Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid Champions League final preview: Cristiano Ronaldo 'fine' for final
Saturday 28 May 2016 18:20, UK
Cristiano Ronaldo insists he is fit enough to play for Real Madrid as they chase an 11th European Cup crown against city rivals Atletico.
The Portuguese forward limped out of a session on Tuesday after suffering a knock to his left thigh, causing a stir in what was an open day for the media ahead of the final in Milan.
But Ronaldo alleviated fears he could miss Saturday's clash against Atletico by taking part in training as usual on Wednesday.
"I am fine," he said. "I had a little problem in training, a dead leg as they say here, but I will be fine. It was a minor scare, a knock."
His fitness is a huge boost to Real, who are looking for a repeat of the 2014 final in Lisbon, where they overcame Atletico 4-1 after extra-time to win their 10th title.
Atletico, who are yet to win Europe's biggest club prize in their history, have been victorious in seven of their last 16 meetings with Real, and manager Diego Simeone predicts a tense affair at the San Siro.
"The game will be very tense, very even, especially at the beginning," he said. "To play a final is absolutely fantastic, to win it is even better. That experience makes you want to continue living these moments."
Team news
Though Ronaldo should be fit despite his injury scare, defender Raphael Varane is definitely out, and will miss Euro 2016 with France after suffering a hamstring injury.
Casemiro is likely to start in midfield alongside Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, behind a front three of Gareth Bale, Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
For Atletico, defender Diego Godin is fit after recovering from a thigh problem, and Simeone has no other injury concerns.
Atletico are likely to start with Fernando Torres in his second Champions League final, alongside Frenchman Antoine Griezmann up front, and a midfield four of Saul Niguez, Augusto Fernandez, Gabi and Koke.
Opta stats
Real Madrid have reached the Champions League/European Cup final for the 14th time, more than any other team.
They have won 10 of those - also a record, including the last four (1998, 2000, 2002, 2014).
Atletico Madrid have reached the Champions League/European Cup final for the third time (1974, 2014, 2016). They have so far lost their previous two finals.
There will be a Spanish winner of the Champions League/European Cup for the third consecutive season, the longest run for a single nation since English clubs won it six times in a row from 1977 to 1982.
Atletico have won seven of their last 16 games against Real Madrid, in all competitions
The last four competitive games between Real and Atletico have produced only four goals
Real Madrid have kept 10 clean sheets (in 12 games) in the Champions League this season, which equals the record in the competition (Arsenal in 2005/06).
Atletico have registered under 30 per cent possession in each of their last four Champions League games
Ronaldo has scored/assisted 74 per cent of Real Madrid's goals in this season's competition (20 out of 27). He's only one goal away from the Champions League record for most goals in a Champions League campaign, a record he currently holds (17 in 2013/14).
Betting
Real Madrid are Sky Bet's 6/4 favourites to win the Champions League final within 90 minutes, with Atletico Madrid 11/5 while a draw and extra-time is a 21/10 chance. Those fancying a repeat of the 2013/14 final can back Real to win in extra-time at 10/1, while a penalty shoot-out is a 4/1 chance.
Ronaldo heads the first goalscorer betting at 7/2 while Griezmann is rated Atletico's main threat at 11/2 to break the deadlock.
