I am hoping we have a great match, and this lives up to the hype a lot more than that Mayweather Pacquiao encounter. The first leg was a return to why we love Champions League football. Two teams playing a lovely passing game and evenly matched. Which is a lot more than can be said about the other semi-final. That was supposed to be the closer one....not this.
Can't change my pick. Juventus can win this, and the power of the away goal is very strong, but this match IS Madrid's season. Juve have their trophy, but if Madrid go out, then it would be a season where they would have to watch in disgust and pain as they see Barcelona pick up yet another treble. The spotlight, unjustly in my view, would be put on Ancelotti. So, that is what is on the table, and for that reason I feel Madrid will edge the game, but it won't be easy.
What will decide the game is more on the lines as how Juventus will play rather than Madrid. It's obvious Madrid will do what they did against Atletico and keep the ball moving with a focus on creating chance after chance from kick-off. And if Juventus sit back and invite the pressure, Madrid will win. But, if Juventus really be a bit more balanced and Marchisio offers support to Tevez and Morata...then this could be a closer game. Because Juventus is not an attacking team, and that is not Allegri's way to flow, I would not expect the wild wild west to take place...that is Moyes territory.
I just think if Juventus really try and throw a few men forward while they counter and be a bit risky with the numbers they have in defence, that could offset Madrid who don't like playing teams who come at them. It was more suitable against Atletico as they had time on the ball and did not have to worry about the counter of many men coming at them. But if Juventus bring the passing and movement they had in the first leg with the very crucial component of Marchisio finding space in the hole, then that could be a real problem for Madrid.
Cristiano needs a big game and I am sure he will get his tap-in. But if Juventus bring their A-game and really try and play, then Madrid will need more from James and Isco, as well as Pepe and Varane being superb at the back to cut off Tevez who likes to carry the ball, and is difficult to dispossess. And there is the wildcard of Pogba. How fit is he? How many minutes can he play? Will he help or hamper the team if he starts?
I want to see a great game. Whether there are G's or only the one, I want to see a worthy sequel to the first leg. Great tactical watch, with good football and some amazing individual dance moves. What I hope won't happen is a sending off or a bad decision that could decide the game. The more I think about it though, after my man Abdul first mentioned it, the more I think Real will get a very important call tonight that Juventus will see as an injustice and could pretty much decide the game.
Let's hope not....
HH
Sent from the Hut
