Juventus fear the “extra-terrestrial” Lionel Messi and the best attack in the history of football, while Barcelona know about the ruthless efficiency of the Italians. Both sides are showing each other a great deal of respect before the battle of the giants kicks off this evening in the final of the Champions League in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium (20.45 CEST). The Spaniards go into the game as favourites.
“We know that we are playing against a very difficult opponent, they are very strong. Juventus are a great team,” says Messi. The superstar can break two records in Berlin tonight. The four-time World Player of the Year is aiming for a second treble (league, Cup and Champions League) in Barca’s history – a feat never previously achieved by another club. The 27-year-old could also become the first player to score in three finals.
Juve’s huge respect for Barca’s front line
Juventus, who surprisingly progressed from the semi-finals by beating defending champions Real Madrid, want to crown off their resurgence with their third European triumph, following wins in 1985 and 1986. The club was demoted to Serie B in 2006 because of the “Calciopoli” match-fixing scandal, with the Old Lady not winning a league title again until 2011. Four years on from that title win, a possible treble awaits them.
Juve’s old warhorses have respect, but also downright fear, for the Catalans’ MSN – the strikers Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. Collectively this attacking trio have contributed 120 competitive goals this season – never has a team’s strikers contributed so many. “I have real concerns when they come towards my goal,” says Juve’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon in awe. He also speaks specifically about Messi: “Messi is an extra-terrestrial who plays with us men.” Defender Leonardo Bonucci adds, “The three of them instil fear into everyone.”
Barca‘s keeper ter Stegen: "I hope we win"
The only German on the field for the final will be keeper Marc-André ter Stegen. The boy from Gladbach could earn himself some points with the management with a good performance, as he goes in search of becoming Barca’s undisputed number one. The 23-year-old, however, has been limited to appearances in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League this year, with Chilean Claudio Bravo between the posts for league matches. After the final, ter Stegen will be travelling to join up with Germany’s U21 squad for the European Championship in the Czech Republic from the 17th to the 30th June. “It is my first season in the Champions League, and so for me it’s very, very important. I hope we win,” says the 23-year-old.
Juve’s Giorgio Chiellini is, however, not so lucky. The central defender suffered a muscle injury in training on Wednesday, and will definitely miss the final.
Franz Beckenbauer believes Barcelona have the advantage. “I think that Barcelona are the favourites. They are compelled to play. That could be an advantage for Juventus, because they are notoriously very defensively orientated and prefer to counter-attack,” says The Emperor. For former national captain Michael Ballack, Barcelona’s fifth title is by no means a given. “Barcelona are favourites, for sure,” said Ballack on Thursday in Berlin. “But Juventus have clearly shown in recent games that they can beat the big teams. Even against Barcelona they have a chance.”
