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Real Madrid and Juventus FC go head to head on Wednesday night in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final. Last week, the game was played in Turin, Italy and the hosts were able to come out of the first leg with a 2-1 lead over Real Madrid. It was not easy for Juventus though, as they put on a tough game for Madrid. Goals from Alvaro Morata and Carlos Tevez gave the hosts a one goal lead while Cristiano Ronaldo was able to put one on the scoreboard as well for Madrid.
Only 90 minutes are separating Juventus and the Champions League final. If they can play the way they did seven days ago, the four time Italian champions will be playing for a European title for the first time in 12 years. The only problem is that Real Madrid will come to this game as a very tough opponent.
Both teams already know that Barcelona will be their opponent come June 6th in Berlin and both teams would love to go against a strong team that has put a remarkable run in the Champions League, winning five of their six matches. Juventus can not make themselves too confident with the 2-1 lead and will have to play the way they did last Tuesday night in Italy. A 1-0 win is all Real Madrid will need, as they would win on away goals. If they can do this, we will be seeing a Clasico final in Berlin.
Juventus will have Paul Pogba back on Wednesday night as he has been able to recover from an injury he picked up back in March. With Pogba on the pitch, Juventus will improve in the midfield and produce some nice plays to create scoring opportunities. Gianluigi Buffon will be looking to play his first final in the Champions League since his team made it to this same spot 12 years ago. Andrea Pirlo will also hope to end his Juventus career, that is if he leaves the team this season, with a Champions League final trophy.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, will have the services on Gareth Bale, who has been criticized a lot lately. He has been in great form, but has not been able to finish any plays when they faced Valencia on Sunday night. Three of his shots hit the post. He will have to help his team come out with something big to advance to the final of the UEFA Champions League. Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos will be starting as well as they were doubtful due to injuries.
If Juventus can play the way they did last Tuesday, we will see Juventus in the final but if Real Madrid gives them a tough fight, it will be Madrid who will face Barcelona. As much as I would like to see Juventus in the final, Real Madrid will advance coming Wednesday night and we will be seeing El Clasico Champions League final.
Final Score: 2-0, Real Madrid
Lineup Predictions:
Juventus FC: Buffon, Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba; Vidal; Morata, Tévez (4-3-3 formation)
Real Madrid: Casillas, Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo, Kroos, Isco, James, Bale, Ronaldo, Benzema