of respect for Juventus and their incredible roster of players, but like Alex mentioned in his prediction, the will win to within this squad is so great, it will push them to victory. I see Ronaldo getting a goal late in the first half after both teams have gotten into the flow of the game and felt each other out. Dybala or Higuain will score the tying goal early in the second half and put pressure on Real but, in the end, it will be the beast, Cristiano Ronaldo who scores to give Los Blancos the win.
I can’t wait for the game to kickoff and for Real to be the first team to go back-to-back in the Champions League.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2 – Juventus 1
Kristofer McCormack, Contributor
I can see Real Madrid starting this game off poorly. In the 12 games played in the Champions League this season, Real have conceded first in half of them (including all but one of the knockout stage games).
Los Blancos will grow into the game and will spend most of the second half knocking on the door, sadly, the high-flying full backs will leave them exposed at the back and I think they will concede another goal.
Madrid will score an obligatory goal in the last ten minutes but it will be too little too late.
This game is in the fine margins, if Real Madrid scores first, Juve will have to push for a goal giving Real an advantage. Gareth Bale fit and playing means a 4-3-3, meaning less exposure on the flanks and more width to stretch Juve’s backline.
I call it in Juve’s favor because I believe a lot less has to go right for them to win this final than for the Royal Whites. I hope I am wrong.
Prediction: Juventus 2 – Real Madrid 1
Ahmed Genina, Contributor
Juventus are essentially Atletico Madrid on steroids. They depend on defending in numbers and hitting on the counter. What makes them so good, however, is they have a better forward line than Atleti.
Higuain, Dybala, and Madzukic are all dangerous players. The trio are nearly even in terms of quality, so you never know where you’ll get the strike. They also have a more secure defensive fortress, so chances won’t come easily tonight.
This will be a very even match, and it’s hard to predict, but I say Ronaldo gets the first goal, Dybala ties the match up for Juve, then it’s the hero Sergio Ramos who saves the day once again and wins the match for Real Madrid in the final minute.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2 – Juventus 1
Luis Castillo, Contributor
I agree with Ahmed, but with a slight twist. Ramos won’t score in the final minute of regulation time, it will take extra time before Ramos saves the day and scores to give Real Madrid their 12th European trophy.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2 – Juventus 1
Next: Showdown In Cardiff: Juventus vs. Real Madrid Preview