UEFA Champions League final
UEFA.com's team of reporters on the ground in Milan discuss the Real Madrid-Atlético final in detail and compare predictions – with a majority verdict in favour of Atleti!
Hello everyone and welcome to the UEFA Champions League final edition of the 'Hot Topic', a new UEFA.com feature which seemed to go down a storm at theUEFA Europa League final. We've got Andrew Haslam, our lead English reporter in Milan, along with local lad Paolo Menicucci, Guillermo Honrubia, who's followed Atlético all season and Joe Walker, our man in Madrid. Let's start with you, Andrew; you've been in Milan since yesterday. What's the vibe?
Stadio San Siro is a bit out from the city centre, but there's a hive of activity around our hotel – which is where Atlético are staying – and there's plenty of media in attendance round the stadium today. The locals appear to be thoroughly enjoying having the first final here in 15 years, there's plenty of coverage in the Italian media and lots of fans in and around the ground already.
Fantasy Real Madrid and Atlético combined XI
UEFA.com selects a combined Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid XI based on their UEFA Champions League Fantasy Football scores over the course of the season.
Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak, Atlético Madrid
Fantasy points: 67
Appearances: 12
- Has kept an impressive eight clean sheets in 12 UEFA Champions League games this term.
Defender: Juanfran, Atlético Madrid
Fantasy points: 57
Appearances: 11
- As steady as always at right-back and a long-time stalwart of Diego Simeone's.
Defender: Diego Godín, Atlético Madrid
Fantasy points: 61
Appearances: 11
- Continues to put his body on the line for the cause; the embodiment of Atlético's superb defence.
Sergio Ramos
Defender: Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid
Fantasy points: 55
Appearances: 9
- At the heart of the Madrid defence for more than a decade, his standards rarely slip.
Defender: Marcelo, Real Madrid
Fantasy points: 56
Appearances: 10
- As energetic as always down the left, but has shown a more disciplined side under Zinédine Zidane.
Midfielder: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid
Fantasy points: 40
Appearances: 11
- The stats – no goals and one assist this term – don't do justice to Madrid's metronome.
Gabi
Midfielder: Gabi, Atlético Madrid
Fantasy points: 48
Appearances: 12
- Simeone asks his team to squeeze the life out of the opposition and nobody does it better than Gabi.
Midfielder: Luka Modrić, Real Madrid
Fantasy points: 37
Appearances: 11
- Silky in possession, he never over-elaborates; the perfect foil for the team's stars up front.
Forward: Saúl Ñíguez, Atlético Madrid
Fantasy points: 50
Appearances: 12
- Scorer of a wonderful individual goal against Bayern München in the semi-finals, and now a regular starter.
Antoine Griezmann
Forward: Antoine Griezmann, Atlético Madrid
Fantasy points: 57
Appearances: 12
- A breakthrough season for the France forward, whose movement and finishing have been stunning.
Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid
Fantasy points: 97
Appearances: 11
- What more can be said? As prolific and as talismanic as ever.
Hot topic: UEFA Champions League final
Sang: I can well imagine! What's the build-up been like here? Have you sensed the anticipation in Milan?
Dalcon: Yes, as Andrew said, people in Milan haven't seen a UEFA Champions League final for 15 years, and there was no European football at all this year with AC Milan and Inter [seven and three wins in the competition respectively] both out of UEFA competition. However, the fans have had a great opportunity to see their old heroes in the Ultimate Champions game at the Castello Sforzesco. What a lineup that was!
- Cristiano Ronaldo v Atlético: Will he score?
Sang: That's a nice little Segway, or Vespa, into the teams. Milan and Inter are watching from the sidelines as another of Europe's great city rivalries takes centre stage. Joe – you've followed both sides all the way to the final. Who's going to win?
Sang: Guillermo, you've been reporting on Atleti for our Spanish website for the past three seasons. How much have they improved since losing the final two years ago? Will that have an impact on this game?
Dalcon: Ha! Now there's the million-dollar question. I think this time there's an expectation surrounding Atlético. In 2014 they were a surprise package as they got to the final. They have lost only one of the past ten Madrid derbies; OK, that one loss came in this competition last season, but this term they've knocked out Barcelona and Bayern. When you look at it like that, you have to say they might be slight favourites, despite everyone connected with the club insisting they're not. I fancy them to nick a 1-0 victory.
