Legends evenly matched ahead of UCL final
Real Madrid legend Raul is amongst those who can’t pick a winner between his former side and city rivals Atletico ahead of the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday.
Real’s second all-time top goalscorer believes the San Siro showpiece will be a “party of Spanish football” and hopes Los Blancos come out on top, but isn’t expecting an easy ride against the red and white side of Madrid.
Another former Bernabeu striker, Davor Suker, is also hoping for ‘La Undecima’, but warns Atletico will be out for revenge after the 2014 final which Real won 4-1 after extra time.
The Croat praised Diego “Cholo” Simeone for his work at the Vicente Calderon, a sentiment echoed by Hristo Stoichkov, who believes the Argentine’s fighting qualities as a player are now embedded in his management style.
RAUL
Real Madrid, 1994-2010
“It will be a great party of Spanish football and of La Liga, to have two teams in the Champions league final in the best club competition in the world, we should expect it to be a great game. And before, during and after the match it will be a great evening of the football, and expect it will be a great game, full of emotion and I’m sure people will enjoy it. We will see what happens. Obviously, from my side, I’d like a win for Real Madrid, but Atletico Madrid are doing incredible things at the moment, they knocked out two big teams, so it will be an evenly matched final.”
HRISTO STOICHKOV
Barcelona, 1990-5 and 1996-8
“I want Atletico to win.
“I reckon he’s outstanding. Cholo is someone that always speaks what he thinks is true. He was a fighter as a player and now he transmits that onto his team. Football is not only about scoring or conceding. It’s also about how you substitute one player for another, how to move the team… this is a great team, they’re fighters and they are where they deserve to be.”
GAIZKA MENDIETA
Spain, 1999-2002
“If you ask me now, I’d say Atletico are the favourites. But Madrid always come strong in these kind of games, in the finals. So I couldn’t say a prediction. I’m going to go there and enjoy it as much as I can.
DAVOR SUKER
Real Madrid 1996-1999
“Of course, Real Madrid, and I support all my ex-clubs. I know Luca Modric plays a great role at Real Madrid in the midfield and I hope, but it will be a tough game. I can say 50-50, Atletico with Cholo Simeone, playing very well, is a big team and they’re hungry. Why hungry? Of course, Real Madrid beat them in Portugal two years ago, and 11 against 11, it’s a Madrid derby, Spanish derby, now it’s a European Championship final derby. And I hope Real Madrid can celebrate and we can have ‘La Undecima’, 11 trophies, all round the world, to present Real Madrid in the history of the best club in the world.”
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