Real Madrid will seek to become the first club to retain the Champions League title when they take on a rock-solid Juventus side at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff this weekend.
The Bernabeu outfit recently ended their five-year wait for the La Liga title, and they will be up to full confidence following convincing victories over both Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid in the quarter-final and semi-final stage respectively.
Ronaldo bagged two hat-tricks in the same period, and he will provide the Old Lady with a real test although they have conceded just thrice during their European campaign.
The La Liga holders are the top scorers in the premier competition with 32 goals this term, but their threat up front could be nullified by keeping Ronaldo as far away from goal.
Lineup:
Keylor Navas has been ever-present in the Los Blancos setup, and he will start the Champions League final which could yet be his last game in the Real Madrid shirt.
Marcelo will take up his regular position on the left side of the defence with Dani Carvajal partnering him on the other flank after having overcome a hamstring niggle.
Raphael Varane will probably get the nod over Pepe to feature alongside club captain Sergio Ramos, who remains a deadly prospect for the opposition from set-pieces.
The midfield is likely to be anchored by former Porto ace Casemiro, who continues to earn the faith of club manager Zinedine Zidane.
Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are sure starters ahead of the Brazilian, and there is a suggestion that the former could leave the club, should he attain his third Champions League medal.
Cristiano Ronaldo will be the main workforce on the left side of the attack with Karim Benzema in the middle while Isco could get the nod over the recently fit Gareth Bale on the right wing.
Bale would be hugely disappointed to make the bench in his home country, but Zidane will have to make tough choices with Isco standing out with his performances during the Welshman’s injury absence.
Image – Getty
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