It might not be the World Cup final, but it's nearly as significant. In less than 12 hours, the 2016 UEFA Champions League final will kick off at Milan's Stadio San Siro. Neither of the tenants - AC Milan nor Inter - will be featuring; in fact, neither even qualified for European competition this season. Instead, fans will be treated to a rematch of the 2014 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, in a game that promises to be a very entertaining one from start to finish.
Real Madrid
Legions of Real Madrid fans worldwide were all biting their nails when they heard that Cristiano Ronaldo suffered a knock in training earlier this week. Fortunately for them - and more important, the team - the Portuguese attacker has recovered and will be reinstated into Zinedine Zidane's starting XI.
The French tactician will have all of his first choice regulars available, meaning that the "BBC" is at full strength, Costa Rican star shot-stopper Keylor Navas is in between the posts, and all hands on deck in the middle of the park as well as in defense.
Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo will, of course, have a formidable foe in Atleti's notoriously tough defense - but this is something all three players are already aware of, having faced them both on the continent as well as in domestic competition.
Atletico Madrid
As for Atletico Madrid, Diego Simeone will also have his strongest starting XI fit and ready for battle. In the 2014 edition, Los Rojiblancos were hampered by injuries to key players like Diego Costa and Arda Turan. Not so much this time around. Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez will be in the center of one of the meanest defenses in Europe.
And in goal will be none other than Slovenian star Jan Oblak, who has managed to frustrate some of the continent's best attackers during Atleti's tough matches against Barcelona and Bayern Munich en route to the final. Today, they all will be put to yet another stern test as they will be tasked with stopping Real Madrid's famed "BBC" attack.
Up front will be the pair of Fernando Torres and Antoine Griezmann, who will be leading the line as Atleti hope to finally end their painfully long wait for their first Champions League title.
Did you know that...
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Today's game will be the third all-Spanish final in UCL history. And Real Madrid have featured in all of them.
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The first was Real Madrid-Valencia (2000); followed by Real Madrid-Atletico Madrid (2014).
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This is the sixth final featuring two teams from the same divison, preceded by:
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Real-Valencia (2000); Milan-Juve (2003); Manchester United-Chelsea (2008); Bayern Munich-Dortmund (2013); Real-Atletico (2014)
Still not satisfied? Hungry for more stats and facts? Check out some of these articles whilst you wait!
- Diego Godin vs Real Madrid's BBC - Revenge loading?
- Keylor Navas vs Oblak comparison: which keeper will prevail?
- Torres & Griezmann vs Ramos & Pepe Champions League final battle
Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid - Confirmed Lineups
Real Madrid's lineup:
¡Este es nuestro 11 inicial para la Final de Champions ante el Atlético de Madrid!#APorLaUndecima #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/ForburK1Yj
— Real Madrid C. F. (@realmadrid) May 28, 2016
Atletico Madrid's lineup:
¡Oficial también #El11 rojiblanco! El Atleti, a por la Primera con esta alineación https://t.co/t6h8XgPJSV #UCLFinalhttps://t.co/qfHvQwkq0v
— MARCA (@marca) May 28, 2016
Which channel is broadcasting the 2016 UEFA Champions League Final on TV or Online?
Not able to make it to the Stadio San Siro to catch this epic clash between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid live? No worries, because you're definitely not the only one. LiveSoccerTV.com has put together plenty of great choices to stay on top of all the action via your TV, computer, phone, or tablet.
Here are some options for fans residing in the following countries:
- In the USA at 14.45 EST on: FOX Network, Fox Soccer 2GO USA, WATCH ESPN, ESPN Deportes TV, ESPN Deportes Radio
- In Spain at 20.45 CET on: beIN Sports Connect S.P., TV3, Antena 3, beIN Sports Spain
- In the UK at 19.45 BST on: BT Sport Europe, BT Sport Live Streaming, BT Sport Showcase, BT Sport Ultra HD, BBC Radio 5 Live
- In Korea at 03.45 KST (Sunday) on: SBS ESPN Korea, KBSN Sports
- In Australia at 04.45 AEST (Sunday) on: SBS One Australia, beIN Sports Connect Australia, beIN SPORTS 2 Australia
- In Canada at 14.45 ET on: beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada, TSN1, beIN Sports Canada, TSN3, TSN4, RDS
Live elsewhere? Make sure you check out our special Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid broadcast page for viewing times and options for wherever you are currently based.
*Note: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
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