Champions League Final Open Thread

Before you do anything, click play on this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Qqd6T_A9LY

And now you know what the hell they are saying when you hear that song on Fox all day today. The pre-game show starts at 11 AM Pacific with kickoff around 11:45.  As part of the fun, we get a special pre-game kickoff ceremony that Fox probably won’t broadcast, but which you may find on the Spanish broadcast which, interestingly enough, is on ESPN Deportes and NOT Fox Deportes.  That’s PK weird.  Anyway, here is last year’s show, for your viewing pleasure:

BTW, the pre-game show starts at 10 AM on ESPN Deportes, not 11 like Fox so maybe they will show more of the ceremony.

As for some actual game analysis, since I am the resident La Liga watcher/booster around these parts, King Hippo suggested I do the preview for the game since both teams are in La Liga and finished behind Barcelona.

This year, The Madrid Derby was tied 1-1 when it was held in the Vicente Calderón, Atlético’s home ground, while Atlético won the game held at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real’s home ground by a score of 1-0.  The game, in recent years, has been a study in a clash of styles.

Atlético tries to win by playing extremely tough defense, forcing mistakes, and killing teams on the counter-attack.  Once they get a goal up, they can pretty much go on lockdown mode and end up winning by two or more as teams try everything in their power to score and leave themselves open at the back.

Real, on the other hand, are a team of superstars that focus more on attacking via their formidable group of forwards which includes Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Gareth Bale, among others.  Therein lies the problem for Real Madrid.  They have too many stars that demand playing time and there are only 11 men on the field at any one time.  This problem has done in all previous coaches in the last few years including soon-to-be ManU coach Mourinho.

Former Real, French National Team, and head-butting superstar Zinedine Zidane has taken over the coaching duties and, for now, it looks like he’s found the magic formula. Real look to be playing the best they have all season.

The big story-line is that this is a rematch of the 2014 Champions League Final in which Atlético had a 1-0 lead deep into injury time at the end of the game only for Real to tie it up and then eventually score three (!) in extra time to win 4-1.  The styles of play then were pretty much the same as now.  Atlético could not hold on to their one-goal lead (as is their preference) that time.  What makes them think they can do it this time?

I think they have learned their lesson and will be more aggressive in seeking a second goal, should they score first again.  The story of this game will be written with the first goal.  Whoever scores it will win.

BTW, the stadiums are only roughly 4 miles apart.  That should make for a very interesting Saturday in Madrid.  I suggest you go to your local churreria and stock up on these for the game:

That way, no matter which team wins, you will be the ultimate winner.  Enjoy the game!