History will be made in Germany on Saturday, regardless of whether the kings of Spain or Italy are crowned champions of Europe
Jun 5, 2015 07:34:56
Barcelona team-mates Luis Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi In Italian, the word is 'triplo'. In Spanish and Catalan, it's 'triple'. One word is dominating the build-up to Saturday's mouth-watering Champions League final between Juventus and Barcelona: treble.

Juve and Barca have proven themselves the dominant forces in Italian and Spanish football this season, with both claiming domestic doubles. Now, it's time for one of them to make history by adding the biggest trophy of them all to their hauls.

Only seven teams in history have won the treble, with Barca bidding to become the first club to achieve the feat twice - just six years after Pep Guardiola's 2009 vintage swept the board.

Juve are not part of that elite group. They travel to Berlin bidding to become European champions for the third time overall and first since 1996.

But while many make Barca overwhelming favourites to claim their fourth Champions League title in 10 seasons, coach Luis Enrique - who is looking to emulate his great friend Guardiola by winning the treble in his first season in charge at Camp Nou - is not so sure.

"Winning the Champions League would signify a treble for us and it's something that excites everyone. It's happened just once in the club's history, and this tells you how difficult it is to achieve," he said.

"[But] I'm concerned about everything Juventus have to offer. They possess quality players. I hope [playmaker Andrea] Pirlo doesn't have too much influence on the game, because we all know what he's capable of doing.

"They have great defenders who know how to get things moving from the back. [Alvaro] Morata's been a big asset for the team and has a real nose for goal, while [Carlos] Tevez guarantees absolute quality."

Luis Enrique's citing of Juve's defence is telling.

If his front three of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez are the irresistible force, then Massimiliano Allegri's trio of goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and centre-backs Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci have been the immovable object.

However, Chiellini's absence due to a calf problem sustained in training on Wednesday represents a huge blow for Allegri.

Buffon is Juve's captain, but it is Chiellini who is their on-field general; a leader of men who will be sorely missed as they attempt to contain Barca's stellar triumvirate. Either Angelo Ogbonna or Andrea Barzagli are Chiellini's most likely deputies.

Without Chiellini, Juve will have to shackle Messi, Neymar and Suarez, who have scored a scarcely believable 120 goals between them this season.

Barca all the way

Thank God Chiellini is out, Suarez won't be tempted to bite and I suggest he shakes hand with Evra. I just hope Barcelona makes history tomorrow.

I want to see how Mascherano will curb Tevez, both Argentines and how Evra handles the midget, King Messi. If Juventus stays focus and avoids unnecessary caution, they might stand a chance. Should they get a red, then it's done and dusted for Barcelona.

At the end, it would be the MSN that would make the difference.

one key thing about this two team is that they have won their respective league and cup. they are both looking to win their treble. juventus is ravaged by injuries while Barcelona has no injury player. I see this battle tilting the way of Barcelona due to current form and squad.

B4 dis hit f.p., abeg ollof u out there follow me spread mat beside BUFFON, for no weapon of either Messi, or Suarez, or Neymar shall penetrate!

Watch out Juve!!! king Messi is on the the loose #visca barca

give it to the two team. it will be an epic final between the most offensive side and a technical side.a moment of magic or a moment of foolishness will determine dis game. am not expecting plenty of goal but it will sure be a match to watch

Madrid fans bi like:
Come on, Juve! Don't let MSN space! break their legs!
Visca Barca!!!