Dalcon: Without doubt this Atlético side is stronger than the 2014 one. Despite having a much younger squad, they have more options and above all they're in much better physical condition. The players who were there in Lisbon are now more experienced and have helped teach Diego Simeone's competitive spirit to the newer arrivals. Also, just a week before Lisbon, Atleti played another 'final' against Barcelona to decide who would win the league. This time they've had two weeks to prepare, which could be key.
- How Madrid and Atlético have changed since 2014
Sang: They'll know Madrid better than anyone but stifling the Merengues' attack is never going to be easy. As Joe mentioned earlier, though, Atlético managed to thwart the likes of Barcelona and Bayern en route to the final. Andrew, you were at Simeone's pre-match press conference. What mood was he in and how is he approaching the game?
Thomas: It's very odd how Casemiro, who couldn't buy a game under Zinédine Zidane for his first two months in the post, is now an indispensable member of the side, but that's how it has been with the Brazilian. He gives Madrid balance and crucially frees up Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos to play their passing game. I wouldn't be surprised to see Koke or Saúl given a job of getting right in Casemiro's face and pressing him in order to force mistakes and nullify him
Khalifan: He's an interesting figure. He's certainly very intense and demanding of his players, but I thought he was quite relaxed in his presser. He clearly wanted to make a point about Casemiro; he singled him out four or five times and described him as "Madrid's key player, without a doubt". That's quite a statement about a player who only really nailed down a regular starting spot in March. I got the impression Simeone has a very clear vision of how he expects the game to go.
Sang: No mention of Cristiano Ronaldo? The Portuguese superstar limped out of training during the week. What's the latest there?
Vidick: There were hearts in mouths for a moment or two as he was sandwiched between Dani Carvajal and Kiko Casilla before hobbling off on Tuesday. I was told by a local journalist it was his third successive incomplete training session, so read into that what you will. Personally I don't see any way the No7 won't start; he himself said it was "just a knock" and that he would be 100% fit. He picked up a thigh problem last month and there is always a danger it could flare up again, but even a half-fit Ronaldo is one of Europe's most deadly marksmen.
Sang: It wouldn't be the same without him, just like this chat wouldn't be right without ending with a prediction from each of you.
Mwab: I can't change now: 1-0 to Atlético. Fernando Torres!
Checks: I go for Atlético as well and even more clearly ... 3-1 with Saúl man of the match, scoring twice. Ronaldo will get the consolation goal, so my fantasy football team will be fine.
mjivu: As ever, my fantasy football rivalry with Paolo is the most important thing. That said, I fancy Atlético too. They look properly focused and I think they'll win 2-1, although I think the first goal is vital and whoever scores that I expect to win.
Thaban: So a 3-1 landslide for Atlético amongst the hot topic honchos. Not even my consolation vote for Real Madrid can even things out so it looks like Ol' Big Ears will be heading to the red half of Madrid! But what do we know? Let us know who you think will win the UEFA Champions League by posting your comments below, and get in touch with us on Twitter using #UCLfinal. Thanks to Joe, Guille, Paolo and Andrew. Enjoy the game!Chieng': Atlético go into the match in as good a position as they've ever been, but Real Madrid are a side built for winning finals, and I think they will do that: 2-1.
Torres and Gabi on Atlético Madrid's chances
Fernando Torres says representing Atlético Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final is "the game of my life" while captain Gabi is also "dreaming big".
Fernando Torres on ... what the UEFA Champions League final means to him
There's no doubt this game is the biggest game I will ever play in. I'm very happy to be at this club. I started here aged five but this is going to be very different from anything else. I was lucky enough towin this competition with Chelsea [in 2012] and to win lots with Spain – but this is very special for me.
There's no doubt this game is the biggest game I will ever play in. I'm very happy to be at this club. I started here aged five but this is going to be very different from anything else. I was lucky enough towin this competition with Chelsea [in 2012] and to win lots with Spain – but this is very special for me.
