CL Preview: Real Madrid-Juventus
2/21/2005 11:48:00 PM
Games do not come much bigger than this. Two giants of the European game come head to head this week in what looks like being an epic encounter. As soon as the draw for the second round of the Champions League was made, fans and pundits around Europe were licking their lips at the prospect of Real Madrid vs. Juventus. The first leg takes place this week at the Bernabeu.
BACKGROUND
These two giants have met a number of times in the last decade, most notably in the 1998 Champions League final where Real came out on top 1-0 thanks to a Mijatovic goal. Five years later Juve got their revenge - this time in the Champions League semi-final. After losing the first leg 2-1 in Spain, Juve had the night of their lives in the second leg in Turin. Goals from Trezeguet, Del Piero and a stunner from Nedved meant Juve won the match 3-1 and reached the Final 4-3 on aggregate.
CURRENT FORM
No doubts on this score: Real Madrid are the form side going in to this game. Since the arrival of new coach Vanderlie Luxemburgo Real have lost just one of their last eight games (closing the gap on Barcelona at the summit of La Liga to seven points) and have looked much more hungry for success. Juve on the other hand have struggled since the turn of the year (Juve have picked up only four points from their last four games) allowing Milan back in to the race for lo scudetto.
TEAM NEWS
Real Madrid are sweating on the fitness of star forward Ronaldo who hurt his foot dancing at his engagement party. Michel Owen will replace the Brazilian if he is ruled out.
Juve’s main worry is the fitness of Czech ace Pavel Nedved (knee) who is rated only 50/50 to take part in this game. David Trezeguet, who missed the weekend trip to Messina with flu, is again out. Kapo and Montero also miss out.
Real Madrid could play a 4-4-2 or a 4-2-4, with David Beckham and Thomas Gravesen the two holders allowing the front four of Zidane, Figo, Raul, Ronaldo/Owen the freedom to attack
Juve’s line up and formation would seem to depend on Pavel Nedved; if he plays Juve are likely to go with a 4-4-2 while if he is ruled out it could be a 4-3-3 or even a 3-5-2 for the Old Lady. Another big decision has been taken away from Fabio Capello: with Trezeguet out he will go with Del Piero and Ibrahimovic at the Bernabeu.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
There will be a number of key battles in this much-anticipated game. Many believe that Buffon and Casillas are the two best goal keepers in Europe and they will be key in this tie. Will Buffon be able to keep out Madrid s galacticos? And will Casillas be a match for Del Piero, Nedved and Ibra? The answers could well decide the tie.
The battle for midfield will be Beckham vs. Emerson, the England captain against his Brazilian counterpart. Both are strong and have a lot of energy but who will be able to get the upper hand going forward - Beckham with his range of passing and free kicks or Emerson with his powerful forward runs and long range shooting?
Zebina vs. Roberto Carlos will also be a key battle. Both are good going forward but not so good when having to defend; should be fascinating.
PROBABLE STARTING XIs
Real Madrid (probable): Casillas, Salgado, Helguera, Samuel, Roberto Carlos, Beckham, Gravesen, Figo, Zidane, Raul, Ronaldo.
Juventus (probable): Buffon, Zebina, Cannavaro, Thuram, Zambrotta, Camoranesi, Emerson, Blasi, Nedved, Del Piero, Ibrahimovic.
PREDICTION
The tie is too tight to call and it may well come down to which side can perform best on their travels. An away goal will be vital for Juve while Real Madrid will be looking for a lead to take to Turin. It may also take one of the stars on show to do something a little special. Zidane will be looking to impress against his form club, while Del Piero wants to silence his many critics. Should be a great game Enjoy!