**REAL MADRID V ATLETICO MADRID - CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL 2014**

Diego Simeone says Atletico Madrid can beat city rivals Real Madrid in Saturday's Champions League final - with or without Diego Costa.

Star striker Costa remains a major doubt for the match because of a hamstring injury, though he did train with the squad on Friday evening ahead of the Lisbon showdown.

Atletico are trying everything to get their star striker fit, including a course of treatment that involves horse placenta.

Costa suffered the injury in last weekend's draw at Barcelona which clinched the Primera Liga title.

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That astonishing achievement will be eclipsed if they beat the city's aristocrats Real in the Portuguese capital.

And coach Simeone remains confident that whether Costa is fit or not, they can clinch an incredible double.

"We'll examine Costa but we have other injury doubts too," said Argentinian Simeone. "They trained better yesterday but we'll wait and see."

Turkish midfielder Arda Turan was also hurt in the Nou Camp game, but appears more likely to make the starting line-up on Saturday than Costa.

"Costa and Arda are important players but they're just names," Simeone added. "It will either be them playing or two other players that we know."

And Simeone insists he is calm ahead of Saturday night's storm: "I don't feel as overwhelmed as some people think but I feel the weight of responsibility on my shoulders."

Simeone has enjoyed a stunning run of success since he was appointed just before Christmas in 2011.

With the 44-year-old at the helm, Atletico have won a Europa League title, the European Super Cup, the Copa del Rey, and now the Spanish league.


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They did so without resorting to big-money 'galactico' signings - they remain very much the poor cousins of Real.

And the team is confident they have a coach who can lead them to glory.

"We believe in Simeone," said captain Gabi. "For me he is the best. He has helped us to win, we are all here to win.

"It's the biggest game in the history of Atletico Madrid. I'm proud to wear this shirt. We will give everything."

The only thing with Khedira is that he's only 3 or so weeks back from his injury although fully fit, the difference Alonso makes is that he is a very forward thinking, quick passing player, Modric works alongside him because he more Spanish like slowing the passing taking more touches, I don't know if Knedira can compliment that balance as well as Xabi with little match practice

He shouldn't be missing anyway that rule is stupid

Simeone is right they can win with or without Costa. I think they'd benefit with him starting tomorrow though as he'll wind Pepe and Ramos up no end.

Hard to call what will happen with any confidence. Atletic have proved they can come back after going behind in big games, and Real have the ability too.

1-1 for me.

Never mind 3 times winner, try 5 times winner if he pulls this win off too, Mr Ancelotti has won this twice as a player with Milan, twice as a manager,

under 2.5 is the bet here, me thinks! Real will win this game! atletico have been lucky this season. i think today is the day when they will lose their luck!

Teams from the same country have played each other in the Champions League final 3 times:

AC Milan v Juventus 2003 0-0 Milan won on penalties
Chelsea v Man United 2008 1-1 United won on penalties
Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund 2-1

So we've had had two very close games where the two teams cancelled each other out and one where we had a winner (although it took a last minute winner from Robben). This may show that teams from the same country are less likely to produce a spectacle because they know all about each other. When it's two teams from the same city it may be even more tense?

Is there any logic in this? I would say yes, as the two teams play each other regularly (4 times this season alone) and know about each others' strengths and weaknesses. None of the 4 games have been as important as this match. Real are after the "decima" and this is the biggest game of the Atletico players' careers.

So I think this will be a tight, low scoring game. 0-0 or 1-1 are big players. Under 2.5 goals is likely. Extra time is likely.

Who will lift the trophy? One of the things that has been most apparent this year is Atletico's ability to get the job done. I don't remember seeing a side that better characterises a manager's nature. I think they can get the job done here after a tight game. Bet £3.65 go 20/1 on Atletico Madrid to win in extra time (best price 12/1 elsewhere). I am going to have £50 on the draw with Bet £3.65 and put the free £50 on Atletico to win the trophy.

£50 draw @ 23/10
£10 Atletico in extra time 20/1
£10 Atletico on pens 12/1
£50 Atletico lift trophy (in-play)

some streak that,won the lge reached the cl final,streakyyyyy

Over 4.5 cards
Over 12.5 dives
Over 29.5 fouls
Over 2.5 ridiculous bits of play acting from Pepe and di Maria

Modric does not slow the game down. Wonderful player.

I know I was saying he dictates the pace of the game when need be

I will be keeping a close on eye on Benzema, apparently he is coming to Arsenal after Madrid sign Suarez

Nice thread with some good info.


I can see this being like last years final. 2 1 with a penalty.


Btts at evens...... I like this. Ronaldo I believe is fit. And in his home country will try his hardest to score. Costa if starts will he last a half???

Real Madrid to score first the atl madrid to give their all to get back in the game resulting in btts. I want real to win as they have given us the best footy to watch this season! Amazing. But atl madrid have to be respected and hats off to them.


Good luck lads

just backed real to score. shirley they score dont they??

Guillem Balague ‏@GuillemBalague  18m
According to @canalplus, Khedira will replace Xabi, and Costa and Villa up front, with Turan on the bench.

well thats good then cos hes crap

who u replying to romm?

southerner

2013/2014
SPANISH PRIMERA LIGA     Su 02Mar 2014   
Atl Madrid    2 - 2    Real Madrid   
COPA DEL REY     Tu 11Feb 2014   
Atl Madrid    0 - 2    Real Madrid   
COPA DEL REY     We 05Feb 2014   
Real Madrid    3 - 0    Atl Madrid   
SPANISH PRIMERA LIGA     Sa 28Sep 2013   
Real Madrid    0 - 1    Atl Madrid   
2012/2013
COPA DEL REY     Fr 17May 2013   
Real Madrid    1 - 2    Atl Madrid   
SPANISH PRIMERA LIGA     Sa 27Apr 2013   
Atl Madrid    1 - 2    Real Madrid   
SPANISH PRIMERA LIGA     Sa 01Dec 2012   
Real Madrid    2 - 0    Atl Madrid

first goal header 9-2 on sky bet

real madrid team anyone ,tia

Hi Rommel
Just like to spread some love around

gl jd