By David Lee Wheatley
There are numerous fantastic star players about to take the stage at the Estadio da Luz this evening from the ranks of both sides, with a close contest expected between two teams from the city of Madrid.
A small amount of critical moments will determine the destination of the coveted Champions' League trophy and here is a closer look at a selection of the key protagonists who will most likely provide those sublime seconds of inspiration in potentially leading their respective sides to European glory.
Real Madrid: Three to watch
Cristiano Ronaldo (Forward)
The world's greatest player of the past twelve months is without question the chief dangerman in Real Madrid's line-up and the man Atletico most fear. Despite mounting injury concerns over the last few weeks, the Portuguese superstar is almost certain to start on the left-hand side of the forward line alongside revered colleagues Bale and Benzema. Ronaldo's explosive pace, tricky dribbling skills and ruthless finishing make him an absolute nightmare for opposition defences to control. Even if Atletico attempt to double-up on him, Ronaldo will find a way through. If Real are to emerge victorious this evening, Cristiano will have to be at his imperious best.
Sergio Ramos (Centre-back)
No-nonsense defender Ramos has been the rock upon which Real Madrid have built their run to the final this season, with his dominant and inspirational performances driving Los Blancos on through the rounds all the way to Lisbon. His aerial ability in the opposition box was crucial when scoring twice away to Bayern Munich at the semi-final stage, with his double helping Real to an astounding 4-0 rout of the reigning champions. Extremely comfortable on the deck, strong in the air and a motivational force for his team-mates, Ramos is vital to the solidity of Real's defensive unit tonight. However, his discipline often deserts him when under physical pressure and therefore he must remain calm in the heat of battle.
Angel Di Maria (Left midfield)
Argentine international Di Maria appeared to be heading out of the exit door at the Bernabeu last summer, with the arrival of new head coach Carlo Ancelotti expected to signal the end of his Real Madrid career. However, he remained with a ringing endorsement of his talents from the new man in charge giving him added belief to secure a regular spot in the starting eleven. Di Maria cemented his place on the left of midfield despite stiff competition from the likes of Isco and Jese. Meanwhile, Gareth Bale has been utilised on the right of a three-man forward line, instead of his favoured left-hand side thanks partly to Di Maria. His accurate crossing, penchant for beating a man and tireless work ethic make him a dream for any manager and his assist-making qualities could prove the difference between the two sides this evening.
Atletico Madrid: Three to watch
Diego Costa (Striker)
36-goal Brazilian/Spanish centre-forward Diego Costa is a pure fighter; competitive, physical and a constant nuisance for defenders to cope with. This season has been a major breakthrough year and his goals have been the catalyst behind Atletico's glorious campaign so far. Costa has battled hamstring, knee and thigh problems in recent weeks, but trained yesterday in the hope of making it for the highly anticipated final. Coach Simeone will select Costa even if only half-fit, due to the magnitude of the match and also for everything the controversial striker brings to the team. He holds the ball up supremely well, constantly niggles opponents with unceremonious levels of physicality and revels in putting the ball into the back of the net any which way he can. Aerially he is very difficult to stop and Sergio Ramos will need to be fully focused in order to keep him quiet during what is expected to be a mighty duel between the tetchy twosome.
Thibaut Courtois (Goalkeeper)
22-year-old goalkeeper Courtois has been in sensational form throughout his three-year loan spell away from parent club Chelsea, but has been almost unbeatable throughout this season in particular. Despite being farmed out by the Blues, the 6ft 6ins giant has gone on to prove himself to be one of the very best keepers in the business. Commanding, agile and alert, Belgian Courtois will be under the cosh for the majority of the game against Real's plethora of attacking threats and must continue his fine form if he wishes to carry off the Champions' League trophy come the end of the game.
Diego Godin (Centre-back)
Uruguayan Godin makes up one half of an incredibly impressive central defensive pairing with fellow South American Miranda, which conceded only 26 goals in 38 matches during the domestic league campaign and additionally helped their team in restricting European opposition to just six strikes from 12 Champions' League fixtures. Godin is a true leader, with superb positional sense and reading of the game. His colleague Miranda has come on leaps and bounds after a shaky start to his time at the Vicente Calderon and has a lot to thank Godin for in relation to the assistance and direction he has given him. The 28-year-old will throw himself in front of every single ball and that never-say-die attitude will undoubtedly be in evidence tonight when Atletico go for Champions' League immortality.
Check out the rest of my Champions' League final preview on this blog right now, with a look at both managers, their tactical plans and likely line-ups:
Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid - http://dlwsports.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/champions-league-final-countdown.html
Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid - http://dlwsports.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/champions-league-final-countdown_24.html
Twitter: @davewh1980
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