With Monaco, Juventus, and both Madrid clubs in it, which club has the best chance of winning?
Atletico Madrid
The villains who knocked out everybody’s favourite underdog, Leicester City. They’ve been fairly consistent performers throughout the tournament this season, only losing to Bayern once in the group stages, and winning the reverse fixture. They’ve also maintained a solid spot in the top four in La Liga.
A third semi-final in four years also shows that Simeone knows this competition, reaching the final twice. Sadly though, they’ve been undone by Real Madrid on both occasions. French star Antoine Griezmann has been on electrifying form this season (even if his hair has been awful).
While Atletico could perhaps be criticised for relying too heavily on one player it was Sául, not Griezmann, that scored the goal that effectively put them through into the semis, in their 1-1 draw with Leicester. They have a fairly solidly performing Yannick Carrasco and a strong defensive line, conceding only five goals this tournament.
Despite this, and as much as I would like to see them finally succeed, I don’t see it happening. Especially now they’ve been drawn against their hometown rivals in the semis, which arguably provides the biggest test.
Real Madrid
With 11 successes to their name, Los Blancos look on track to add a twelfth. They haven’t lost a single game this season, although oddly enough drew three all with Legia Warsaw. Cristiano Ronaldo has, as usual, been on incredible form despite controversy against Bayern. Benzema has come in with five goals and five different midfielders have scored.
Defensively, they’ve not been as solid as you would expect, leaking 15 goals this season. However, their attacking prowess has carried them through. This may be their Achilles heel. Had it not been for those questionable decisions at the Bernabeau, Bayern may well have gone through. Should Real come up against a well-drilled defence, such as that of Juventus, and they not be so lucky with the referee… well, it may paint a different picture for them.
Having said that, Ramos and Co. are hardly easy to bypass, and any team will struggle. Against the other teams in the competition, I’d say that Real Madrid are my pick to win the tournament. Coming up against Atletico suits the current champions, as opposed to Juve or Monaco, although by no means will it be easy.
Monaco
What can be said for the French club, apart from Kylian Mbappé? He’s taken the last few games by the horns, and has torn his way through Ligue 1. The first player to score in each of his first four knockout games in Europe.
Falcao has also recovered the form that warranted the nickname El Tigre, chipping in with six goals. Midfielder Bernardo Silva has been terrific for the club.
Despite having to go through qualification to get where they are, they’ve performed magnificently in the tournament - mainly in attack. They have conceded 13 goals this year which, although not a huge number, isn’t fantastic. Given that eight came against Man City in one round, you have to wonder whether they’ll be able to stop a side like Real Madrid or Juventus scoring a good few.
They’ve got a wonderfully young team, and to watch them is nothing short of a thrill. Although, perhaps the squad is just slightly too young for this season. Maybe the defence is just lacking, or the attack isn’t quite capable of penetrating the back lines of the other three. Give it a season or two, and Monaco will be considered. They're unlikely to progress past Juve this year though.
Juventus
The Old Lady of Turin. Juventus have, quite simply, been remarkable this year. They’ve conceded two goals in 15 hours of Champions League football.
Messi still hasn’t managed to score against Buffon. Chiellini and Bonucci have been a wall at the back, Cuadrado has been sensational. Every player has performed in their squad, and the addition of Miralem Pjanic to the team has strengthened the midfield.
Then, of course, there’s Paulo Dybala, Messi’s heir apparent. Capturing the eyes of every football fan across the world, he’s partnered with Higuaín and Mandžukić to form a terrifying force. That’s leaving out names such as Khedira, Alves, Barzagli and Marchisio. Quite frankly, Juventus have a phenomenal wealth of talent.
Massimilliano Allegri took the side to the final a few years ago, and was unlucky to lose to Barcelona. Two successive Serie A titles, and it looks to be a third. Juventus have all the makings of champions.
However, they’ve only had to come up against difficult European competition in the form of Barcelona. Granted, they didn’t concede against the famous trio of Messi, Suárez and Neymar. But as Ranieri pointed out, every team dominates and then fades. So perhaps another telling test of Real Madrid mayfind fault in the Italian giants. Should Dybala or Higuaín not be able to play, or Chiellini be out, it may be too tall a task.
The Italians are, however, covered in most positions. I’d also love to see Buffon win the Champions League title he is so deserving of. Drawing Monaco is the choice option for Juventus, having avoided both Madrid clubs.
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