- Title: Soccer legends expect close Champions League final
- Date: 2nd June 2017
- Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (English) FORMER AC MILAN AND CHELSEA DEFENDER, MARCEL DESAILLY, TALKING ABOUT CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL, SAYING: "At the end of the day we don't really know what is going to happen. I do believe that it is the time for Juventus to get something out of the European competition. Two years or three years ago they were not that ready. We feel that after six leagues in a row they should be able to win this time. If they don't concede, they will probably win. But, in front, you have individual talent that potentially will make the difference. If (Cristiano) Ronaldo is on fire, then nobody can stop him. If he is not? Then Juventus, with the type of players that they have also, with (Pablo) Dybala, (Gonzalo) Higuan and (Mario) Mandzukic, they can make the difference."
- Embargoed: 16th June 2017 20:09
- Keywords: Trezeguet Luis Garcia Pires Desailly
- Location: CARDIFF, WALES, UK
- City: CARDIFF, WALES, UK
- Country: United Kingdom
- Topics: Soccer,Sport
- Reuters ID: LVA0056JL6DRZ
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: When Real Madrid line up to face Juventus in the Champions League final on Saturday (June 3) soccer's legends are expecting the competition's meanest defence to meet an irresistible attack force.
The Italian side have conceded three goals in 12 games while Real have scored in 64 consecutive matches in all competitions, usurping the previous European record of 61 held by Bayern Munich.
For the former greats who are in Cardiff to watch European soccer's showpiece event, this aspect of the clash should prove an exciting spectacle.
Some of the great names of the game - including Luis Figo, Clarence Seedorf, Ryan Giggs and Marcel Desailly - were cheered by fans in a gloomy Cardiff Bay with an exhibition match played on a pitch floating on the water.
For these players, many of them Champions League winners themselves, this season's edition looks set to be one of the most intriguing in years.
"If they (Juventus) don't concede, they will probably win. But, in front, you have individual talent that potentially will make the difference. If (Cristiano) Ronaldo is on fire, then nobody can stop him," said former Chelsea and AC Milan defender Desailly.
Many of the former players echoed the sentiments of neutrals across Europe in supporting Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. The 39-year-old has won almost everything in the game, but is still missing a winning Champions League medal. Saturday could prove his last chance.
The battle could come down to Ronaldo - who is searching for his fourth Champions League victory - against Buffon.
Buffon has been beaten just once in six knockout ties this season. Ronaldo has scored 13 goals in his last nine appearances.
Something has got to give but Buffon will be all too aware that Ronaldo has faced him four times and scored on each occasion. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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