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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Seven reasons Real Madrid might lose against Atlético

Looking at the stats, Real Madrid's defensive work in the 2015-16 Champions League can't really be criticised. Los Blancos have only conceded in two games: in Ukraine and Wolfsburg. Shakhtar netted three times towards the end of the group stage encounter
The Milan showdown will be worlds apart from Lisbon two years ago, especially in terms of Atlético's physical preparation. Cholo's troops have had three weeks to rest up for this year's final.
While Atlético tend to stick to their regulars more often than Real Madrid, Simeone has been able to bring on the likes of Correa and Thomas to great effect against harder-to-break-down opponents. Meanwhile, question marks hang over the heads of a few of
Wolfsburg, Valencia and Rayo. All three breached Navas' net this season by fizzing passes across the six-yard box.
Atlético are not Manchester City. Unlike Pellegrini, Simeone won't stand for any of his players ambling around the San Siro turf looking disinterested. The Mattress Makers will push Real Madrid to their limit on Saturday night.
"He scores when he wants", the Kop used to chant during his Liverpool playing days. Fernando Torres is an expert when it comes to scoring in finals. The Fuenlabrada native got on the score sheet in the Under 16 and Under 19 European Championship finals, a
Real Madrid's prowess in front of goal has been indisputable during this Champions League campaign, however, without Cristiano Ronaldo the team's overall tally would look a lot less impressive. The Portuguese hitman has netted 16 of Los Blancos' 27 goals.
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Conceding in the first half

Looking at the stats, Real Madrid's defensive work in the 2015-16 Champions League can't really be criticised. Los Blancos have only conceded in two games: in Ukraine and Wolfsburg. Shakhtar netted three times towards the end of the group stage encounter

Taking Lisbon for granted

The Milan showdown will be worlds apart from Lisbon two years ago, especially in terms of Atlético's physical preparation. Cholo's troops have had three weeks to rest up for this year's final.

Lack of faith in the bench

While Atlético tend to stick to their regulars more often than Real Madrid, Simeone has been able to bring on the likes of Correa and Thomas to great effect against harder-to-break-down opponents. Meanwhile, question marks hang over the heads of a few of

Low crosses

Wolfsburg, Valencia and Rayo. All three breached Navas' net this season by fizzing passes across the six-yard box.

Not enough intensity

Atlético are not Manchester City. Unlike Pellegrini, Simeone won't stand for any of his players ambling around the San Siro turf looking disinterested. The Mattress Makers will push Real Madrid to their limit on Saturday night.

El Niño

"He scores when he wants", the Kop used to chant during his Liverpool playing days. Fernando Torres is an expert when it comes to scoring in finals. The Fuenlabrada native got on the score sheet in the Under 16 and Under 19 European Championship finals, a

Over reliance on Ronaldo

Real Madrid's prowess in front of goal has been indisputable during this Champions League campaign, however, without Cristiano Ronaldo the team's overall tally would look a lot less impressive. The Portuguese hitman has netted 16 of Los Blancos' 27 goals.

Foto:ANDREA COMASREUTERS

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