The long wait is finally over as Berlin is set to stage the UEFA Champions League final of the 2014/15 season. We are just six days away from the Copa America starting June 12. An European final so late from its usual slot at May end is unusual, but am sure no one will be complaining as a mouthwatering final awaits between two teams on brink of a treble winning campaign – FC Barcelona and Juventus FC. Both the European heavyweights are in their Eighth European cup final, with the La Liga champions aiming for a fifth title overall and fourth in 10 years , while the Old Lady are looking for their third triumph in Europe’s elite competition.
The first European final between these two teams with great tradition, promises to be a game of contrasting styles. Under Luis Enrique, Barca have ditched their Tiki-Taka possession style of football for a more direct approach focussed on the deadly South American trio of Messi, Neymar and Suarez. Barcelona have employed a number of different and successful front three over the years, but the MSN trio have eclipsed them hands down and at 112 goals between them, are six away from the best ever goal scoring triumvirate featuring their arch rival Real Madrid’s Ronaldo, Benzema and Higuain. Juventus meanwhile, make a more measured approach in their build up, and is mainly reliant on their powerful midfield to set up the goals for Tevez and Moratta who have established themselves as the first choice strikers. Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal are the power horses, while the classy Andrea Pirlo dictates the play around him.
This match throws some interesting head to heads too with Xavi definetely & Pirlo possibly getting their last shot at the grandest stage of club football. Xavi is no longer a starter in the Barca XI, but his experience of the big games will come in handy once he comes on from the bench. Pirlo meanwhile is crucial to Juve’s chances and the passing maestro has been defying age with stellar performances throughout the campaign. Shame one of them will have to leave empty handed. Next up is the contest between Neymar and Pogba – the most likely candidates to break the stranglehold of Messi and Ronaldo on the Ballon d’Or.Neymar has been in supreme form of late and is building up his reputation as one of the most feared strikers in World football. Pogba on the other hand has been a little off colour with his recent injury struggles, but he couldn’t have asked for a better platform to show what he’s made of.
Coming to the team line ups, Barcelona are untroubled by any injuries or suspension. Andres Iniesta has recovered in time and will take up his place in midfield along with Rakitic and Busquets.The front three pick themselves and will be the key men for Barca.Ter Stregen is the preferred GK in Champions league matches. Gerard Pique have regained his status as one of the strongest defenders in the world, while Mascherano has continued his superb form to form a formidable centre back pairing.Dani Alves and Jordi Alba on the flanks provide the width for Barca and are quite adept at defending as well. Juventus are without the services of Giorgio Chiellini, who will miss out a crack at Luis Saurez, a contest everyone was eagerly looking forward to post the World Cup incident. Still, there is Evra vs Saurez, a worthy replacement. The former Man Utd left back will be featuring in his fifth champions league final and along with Andrea Barzagli,Leonardo Bonucci and Stephan Lichtsteiner, will have to be at their absolute best to halt the MSN trio.Vidal, Pogba, Pirlo and Marchisio make up the midfield for Juve, their key area. Carlos Tevez has had an outstanding season and along with Alvaro Moratta, who has scored four times in the knockout phase, will look to outshine his Argentine counterparts. Gianluigi Buffon at 37, is undoubtedly one of the greatest shot stoppers to have ever played the game and will look to add the one trophy missing from his career.
Luis Enrique and Massimiliano Allegri have had dream debut seasons at their respective clubs having secured the league and cup double so far, and will be battling their wits for the icing on the cake. We all hope its not a one sided contest, but like much of the neutral fans out there, my heart says Juventus, but my head says Barcelona.
srikantkk 