The clash between two of the favourites to reach this year’s Champions League Final, Atlético Madrid and Juventus, was among the most anticipated fixtures of the competition’s last 16 stage. When you think of the greatest defensive sides of the modern era, these two clubs come to mind more than most, and both still boast some of the best defenders in world football.
Atleti have never been European champions, having been losing finalists on three occasions. But with the final to be played in their new home this season, tangible evidence of Los Rojiblancos desperation to make this year’s campaign their greatest ever was felt in the fervent atmosphere inside the Wanda Metropolitano ahead of kick-off.
Atleti came into this match having only won four from their last nine games. They have won their last eight home games in UEFA competition though, conceding only one goal at home to boot. Their Italian visitors, Juventus, had only won three of their last nine games in Spain. The two-time European Champions have had a near untouchable season in Serie A but stuttered a bit toward the end of their Champions League group stage.
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