Isco Real’s secret weapon for Juve showdown?

In more ways than one, this season’s UEFA Champions League has delivered the perfect final.

Holders Real Madrid will represent a spectacular flair while Italian giants Juventus embody an admirable ruthless efficiency.

As Cardiff braces to hosts this truly mouthwatering clash on June 3, the return of Gareth Bale could mean Isco – the man who strained Atletico Madrid’s fightback in the second leg of their semis – drops to the bench.

Most Champions League winning teams are synonymous with three things; a formidable attack, an impenetrable defence screened by an intelligent holding midfielder and strength in depth.

The current holders Real Madrid booked their place in the final at the expense of cross-city rivals Atletico on Wednesday night but the man who pushed back their charge with a decisive goal is not guaranteed to start at the Welsh capital.

Madrid have been finalists in the competition for the last two years and in both occasions Isco came on as an impact substitute which begs the question as to why he has played a reduced role under Head Coach and Los Blancos legend Zinedine Zidane.

Isco has been in sublime form this season with match-winning performances against Sporting Gijon and Deportivo La Coruna in the Spanish La Liga.

Yet the little Spaniard has struggled to earn the trust of Zidane. Bale’s latest injury means he sits out for the run-in games against Sevilla, Celta Vigo which could be a blessing in disguise for Isco.

Bale has reputation of showing up on the big stage but with Isco an irresistible figure this term, the key question is whether Madrid will opt for the winger’s imposing presence and goals or his clever runs behind defences or go for the stability whether they choose the tactical nous and stability that Isco brings.

Bale has had a rather quite season and while his reputation means Zidane will be tempted to squeeze him in for the European final, Isco could be the wild card as Madrid bid to become the first holdersto have retained the trophy in the Champions League era.

The 25-year-old is an all-round player and would walk straight to the first team of any other team in Europe thus the constant speculation linking him with a sensational move to Barcelona earlier in the season.

Since moving from Malaga in 2013 chances have become more limited for him but last night he played his finest game for the Los Blancos and deserves to start ahead of Bale in this year’s final and if he doesn’t start he should consider his options in the summer and nurture his talent elsewhere.