Rich club, poor club, Madrids battle for European glory

Atletico Madrid have never won the premier club competition in Europe, coming closest in 1974 when they lost in a final replay to Bayern Munich.

Real Madrid have, well, won the European Cup and Champions League a total of nine times.

So, it is in some ways poetic, that the last obstacle in Real’s charge for La Decima (look it up) is Atletico, the oft-maligned “other” side in the Spanish capital.

Vice versa, Real are the last obstacle to Atletico finally landing the big one and coming out of the shadow of their more illustrious neighbours, even if it is only for one season.

It should be noted too that this less-successful but noisy neighbour just so happens to be the Spanish Champions of the recently concluded 2013-2014 La Liga season.

And that is what is bound to make this match a firecracker for sure.

Now, let us go through the potential match-ups in tonight's Champions League Final (2.45am, Sunday morning, on Astro Ch 816/834).

Thibault Courtois (Atletico Madrid) vs Iker Casilas (Real Madrid)

The age gap does not apply for the cool-as-ice Courtois, and a goalkeeper at that. He is a wonderful example in shattering the goalkeeping myth that “age is gold”... if you are a good shot-stopper, youth is not a hindrance.

Casillas had a baptism by fire in 2002, coming on and pulling off several stunning stops to halt Bayer Leverkusen’s furious comeback. At the end of the day, the battle of experience against keeping the ball out of the onion bag has only one clear winner. We wiill see if Courtois can emulate Iker with a great performance between the sticks.

Juanfran (AM) vs Dani Carvajal (RM)

Juanfran is one of the most underrated fullbacks in the world, which works against you if you play for a club outside of Europe’s elite. His composure is essential in combating the marauding wide-men of Real Madrid.

Carvajal is a player deserving a consistent run-out for the Spanish national side, highlighted by his effort in nullifying Franck Ribery over two legs. His energy and fearlessness will prove a challenge to an Atletico side adept at physical play; they will need to go the aerial route, and that might make them susceptible to a confident counterattacking side like Real.

Filipe Luis (AM) vs Marcelo (RM)

Filipe Luis is the starting fullback in my best 11 of the season.Snubbed by his national side for a flashier counterpart, he is the fullback every footballer wants on their side. Unbelievably reliable and comfortable in either half of the pitch, he will be looking to show a thing or two to Luiz Felipe Scolari and his choices.

Marcelo has truly benefitted from Fabio Coentrao providing top-quality competition for the starting left-back spot, which has helped him become more dependable at the back, instead of being an average Brazilian fullback we see often these days.

Diego Godin/Miranda (AM) vs Sergio Ramos/Pepe (RM)

A bar-room brawl waiting to happen. Any one of them could start a fire without a match, and each of them can provide the final spark necessary to separate these two sides. Sergio Ramos has been imperious, dominating Bayern Munich with ease and popping up with two goals. Pepe has noticeably calmed down from the Mourinho era, but it only means his ability in the dark arts of “simulation” and baiting is improving.

No nonsense. That’s the best description I can give to Atletico’s two-man wall at the back, and their success in La Liga is down to these two men. The discipline that Diego Simeone has instilled throughout this squad is perfectly encapsulated by this partnership, and their stability is paramount to Atletico’s resistance.

Gabi/Tiago (AM) vs Sami Khedira/Luka Modric (RM)

In the centre of the park, we see a clear contrast in styles; Atletico’s reactive football spearheaded by Gabi’s probing passes and Tiago’s all-action style.

Khedira, who had only just recovered from a cruciate ligament injury which threatened to derail his World Cup hopes, has been declared fit by his coaches and his ability to dominate the centre of the park will be a sight to behold.

Luka Modric has blossomed into a deeper central midfield role at Real, and the advantage in midfield lies in Luka's ability to advance with the ball. A fleet-footed player in tight situations and a pure team player, Luka's agility will be key if Real are to put Atletico on the back foot.

Koke/Raul Garcia(AM) vs Angel Di Maria/Gareth Bale (RM)

While not out-and-out wide players, Atletico’s “wide men” will look to stifle Real’s devastating width and force them through the middle, knowing that clipping Real's wingers is their best chance at preventing La Decima being achieved at their expense.

Maturity has done wonders for both footballers (or could it simply be the Carlo Ancelotti effect?) and their direct powerful running is essential to Ancelotti’s pressing and counter-attacking style of play. Their match ups with Atletico fullbacks will be the prime entertainment for the night.

Adrian / David Villa (AM) vs Cristiano Ronaldo / Karim Benzema (RM)

Two strikers whose quality belies their form, Adrian's team play is more valued than his ability to put the ball in the back of the net. His off-the-ball running and exceptional defensive discipline for a forward can put pressure on Real’s defence, but any team that has had the quality of Diego Costa up front will be missing that certain ruthless streak.

For that, lest we forget, they have David Villa. Spain's all-time leading goal scorer who needs to be in Brazil 2014, his current cold streak is perhaps the longest in his career (his proficiency for hitting the woodwork being unfortunate, against Barcelona for example). The UEFA Champions League final is the perfect opportunity for him to remind everyone of what he can bring to the table.

Simply brilliant, Cristiano Ronaldo can cap off a stunning season with La Decima. Questions on his fitness and nagging injury issues may persist, but no one can question his heart and determination. It would be a shame if his only trophy this season is the Copa Del Rey, and his eagerness to return to the pitch is a testament to his desire to win.

Stability has helped Karim, the Frenchmen afforded a little something called “faith" by Carlo, compared to  walking on eggshells under Jose. You don't get the best out of someone by creating uncertainty in their minds, especially your forwards. Could this be the perfect gift for himself before the World Cup? I can think of none better.

Summary

Atletico Madrid have come off a La Liga title they almost threw away, and Real Madrid’s stumbling run of form towards the end of the season will not give Los Merengues fans’ much to be cheery about, but this is the Champions League.

Legends are made, scapegoats are cast forever and only one side of Madrid will be dancing with toy on the morning of May 26th. – May 24, 2014.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.