Atletico Deserve to Win the Champions League Final – Dani Alves

Atletico Madrid will once again go up against their cross-town rivals Real Madrid this Saturday in the Champions League final at San Siro.

(Image credit: The Guardian)

When the two sides met each other in the Champions League final two years ago, it seemed like Atletico Madrid was going to cause a massive upset over their rivals Real Madrid. After getting the lead in the 36th minute, the game stood at 1-0 for the Rojiblancos all the way until stoppage time, when Sergio Ramos dashed all Atletico’s hopes by scoring a header in the 93rd minute. The royal club added three more goals in extra-time of the 2014 Champions League final, which saw them crowned European champions for the 10th time in their illustrious history.

Despite suffering a loss in the final two years ago, some believe that Diego Simeone’s men can actually pull it off this time around. Barcelona’s defender Daniel Alves pointed out that he would like to see Atletico win the Champions League final, but stressed that it’s not simply because he wants their fierce rivals Real Madrid to lose.

“I want Atletico to win, but not because I want Madrid to lose. I like when Madrid do not win, of course, but I want Atletico to win as they are the team who has worked hardest. They deserve a trophy on this level. Madrid have already won lots of Champions League. I would like (Atletico) to have a prize for their work in these years,” said the Brazilian defender.

Alves also highlighted that he anticipates an exciting Champions League final, but remarked that what Barcelona have achieved is on another level than other European clubs. “It seems that Madrid have already won the Champions League – and their opponent deserves respect,” said the 33-year-old. “I expect to see a great game, but that will not change that we are the best in the world. We have achieved what nobody else has.”

Dani Alves expects a great Champions League final at San Siro this Saturday (Image credit: ESPN FC)

Atletico’s star player Antoine Griezmann has been firing on all cylinders over the past two seasons, while this year alone he’s already notched 32 goals across all competitions. “I’ve had a great season and hopefully it’ll end on a high note. I’m brimming with confidence, I feel good out on the pitch and have faith in the team to produce a great performance in the final,” said the 25-year-old.

The French international added that Atletico will be ready to take on the mighty Real Madrid in the Champions League final this weekend. “We’re going to be ready. We’ll remain focused every second of every minute, and give our all like always,” said Griezmann. “We’ll run out socks off, look to win the ball back by pressing high, and try to get the first goal. We’ll have to be strong both mentally and physically.”

Although the Rojiblancos are the underdogs against their cross-town rivals, per online sportsbook odds, the powerful winger remains optimistic about lifting his and the club’s first-ever Champions League final trophy. “It’d be a dream come true, and I hope I get the chance to lift the trophy. I know it will take a lot of hard work and effort, but we are ready and willing, as we’ll do everything we can to win it.”

Real Madrid are the favourites to win the Champions League final 2.40 (7/5), per online sportsbook Bet365, but not by much as Atletico’s chances are just slightly lower with odds of 3.20 (11/5). A draw between the two stands at 3.10 (21/10) – an event that happened during the 90 minutes of the 2014 Champions League final, as Sergio Ramos headed the ball in the dying moments to equalise the score for his side.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Antoine Griezmann are the favourites for their sides to score goals in the Champions League final on Saturday.

Los Blancos went on to claim their 10th European title in extra-time of the game, as three more goals were provided by Bale, Marcelo and Ronaldo, thus ending the game with 4-1 reading on the scoreline for Real Madrid. If you think that this year’s Champions League final will be decided in extra time, then you might want to consider betting on that particular market: Yes 6.50 (11/2) or No 1.11 (1/9). We don’t think that this match will go to penalties, but you can nonetheless place bets on this market (Game decided after penalties) with the online sportsbook: Yes 5.50 (9/2) or No 1.14 (1/7).

One of the most exciting markets to place wagers on is the Goalscorers market. Ronaldo has notched a whopping 16 goals in Europe’s elite competition this season, which is only 1 less than his record of 17 goals scored during the 2013-14 European campaign. That’s why he’s the favourite to find the back of the net in the Champions League final at San Siro: First 4.33 (10/3), Last 4.33 (10/3) or Anytime 2.20 (6/5).

But the Portuguese winger is not the only one that can provide goalscoring entertainment, as Real Madrid’s defence will be looking to neutralize the threat posed by Atletico’s Antoine Griezmann. The Frenchman has found the back of the net on 7 occasions in the competition this season, and he’ll be definitely looking to add one or two more in the Champions League final. Online sportsbook Bet365 ranks him the second favourite to add his name to goalscorers’ chart: First 5.50 (9/2), Last 5.50 (9/2) or Anytime 2.62 (13/8).

Griezmann’s compatriot Benzema, although playing for the opposing side, is the third favourite: First 6.00 (5/1), Last 6.00 (5/1) or Anytime 2.87 (15/8).

(Check out Betting Herald’s Bet365 Sports Review for more info about the online sportsbook.)