UEFA Champions League Final - Barcelona vs. Juventus (Photo : REUTERS)
After a long and bumpy road to the finals, European powerhouse Barcelona and Juventus have arrived in Berlin to decide the best ball club in the continent, if not in the world, on Saturday at the UEFA Champions League final.
What's at stake?
Barcelona is gunning for the fifth UEFA Champions League title in ball club's history, which could put them halfway below Spanish football rival Real Madrid (10 titles) and on a deadlock with Liverpool and Bayern Munich. For Messi and the outgoing Xavi, Sunday's championship showdown with Juventus will be their fourth Champions League title match and a victory could easily make them as the best team in Europe in the last 10 years.
On the other hand, Juventus is looking for their third UEFA Champions League gold and first title in 19 years. Despite rampaging their way to another Serie A title, Juventus came in as an underdog in their semifinal match with Real Madrid, but they nevertheless managed to spoil an El Clasico final with outstanding defense and teamwork.
Now facing the hottest team in European football, Juventus coach, Massimiliano Allegri hopes to bank again on his defensive unit to stop the hot-scoring trio of Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez, albeit he's uncertain if it's enough to win it all.
Predicted Starting Lineup:
Barcelona (4-3-3): Stegen, Alve, Piqué, Mascherano, Alba, Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta, Messi, Suárez, Neymar
Juventus (4-1-2-1-2): Buffon, Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Evra, Pirlo, Marchisio, Pogba, Vidal, Tévez, Morata.
Predictions:
Barcelona comes in as an overwhelming favorite largely because of their imposing attacking troika and their impeccable defense that allowed only 21 goals in 38 La Liga matches. However, it's hard to ignore the intangibles Juventus players collectively have. Contrary to most of the people are expecting, this match is going to extra time with Barcelona barely escaping with a one-goal win over Juventus.
UEFA Champions League Final Live Stream, Play-by-Play & Stats
Barcelona vs. Juventus match will start at 2:30 p.m US EST live on Fox Sports. Live Streaming feed is available on Fox Sports (US) and SkyGo (UK),while stats, play-by-play commentary and updates are available on ESPN FC Gamecast.
