Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid: 2016 Champions League Final Odds and Prediction
Diego Simeone has the chance to exact revenge on Real Madrid after suffering at the hands of Los Blancos in the 2013-14 UEFA Champions League final, when his Atletico Madrid team collapsed to a 4-1 defeat.
The two giants of the Spanish capital meet once again in the marquee final on Saturday, allowing the fiery Argentinian coach a chance to punish Zinedine Zidane's team for their La Decima victory two years ago.
Real recovered after a difficult start to their campaign under former coach Rafael Benitez and have thrived under the French icon.
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However, Atleti have had their best season since winning La Liga two years previous and could cap a wonderful effort with their first European Cup victory.
Here are the current odds for the winner of the the Champions League, according to OddsShark.com:
| Real Madrid | 8-5 |
| Atletico Madrid | 11-5 |
When Simeone took the Rojiblancos to the final in 2014, expectations remained low despite their recent Spanish Primera Division success, when they finished ahead of both Barcelona and Real to cause one of European club football's great shocks.
That underdog status was due to Los Blancos' unmatched pedigree in the Champions League and a player called Cristiano Ronaldo—who's born for the biggest stages and competitions.
Fast forward two seasons and history is repeating. Real now want a mind-boggling 11th title, and only their less wealthy neighbours stand in their way.
Los Blancos have been here before and know the drill of a major European final. However, Simeone is unfazed by the pressure that sits on his doorstep.
The Atleti manager shared his thoughts before Saturday's match and gave his opinion on his opposition, as quoted by Gerard Brand of Sky Sports:
"I like to have 113 years of [Atletico] history on my back. I love that. I love the pressure.
The game will be very tense, very even, especially at the beginning. Casemiro enables them to regroup better if they lose the ball.
Whoever wins the early battles in midfield will have an advantage. Madrid, with their technical qualities, might try to play more.
Casemiro makes Madrid a lot more dangerous on the counter-attack - that's how they played in both [semi-final] legs against Manchester City.
Many people think that's bad - not me. There could be different situations during the game but it's clear that, if you give Madrid space, they're very dangerous.
"
Simone has become a master of defensive football without nullifying his attack, and with Fernando Torres and Antoine Griezmann in fine fettle, Real's brittle back four might be exposed by a familiar opponent.
Torres promises to be one of Atleti's key individuals during Saturday's spectacle, with football writer Andy Brassell highlighting the potential for the Spaniard to write history against Los Merengues:
The time has come for Atletico to step out of Real's shadow and prove they are a great European club in their own right.
In Simeone, they have an exceptional coach, and the side have proved their ability this term.
Atleti have only been defeated in six of their last 24 games in all competitions, according to WhoScored, and they will be difficult to slay in normal time, despite the presence of Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
It is now time for the Rojiblancos to take a slice of history their richly cultured football club deserves.
Simeone has the tactics to stop Real in their tracks, and Atleti have the players motivated to grab the goals to seal the most famous of wins.
Prediction: Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid.
