Juventus vs. Barcelona: Champions League Final 2015 Start Time and Top X-Factors
It isn't often that the UEFA Champions League final features a David versus Goliath matchup, but that is certainly the feeling entering Saturday's contest as an underdog Juventus squad will look to knock off dominant Barcelona.
Juve aren't pushovers by any means, but few expected them to reach this point. They upset Real Madrid in the semifinals, and they now have an opportunity to do something similar to Barca. If they are going to make that happen, though, they will need big-time contributions from some unexpected sources.
The same can be said for the Blaugrana, however, as they can't necessarily expect the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez to do all the heavy lifting.
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As the biggest event in European soccer approaches, here is all the vital information needed to view the Champions League final, as well as further analysis regarding the top X-factors to watch.
Where: Olympia Stadion in Berlin, Germany
When: Saturday, June 6 at 2:45 p.m. ET (7:45 p.m. BST)
Watch: Fox
Top X-Factors to Watch
Andrea Barzagli
When Juventus take the pitch against arguably the most dynamic attacking team in the world Saturday, tidy defending will be of the utmost importance. Keeping Barcelona off the scoreboard and pushing the match to penalty kicks may ultimately be the best course of action for Juve.
If it is going to do that, though, it will have to press on without center back Giorgio Chiellini, who suffered a torn leg muscle, according to Juventus.com.
The Bianconeri will have to find a replacement, and although he is coming off a foot injury in his own right, Andrea Barzagli appears to be the likeliest option.
Assuming the 34-year-old veteran is in form, CNN's Tancredi Palmeri doesn't believe Juventus will experience much of a drop off:
Adam Digby of beIN Sports took it one step further by suggesting that Juve will actually be better off with Barzagli in the fold over Chiellini:
There is no question that Chiellini has enjoyed some moments of brilliance, but the Italian defender also has a penchant for making a mess of things at times. One mistake could prove deadly against Barcelona, and Barzagli is less likely to commit a miscue.
It is fair to wonder about Barzagli's mobility due to the nature of his previous injury and the fact that Barcelona are so speedy and athletic up front.
There will be a ton of pressure put on Barzagli and Juventus' defense as a whole, but if he is able to hold up, then Le Zebre will have a chance to pull off the upset.
Ivan Rakitic
On a team that boasts the likes of Messi, Neymar, Suarez, Andre Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique and so many others, it is quite easy to get overlooked. Even so, it cannot be denied that midfielder Ivan Rakitic's play is a big reason why Barcelona have made it this far.
The 27-year-old Croatian has done a little bit of everything for Barca this season from defending to passing and chipping in with goals. Squads that are littered with stars need glue to bring everything together, and Rakitic is undoubtedly that type of player.
He also seems to have the proper mentality entering the Champions League final. There are times when heavy favorites take an apprehensive approach due to the pressure that is being heaped upon them, but Rakitic doesn't intend to allow that to happen Saturday, according to FC Barcelona's official Twitter account:
Rakitic is an underrated part of Barca's attack since he isn't as celebrated as many of his teammates, but he could easily turn out to be one of the primary keys to success against Juventus.
Barcelona needs someone to make all the little, unnoticed plays that contribute to winning a game, and Rakitic has prided himself on doing that all year long.
Even if he doesn't steal the headlines after Saturday's match, there is a good chance that he will be among the biggest reasons why Barcelona wins if it is ultimately able to come through.
Gianluigi Buffon
There are times when goalkeeping is overlooked in soccer since a great overall team can often compensate for average play in net, but Juventus won't have that luxury Saturday as they will need a massive effort from Gianluigi Buffon.
Despite being 37 years of age, the Italian star is seemingly still on top of his game. He will almost certainly get peppered by Barcelona's cavalcade of talent, which means the entire match could ultimately rest on his shoulders.
One thing working in his favor is the fact that he is no stranger to the big stage. According to ESPN FC, Buffon is the only current Juve player who was on their Champions League squad 12 years ago as well:
He also helped lead Italy to World Cup glory in 2006, which means he has seen and done it all, so it isn't likely that he'll lose his composure under duress.
Buffon isn't putting any extra pressure on himself either. Many believe this is his final opportunity to become a Champions League winner due to his age, but he isn't among them, per the Champions League's official Twitter account:
Despite his contention, there is no question that Buffon will do everything within his power to win Saturday since time clearly isn't on his side.
It may take one of the greatest goalkeeping performances in the history of soccer for the Bianconeri to upend Barca, but Buffon may be one of the few players in the world capable of providing it.
A top goalkeeper can be the great equalizer in soccer, and Buffon's play will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the Champions League final.
Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter
