BERLIN – With a chance to shock the world in Berlin at the UEFA Champions League final, can Juventus upset heavily favored F.C. Barcelona?
Barcelona, who comes into the final with a chance to become the first team in history to win the European treble twice (domestic title, domestic cup and European cup) has a vaunted three-headed attack that consists of Luis Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi headed by Luis Enrique.
With a loaded side that consists of the aforementioned Suarez, Neymar and Messi in addition to the likes of Xavi, Gerard Pique and Andres Iniesta shoring up the midfield, Barca seem set to claim their fifth European title against a Juve team that is without perhaps one their best players in center-back Giorgio Chiellini, who suffered a calf injury during training this past week.
If Max Allegri’s side is to become the first Italian side to complete the European treble in history, then they will have to hope that strikers Carlos Tevez, Alvaro Morata are in top form and that they get proper support from a solid midfield that features Paul Pogba, MLS-bound(per media reports)Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal will neutralize Barca’s South American-led attack.
If there is an advantage that this writer feels that Juve has is on defense in Patrice Evra—despite the loss of the fore mentioned Chiellini and in goal with battle-tested and World Cup champion Gianluigi Buffon.
If Buffon plays to his normal elite form in net, and Juve’s midfield and defense is able to contain Messi, Neymar and Suarez, then Juventus has a shot.
While Barcelona has been in top form for a while, and appears to be unstoppable, thanks to Messi on their side, they will solve a scrappy Juve midfield late and claim glory in Berlin.
Prediction: Barcelona wins in full-time, 2-1