Real Madrid are on course for a historic title defence, while Juventus are looking to secure their first Champions League triumph in 19 years. The freshly crowned Italian Champions will take on Real Madrid with World Champion Toni Kroos on Tuesday (20:45 CEST) and the German hopes that he can pave the way to reach his third Champions League final in his still young career. Perhaps even against his old team mates from FC Bayern, who take a trip to FC Barcelona on Wednesday (20:45 CEST) in the first leg of their Champions League semi final.
Until now, Toni Kroos' first year with defending champions Real Madrid couldn’t have gone much better, but there are still 180 minutes of football to be played against Juventus before they can dream of the final in Berlin. It's going to be a "tough challenge", posted the 25-year-old on his Facebook page ahead of the 17th European Cup encounter between the Spanish and Italian giants. His team mate Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez warned: "Berlin is still miles away for us. We have to take things step by step and that's going to be difficult enough."
Real without Modric and World Champion Khedira
Real are looking to defend their Champions League title on June 6th in Berlin – a feat no team has ever accomplished in the Champions League era. The pressure on the Spanish club is immense, as they currently also trail arch rivals FC Barcelona in the Spanish Primera Division. Luka Modric and Germany international Sami Khedira will not be available in Italy, but Karim Benzema is looking to make his return from injury.
Juventus on the other hand have already secured their domestic league title and are feeling confident ahead of the game: "We have nothing to lose," explained midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo. The 35-year-old branded their home leg as "crucial" in order to have a chance at reaching the final. Intelligence is required, as well as the right mixture of bravery and cautiousness, according to the 2006 World Champion, who has also won this competition twice with AC Milan (2003 and 2007).
Juventus will be full of confidence after securing their 31st championship and the Italian record holders are also looking forward to a reunion with their former manager Carlo Ancelotti, who managed the club between 1999 and 2001. "He had a great impact on my career and I enjoyed many great experiences together with him," said Pirlo.
Treble dream still alive for Juventus
"We want to reach the final in Berlin," said Juve striker Alvaro Morata, who used to play for Real Madrid. "We have proven that we belong among the best teams in Europe." Winning the Champions League would be their first triumph in the competition since beating Ajax in the 1996 final. It could also set up a treble, since Juve have also already reached the Italian Cup final with Lazio Rome and World Champion Miroslav Klose.
But first they have to face Real Madrid in the Champions League this evening. They've shown consistency in Europe this season, unbeaten in their last twelve games and impressively dispatching Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16. Even more impressive are the following stats: They've faced Real seven times at home, winning five of these games (1 draw, 1 defeat).