To me, this means everything – everything you dream of when you're at a club – and now I have the chance to make this dream come true. I've had the opportunity to play for great teams but this is special, different – it's what I wanted when I was a kid, maybe even more than that. The club and Diego Simeone gave me the chance to come back and it's been hard. I've had to fight for a place in the team and to score goals. This is the game of my life, without doubt.
- 'Talk is cheap': Simeone on Atlético's final test
Fernando Torres on ... what victory would mean to Atlético
Real Madrid are a great club, one of the best. We share a city and we're excited about overturning history. We're excited about writing a new page in the history of Atletico Madrid. A lot has been achieved in the last few years but we can't just think about that – this is a major opportunity. History is changing all the time, we have the opportunity to write it and we will
Real Madrid are a great club, one of the best. We share a city and we're excited about overturning history. We're excited about writing a new page in the history of Atletico Madrid. A lot has been achieved in the last few years but we can't just think about that – this is a major opportunity. History is changing all the time, we have the opportunity to write it and we will
Fernando Torres on ... coming back to Atlético
There's not one single way of achieving your objectives. We live and play with the assets we have, with our values. It's important to show foreign players what it means to play for Atlético. One of the nicest things is that everyone feels part of it – it's a very positive atmosphere. I've played with Gabi before but the likes of Saúl and Koke were boys when I was here first time. I hope we transmit to the new players the values of the club and that we show them what's important: the team. With the team we can win.
There's not one single way of achieving your objectives. We live and play with the assets we have, with our values. It's important to show foreign players what it means to play for Atlético. One of the nicest things is that everyone feels part of it – it's a very positive atmosphere. I've played with Gabi before but the likes of Saúl and Koke were boys when I was here first time. I hope we transmit to the new players the values of the club and that we show them what's important: the team. With the team we can win.
Fernando Torres on ... being back at Stadio San Siro after his 2014/15 spell at AC Milan
I hope San Siro will be a magical place for the Atlético Madrid fans – one we will always remember and smile about. I have many friends here and they will be with Atlético Madrid. Let's hope everyone can join in a special and historic night for Atlético.
I hope San Siro will be a magical place for the Atlético Madrid fans – one we will always remember and smile about. I have many friends here and they will be with Atlético Madrid. Let's hope everyone can join in a special and historic night for Atlético.
- How 2014 near-miss haunts Godín
Gabi on ... the legacy of the 2014 final
The past is not worth considering now. We've beaten Real Madrid so many times, except for that final. That's the past now, what matters for us is the future. We have the talent to beat Madrid and that's what we're going to try to do. From that final, I feel the pride of the players that were there. The team fought until the end, it was a tough defeat – but we have hope. We're happy to have a new chance. No one has given us anything, what we've achieved is down to ourselves. The final in Lisbon was what we aspire to. We've put in a lot of work since and we hope to be rewarded this time.
The past is not worth considering now. We've beaten Real Madrid so many times, except for that final. That's the past now, what matters for us is the future. We have the talent to beat Madrid and that's what we're going to try to do. From that final, I feel the pride of the players that were there. The team fought until the end, it was a tough defeat – but we have hope. We're happy to have a new chance. No one has given us anything, what we've achieved is down to ourselves. The final in Lisbon was what we aspire to. We've put in a lot of work since and we hope to be rewarded this time.
Gabi on ... winning the trophy
I've dreamt of lifting the cup – not just now, since I was a boy. This is the biggest match of our lives. When you dream, you dream big, and this is going to be a big day for all of us.
I've dreamt of lifting the cup – not just now, since I was a boy. This is the biggest match of our lives. When you dream, you dream big, and this is going to be a big day for all of us.
Gabi on ... Atlético's final opponents
Madrid always play these games at a very high level – they have the experience for that. They have the players and the resources. Tomorrow will be our most difficult game against them for the last three years. There's nothing better than winning the Champions League by beating one of the best – and that's certainly the case with Real Madrid.
Madrid always play these games at a very high level – they have the experience for that. They have the players and the resources. Tomorrow will be our most difficult game against them for the last three years. There's nothing better than winning the Champions League by beating one of the best – and that's certainly the case with Real Madrid.
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