Ezra’s Prediction: Juventus 3-2 Real Madrid

Yes, I am going for a high scoring game in the final. Sounds dumb, yes, but look at both teams attackers and defenders. For Juve, Massimiliano Allegri has the attacking options of Dybala who has 19 goals in all comps, Higuain who yes, has history of choking in finals but is still a quality player, Mario Mandzukic who can keep Sergio Ramos busy. For Zinedine Zidane, he has BBC (Bale, Benzema, Cristiano) and could even put Alvaro Morata instead of Benzema which would make it an interesting game for the former Bianconeri. For defense, Allegri also has BBC (Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini) and has 2 fantastic fullbacks in Dani Alves and Stephan Lichtsteiner. Zidane will most likely play his regular defense.

The most interesting match up will be in the keepers. Gianluigi Buffon vs Keylor Navas, the Legend vs Costa Rica’s best. Even if you are a Real Madrid fan, you want to see Buffon win the UCL just once, and I believe he will win the Treble this year. That’s right, if Juventus wins in the final, they are Treble winners. If Real wins, Real will be the first team to defend the modern Champions League title. The player who I want to highlight is the young Argentine, Paulo Dybala. Watch out!

Ian’s Prediction: Juventus 2-1 Real Madrid

Juventus have been amazing this season with Dybala being an amazing signing as one of the top scorers on the team. Both teams are amazing throughout with strong points in all areas of the starting 11.  Both teams have won their respective leagues and winning this title could complete the treble for Juventus or be the first consecutive champions league title for Real Madrid. The Juventus defense are famous for being one of the most well organized back 3 in Europe and that will be very hard to break down even for star players such as Ronaldo, Benzema and a possible Bale return. Bale suffered an injury a while back and could possibly be replaced for Isco in the final which would be no loss to Madrid cause he is a quality player.

I predict an early goal for Real Madrid by Ronaldo in the first 20 minutes of the game; followed by 2 goals in the second half by the Juventus stars Dybala and Higuain who have both been clinical in front of goal this season. All in all, Juventus deserve the title more than Real and have the quality to go all the way.

We both think Juventus will win. It is more deserved. Real Madrid buys their way into every final. AND…Buffon is long deserving of the title. Even though it is not either of our teams, we will be super happy with this outcome. The FINAL is SATURDAY (tomorrow) at 2:45pm on Fox and ESPN.