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Juventus v Real Madrid:  All you need to know!

Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid are all set to face Max Allegri’s Juventus in the final of the UEFA Champions League o
Published June 2, 2017

Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid are all set to face Max Allegri’s Juventus in the final of the UEFA Champions League on Saturday at Cardiff, let’s have a quick view on the sides.

Since 1961, both teams met each other 19 times all in the European Cup/Champions League, making this the second-most played fixture in the history of the tournament after Bayern Munich v Real Madrid (24).

The Italians have the upper hand with 9 victories against Madrid’s 8 while two matches were drawn.

Worry for Zidane

Zidane must decide whether to choose between local boy Gareth Bale and Spanish international Isco in what seems like his only selection issue ahead of Saturday's final.

Bale has not played since 23 April but is fit, while in-form Isco has scored five goals in his last eight games.

"They're both very important players and everyone can give their opinion but it won't influence me," BBC quoted Zidane.

On the other hand, Juventus boss Max Allegri also has a fully-fit squad to choose from.

Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chellini, Alex Sandro, Mario Mandzukic and Leonardo Bonucci were all rested when Juve ended the Serie A season against Bologna last Saturday, while Dani Alves was suspended.

Former Real man Sami Khedira played in the match - making his return from injury and now expected to feature in Cardiff.

The Italian side will be skippered in Cardiff on Saturday by 39-year-old Gianluigi Buffon, who has never won the Champions League.

"It would mean a lot for me," said the veteran, who has won 168 caps for Italy.

Juventus defeated Monaco 4-1 on aggregate to reach their second final in three seasons.

Whereas, Real Madrid knocked out city rivals Atletico with a 4-2 aggregate win and are looking to defend the title they won last year.

Ronaldo struck the winning penalty in a shootout in last year's final - and claims that he is fresh and focused going into Saturday's match after another record-breaking season that saw him rested for nine league games by Zidane.

"The business end of the season is important," said the 32-year-old.

"I feel good and want to be fit and firing because this is where things are decided.

So the stage is set, as Juventus have won only two of their eight European Cup/Champions League finals. They've lost their last four - in 1997, 1998, 2003 and 2015.

Real Madrid are attempting to become the first team since AC Milan (1989, 1990) to win back-to-back European Cup/Champions League trophies. This is the third time they are playing the final in four seasons.

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