The reckoning has come. Juventus and Real Madrid meet again 10 months after the final in Cardiff, which put them in front of them to contend for the cup with big ears. We all know how it ended, but this could be a very different story or at least that's what the black and white people hope, now addicted to the championships and instead rather hungry for a great Europe.
The Blancos have certainly changed, having arrived in Wales as Spanish champions and now "sadly" in third place, 13 behind Barcelona and behind Atletico Madrid as well. But woe to think that La Liga can be a valid mirror: the truth is that Real is transformed in the Champions League, almost as if it were at home.
The PSG knows something about it, who started charging like an angry bull and instead found himself outside in the round of XNUMX with his horns broken. In short, the Spanish bi-champions in charge (no one like them since the Champions League existed) are scary but Juve have every right to dream of the coup, especially in the double confrontation.
“We will play the first of two wonderful matches against them – commented Massimiliano Allegri – Eliminating Real would be, as well as a boast, a further step forward in our path, we know that we will be up against the strongest and most favored team for the final victory but we must have the ambition to win”.
In short, Cardiff must be a stimulus, not a reason to be afraid of the opponents. The psychological aspect can be decisive in the double challenge, especially in this one at the Stadium where conceding a goal could prove fatal.
“We mustn't take it as revenge, just as a teaching – continued Allegri – They play very serene on a mental level, we must do exactly the same. We have the technical qualities, then it's clear that we'll need a little luck”.
“No revenge – Chiellini echoed – In the many years that we have played we have positive or negative memories with all the strongest teams, if you want to reach the final you have to compete against Real, Barcelona or Bayern. Playing with these opponents gives enormous stimuli, we want to confirm ourselves at high levels".
Respect for Madrid, not fear: here it is the mantra that, since the day of the draw, has been echoing throughout the black and white world. Whether it's real belief or a way to exorcise the danger we'll only understand by watching the match, but certainly even the Spaniards didn't jump for joy at the thought of facing Juve.
“I think they are two clubs with the same DNA, both always want to win – Zinedine Zidane said – I have played for both teams, I know what I am talking about: indeed, I can say that I learned in Turin what it means to be a winner. Maybe one day I'll come back, never say never, but now I'm only thinking about the game and doing well: it will be complicated but we always want to excel”.
And then word to the field, where, at least on paper, Madrid would seem to be better off. In fact, Zizou has the entire squad at his disposal except for Nacho, who was injured on Saturday against Las Palmas. Not bad, after all, the 4-3-1-2 blanco will be the best possible with Navas in goal, Carvajal, Ramos, Varane and Marcelo in defense, Kroos, Casemiro and Modric in midfield, Isco (favorite over Bale) behind attack pair Ronaldo-Benzema.
Allegri, on the other hand, has to face the disqualifications of Benatia and Pjanic: very heavy absences, to be remedied with the strength of the collective rather than that of individuals. The Juventus coach will rely on the 4-3-2-1 with Buffon in goal, De Sciglio, Barzagli, Chiellini and Asamoah in the back, Khedira, Bentancur and Matuidi in the midfield, Dybala and Douglas Costa behind the only true striker Higuain.
Stadium packed, ready to push the team towards another great enterprise: one that, perhaps, could finally change the European history of the Lady.
