WHEN Juventus knocked out Barcelona in the last eight without conceding I thought there and then they could go all the way.
The Italians then dumped a magical Monaco side in equally emphatic style but need to take down Real Madrid in Cardiff today to be crowned European champions.
Real live for the Champions League and can beat any side on their day – and that's the key. They've won the crown 11 times but are bidding to be the first side to retain the Champions League.
The Madrid men are marginal favourites at 10-11 with Skybet to lift the trophy while Juve are 24-23 at 188Bet.
To win in 90 minutes you can have Real at 9-5 with Marathonbet with the Italians 2-1 at betfair and a draw that forces extra time 9-4 with the same firm.
Cristiano Ronaldo proved with Portugal he can drag teams over the line to the biggest prizes but he and his team-mates -including Gareth Bale in his home country – are up against probably the best defence in world football.
It could come down defence v attack and maybe even Ronaldo v Giorgio Chiellini or Bale and Karim Benzema against Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli.
.Juve have conceded just three goals in this season's tournament and one of those was when their semi-final against Monaco was over.
Real though have netted in every Champions League encounter this season and are top scorers. They have netted 106 goals in La Liga on the way to pipping Barca for to the title.
La Liga's champions have been vulnerable at the back though with just one clean sheet in Europe – against Atletico Madrid – and 17 goals to conceded to the likes of Legia Warsaw, Sporting and Napoli – so both to score could be a way to go if you believe Buffon can be breached. That pays 21-20 at betfair.
Ronaldo will be the most backed first scorer after hitting knockout hat-tricks against Bayern Munich and Atletico. He is 41-10 at Marathonbet to break the deadlock and 16-11 at 888sport to net.
Bale will be a popular choice especially with Welsh fans in the stadium if he gets the nod ahead of Isco. He hasn’t played since April 23 through injury and his replacement has been brilliant.
The Welsh ace is 3-1 with McBookie to score and 8-1 at Paddy Power to hit the opener.
While Juve are defiant in defence they’re pretty hot in attack too where Paulo Dybala and Gonazalo Higuain will look to cause trouble.
Higuain was the star turn against Monaco with a deadly double in the away leg while Dybala has shone all season. To score Higuain is 2-1 at Paddy Power with Dybala 10-3 with the same firm.
Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos are two of five players who have netted in two finals and Betway go 11-2 for either player to net with a trademark header.
There could be a few bookings and the likes of Chiellini won’t hold back. He is 2-1 at McBookie while Casemiro is the 11-8 favourite. Ramos is another who could see a card and the Real stopper is 6-4 with the Scots firm.
If Buffon plays a blinder and Juve win he’s likely to be named man of the match. The keeper is 9-1 at bet365 to pick up the prize with Ronaldo the 4-1 favourite.
Betway have a market on who will make the most saves during 90 minutes and go evens Buffon, 5-4 Jesus Navas and 9-2 tie. And there is the potential of extra time and even penalties.
It’s always 50-50 when it comes to a shoot-out but maybe if it goes that far it could be Real’s day.
The Spaniards are a best 11-1 at bet365 to win on penalties with Juve 14-1. Just to go to pens it’s 5-1 at Skybet.
Ronaldo loves the limelight and is 12-1 with Betway to net the winning penalty.
Bets to Consider
Juventus to lift trophy
Casemiro to be booked
Buffon man of the match
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
Btts 1st half 4-1
Juventus btts and win 5-1
Correct score 2-1 juventus
Ramos to be booked
Ronaldo to cry evens
Chiellini to score with a header 25-1
It’s all about the mad Brazilian for me, personally thought the odds on Casemiro would have shortened.
Placed at the start of the week to be carded 11/8
Also doubled up with a midweek horse selection
——————————————-
Casemiro to be carded 11/8 – 5pts
Casemiro to be carded
Wed – Our Little Pony
13/2 – 2pts
Juventus vs Real Madrid Tips
I can see this game possibly being a score draw with Juventus going on to win in extra time. Juventus have the best defensive record in the Champions League and only conceded 3 goals on their route to the final. If Juventus are going to concede then it will likely be from a set piece. I’d have my money on Ronaldo to score a header anytime at 12/1 with Skybet. This is quite good considering he’s as short as 6/1 elsewhere and the 12/1 offers much better value than him to score anytime which is only around 6/5. Ramos is 14/1 to score a header with the same firm. If I were to choose I’d go with Ronaldo.
For me it’s Juventus though and there’s two players in focussing on and that’s Chiilielni and Dani Alves. Chillielni is a huge 50/1 for first goalscorer and 23/1 anytime. This is at least double what other bookies are offering, especially for anytime Goalscorer as other bookies offering as short as 8/1. That’s a 15 point difference. That’s why I always recommend you check oddschecker for the best price as these can vary hugely. Dani Alves is 27/1 for first goalscorer with 888sport which is a great price considering he’s around 12/1 elsewhere. With 888sport you can get 31/1 that he scores and gets booked anytime. That’s much better value for someone who’s as short as 6/4 to get booked.
Also take Juventus to win in extra time at 14/1 with Bet365.
Recommended Bets
Chillielni First Goalscorer @ 50/1 888sport
Chiellni Anytime Goalscorer @ 23/1 888sport
Dani Alves First Goalscorer @ 27/1 888sport
Dani Alves Anytime Goalscorer and to get booked @ 31/1 888sport
Ronaldo to score a header anytime @ 12/1 Skybet
Juventus to win in extra time @ 14/1 Bet365
Mrfixit,
What do you think of Bet365 only giving the In Play Offer to selected customers this time, when everyone has had the offer every other time??
Its a bit outrageous don’t you think?
I don’t have a problem with it because I know how much the offers have cost them this season.
They’ll have a budget for these things and it will have been blown out the water.
It’s better giving it some than none because that would be the alternative.
I accept though it won’t go down well with people who expected to receive and it’s probably not going to do the firm any favours.
People need to remember its just an offer at their discretion not an entitlement.
Having just reactivated my account with Bet365, I prefer (Mcbookies) i Honestly thought i would get an e-mail However no luck as mentioned by othere members it looks like they are targgetting other punters or try to withhold losses. Just my Opinion Mr F
I absolutely agree with Chris guy and I already bet on Chielini and Dani any time. Also I can see happening one from the two: real to score in early time, first half for real and juve to win on penalties or juve 2-0. If Juve net first, it will be a full attacking side from real with a lot of empty space back, dybala can find the way easily then and a second goal could come. GL guys