Zidane has his own special place in Real’s storied history after scoring the victor in the 2002 Champions League final against Bayer Leverkusen, a triumph that marked the highpoint of the “Galacticos” era at the Bernabeu. “I have the feeling that we are going to play a great game and we are going to win”, Ronaldo said.
Advertisement
“I’ve already played in such conditions in Amsterdam against Ajax and at the World Cup in 2002 and there’s no real difference”. But we need to feel relaxed and confident that we’re able to win the trophy.
“We have played many finals, and this gets into the opponents heads”.
“We didn’t get to the final by chance, but we didn’t expect to win”.
Ronaldo has done well when facing Juventus, having scored five goals in the four matches he played against the Italian champions while with Madrid. Even if it looks like there is no hope we keep playing, whether we win or not.
Overall, a mouthwatering contest awaits football fans as two in-form teams who have been consistent throughout the season lock horns for the most wanted crown in European club football. One v one, that can be hard to defend, so I think that Juventus will try to defend as a team and squeeze the space, and try to prevent those individuals enjoying time on the ball.
“I see that Juventus have arrived at a very good moment and they are very strong at the back; so I see them as being a bit stronger”.
“I’m a young boy even though I’m 39 years old”, Buffon said through a translator in Cardiff.
Former Liverpool midfielder Luis Garcia, on his part believes that “they are the most consistent teams. We just want to have no regrets at the final whistle”. But, at the age of 39, the World Cup victor finally has a chance to win the trophy he dreams of.
However, he says he has not considered any specific preparation for Saturday’s match in Cardiff, when he will attempt to find a way past the imperious Juventus defence and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. It’s a final and anything can happen in a football match.
Cristiano is a good person, because he’s anxious; he worries about the others. He’s a born leader, especially on the pitch.
Cristiano Ronaldo has reached the 10-goal mark for the sixth consecutive Champions League campaign – no other player has done it on more than two consecutive seasons (Messi, Van Nistelrooy).
“The good thing is that I don’t have to organise anything this year”. This year it’s completely different.
Los Blancos vice-captain Marcelo also spoke to the press, and played down comments from Juve right-back Dani Alves, who claimed at his press conference earlier that Madrid’s Pedrag Mijatovic had been offside when scoring the winning goal in the 1998 Champions League final against Zidane’s Juve.
Advertisement
Zidane refused to reveal whether he will start Wales forward Gareth Bale, who has been struggling with calf and ankle problems for much of the season, or stick with in-form Isco.
