The Champions League Final is just a week away.  Here are ISH’s predictions and analysis.

The Champions League runs throughout the entire year and is the most lucrative trophy and competition in all of club soccer. Throughout Europe, the top clubs have battled for a spot in the finals, and we are left with just two teams and 90 minutes from finding out the champion.

The eyes of the world will converge on Berlin next Saturday as two heavyweights go at it. Juventus will face Barcelona at the Olympiastadion. Both teams won their leagues and domestic cups. Both clubs are playing fantastic soccer this season and it should be a fantastic match.

Juventus made it to the final after a very hard fought, upset win over Real Madrid, who were the reigning champions. On the other hand Barcelona won comfortably against Bayern Munich over both legs.

 

Date, Time, Location, Television Channel

Date: June 6th, 2015

Kickoff: 2:45 EST (8:45 CET Local time)

Location: Olympiastadion Berlin, Germany

Television Channel: FOX in USA, Sky Sports 1 and ITV in UK

Keys for Juventus

• Strong defense, need to shut down Barca attack
• No mistakes, error free match
• Have a good, solid midfield that wins balls and distributes to forwards

Keys for Barcelona

• Keep Juventus forwards from getting the ball
• Give the front three the ball (Messi!)
• Over power Juventus in the midfield

Key Matchup

Alvaro Morata vs. Javier Mascherano

Real Madrid had trouble covering Alvaro Morata in the semi-final and he ended up scoring the winning goal. Juventus needs him to be in top form if they have any chance in this game. Mascherano will have his hands full with the young Spaniard all game and needs to keep his focus to not let him break free.

How Juventus will win the game

A stellar performance from Tevez and Morata in front of goal can see the Old Lady lift the trophy. Chiellini and Bonucci shut down the front three of Barcelona and Buffon has a fantastic game keeping the ball out of the net.

How Barcelona will win the game

The brilliance of the attacking trio of Messi, Suarez, and Neymar will simply outscore Juventus. If Barcelona can get ahead by a few early goals they can sit back and dominate possession not letting Juventus get anything forward. Barcelona should be able to dominate the midfield and control the game how they like.

Main Storyline

The return of Luis Suarez vs. Patrice Evra and Giorgio Chiellini. Evra and Suarez have had a hatred towards each other since they played for Manchester United and Liverpool, respectfully. Suarez racially abused Evra and refused to shake his hand in their next meeting following that. In the 2014 World Cup during the Uruguay vs Italy match, Luis Suarez bit Chiellini on the shoulder.

This is the first time Chiellini and Suarez will face each other following the incident. This game should be another addition to the rivalry between the players.

Prediction

Barcelona 3 Juventus 1

The treble is on the line for both teams and it should be a memorable night in Berlin.