By David Lee Wheatley
Carlo Ancelotti steps into his seventh European Cup final as a player or manager tonight against a relative novice as a coach on that stage in the shape of Atletico boss Diego Simeone. The Italian claimed two titles in this competition as an AC Milan player, while also winning two more when in charge of the Rossoneri.
He harboured a dream of leading Real Madrid when entrenched at other huge institutions such as Juventus, Chelsea and PSG, with his ambition finally realised last summer. Unfortunately, Ancelotti presided over an inconsistent league campaign which left the Galacticos sitting third. They watched on as city rivals Atleti stole a march on their more illustrious neighbours by winning a first La Liga crown since way back in 1996.
Now, they meet in the biggest club competition final of them all at Benfica's Estadio da Luz in Lisbon with the eyes of the world watching on. Will the vast experience held by 54-year-old prove crucial in determining the outcome of the contest, or can the man ten years his junior spring yet another surprise to go alongside the league championship that Atletico already have in the bag?
Ancelotti's tactical approach is usually to set out a 4-3-3 formation with superstars Bale and Ronaldo lurking dangerously either side of French striker Karim Benzema. Goalkeeper Iker Casillas has been utilised in domestic and European Cup matches this season, as Diego Lopez has handled the league matches. That rotation policy has largely worked and resulted in a Copa del Rey triumph along with their impressive run to the Champions' League showpiece. Carvajal, Pepe and the inspiration Sergio Ramos will almost certainly start, while Marcelo and Coentrao will battle it out for the left-back slot.
Midfield poses a difficult question to Ancelotti, as he must decide on who to select in place of the suspended Xabi Alonso. The former Liverpool lynchpin is extremely influential to the way in which the team operate and will be sorely missed. Asier Illarramendi hasn't shown his potential since leaving Real Sociedad for the Bernabeu, while another option Casemiro hasn't totally convinced either. The man Ancelotti would like to turn to in this situation is German international Sami Khedira, but he has just returned from long-term injury and must be considered a fitness risk. However, he would be the most likely to step into the breach if his status is judged to be 100% ready to feature. Either side of that so-called 'QB' role will be Angel Di Maria on the left and probably Luka Modric to the right.
It's a line-up easily good enough to worry Atletico head coach Simeone on many levels, but he'll have confidence in his own charges that they are fully capable of pulling off yet another significant upset. Meanwhile, Ancelotti will look to take the game to his opponents, with the emphasis on them to break down a stubborn and highly organised side. The pace of both Bale and Ronaldo will be absolutely key in getting beyond the Atletico back-line to cause several problems for the usually reliable Rojiblancos defence.
Pressure will be high on Ancelotti and his men, so he and his backroom staff will need to cope with that and keep the heat off the players. Real Madrid are expected to win according to most observers, while their fans have been desperately seeking 'La Decima' (The 10th title) since a ninth European Champions' Cup victory twelve years ago. Everyone connected with the super-club were convinced a tenth trophy was only around the corner after three glorious Champions' League triumphs in the space of just six years culminating in that 2002 Hampden a Park win, yet they haven't captured it since. La Decima has become an obsession and could even cost Ancelotti his job should they fail to win in Portugal this evening.
Despite all of the talk and chatter going on in the background surrounding this massive fixture and the manager's future, it must be remembered that Carlo Ancelotti has seen and done it all before. The amiable Italian coach won't be overawed by the occasion or wilt under the weight of expectation on his shoulders. Furthermore, a victory would make him only the second manager in history to plunder three European Cups after the great Bob Paisley.
What a night it would be for him to make history both on a personal note and in the name of arguably the greatest club side on the globe.
Twitter: @davewh1980
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