BETDAQ’s Greg Walker is back ahead of the European Finals and World Cup 2014! Today he takes an in-depth look at Saturday’s Champions League Final (Kick Off: 7.45pm) between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
Greg is BETDAQ’s spokesperson and has plenty to say on the subject of football. Each week he brings his recommended BETDAQ bets across a range of matches but with focus on his area of expertise – European and International football.
Greg is now 58.13 points in front with 29 WINNING BETS FROM 53!!
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He now previews the Champions League Final between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid
Next…
Europa League, European Super Cup, Copa Del Rey and La Liga all won by Atletico Madrid under the guidance of wonder coach Diego Simeone in just under two and a half years.
This remarkable story is not over just yet. On this Saturday night Simeone and his Atletico troops look to complete the full house by beating enemy number one and rich city rivals Real Madrid in the 2013-14 UEFA Champion’s League Final.
This final takes place in Portugal, home country to the one man who is capable of being the villain and upsetting all the neutrals who will tune in to watch the season finale of this David and Goliath epic.
Ronaldo Ready…
“Ronaldo is 100% fit and will play” states Carlo Ancelotti and what a relief that is to all associated with Real Madrid.
Already without the suspended Xavi Alonso, ‘Los Blancos’ really needed Ronaldo to start, not only for his exceptional talents but also for his admired attribute of always stepping up to the plate in the biggest of games.
A return to this stadium known as ‘Estadio da Luz’ in Lisbon will bring memories of Ronaldo’s biggest game for his national team however that evening all finished in tears as Greece broke Christiano’s and Portuguese hearts by winning the final of the 2004 European Championships. For now, lifting the UEFA Champion’s League trophy in his home country will make the heartbreak of that night ease just a little.
The Crying game…
Speaking of heartbreak it seems the 2013-14 European football season could be remembered as ‘The Crying Game’. Steven Gerard a few weeks ago in victory, Luis Suarez followed in defeat and just last weekend Diego Costa in injury.
In recent years, hugs and kisses on the cheeks in the tunnel have become the rather uncomfortable norm in football but crying on the pitch is really a bridge too far.Whilst Costa looks a major doubt and will be a major loss for to this final another loss would have been Turkish hard man Arda Turan, a man who if I ever see crying on a pitch, well, my belief in masculinity will be crushed! The Turk has recovered from injury from last Saturday’s La Liga title decider and will play. Like most Atletico players Turan has been a revelation under Simeone and whilst he does not always play the full ninety for tactical reasons his influence is always huge on the pitch and similar to Ronaldo he is another who has the ability to step it up with his big game mentality.
Bogey Team….?
Both these team’s have different qualities. Skilfully Real Madrid are miles ahead, Ronaldo, Bale, Luca Modric and Di Maria are all capable of opening up any defence. Atletico’s attributes stem from an exceptionally organised team possessing a unique work ethic alongside total self belief. How do we find the winner then? Well, we need to include some stats, whilst Atletico have taken down all that has been put in front of them, won La Liga and reached this final they do have one weakness, Real Madrid!
Going into last season’s Copa Del Rey Final, Atletico had a dreadful record against Real Madrid. On that night Atletico won in extra time. However, this was a ‘Los Blancos’ squad who had Jose Mourhinho as their manager for the last time and his popularity and control at the club was almost zero.
A year on and Carlo Ancelotti has instilled calmness and belief. They met this season very early in Ancelotti’s reign resulting in another Atletico victory however since then Real won both legs of the Copa by five goals to nil and secured a two all draw on the road in La Liga.
Los Blancos Campeones….!
Whilst both teams have stuttered in the last few weeks of La Liga through a combination of nerves and injuries it is my belief that overall Real Madrid will arrive in Lisbon with the stronger, better and fitter team.
If this exceptional Atletico squad can claim the Champion’s League trophy after securing La Liga it will be one of the greatest sporting triumphs of all time and who would begrudge them. For those of us that let our head rule our heart then this story may have a sad ending and the villain of the piece will be victorious…but at least we will have won some money!….
Betting on BETDAQ – Greg’s Tips:
BACK Real Madrid to WIN (90 Mins. Market)-5 Points @ 2.04
BACK Gareth Bale– Anytime goalscorer –2 Points @ 3.2
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