Three Bold Predictions For The UEFA Champions League Final: Juventus vs Barcelona
By Adam Clifton
![By Lluís from Sabadell (Barcelona), España (LFS_14039) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2F02a48a92c0bf2f673a2000601cd9cd0e002a57e12ed11e811cd72b9ef25ab90b.jpg "By Lluís from Sabadell (Barcelona), España (LFS_14039) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons")
Manchester City
has felt the wrath of
FC Barcelona
in the past two seasons of the
UEFA Champions League
. The Citizens
in the
Round of 16
by the Catalan giants in their last two appearances in Europe’s biggest competition. On Saturday, FC Barcelona will look to complete the
European Treble
, as they take on
Juventus
in the UEFA Champions League Final. With both clubs looking to complete the European Treble, here are three bold predictions for the biggest club game of the season.
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1. Lionel Messi will not score
The best player in the world will take center stage in the Champions League Final, as he hopes to finish the season with a European Treble. Barcelona has the opportunity to become the first club to win two European Trebles. With the best player in the world at the helm, the club will be confident ahead of the matchup with Juventus. In 37 league appearances this season, Lionel Messi has scored 43 goals. Averaging over a goal every game, one would expect Messi to find the back of the net against Juventus. However, the Italian giants are one of the toughest defenses in all of Europe. Look for Messi to be kept off the scoresheet against the Old Lady.
2. Gianluigi Buffon will stand on his head for Juventus
The longstanding goalkeeper for Juventus, Gianluigi Buffon, has already established himself as one of the most legendary players in the history of the sport. Buffon led Italy to a World Cup triumph in 2006 and has led Juve to numerous Serie A titles. The NY Times reports that after his playing career comes to an end, Buffon would like to pursue a coaching role. Before his playing career is over, Buffon will be under attack as his club takes on Barcelona. Barca has scored ten goals in the past four Champions League fixtures. Look for Buffon to be called upon with great regularity to keep the Spanish side off the scoresheet.
3. Luis Suarez double leads Barca over Juve
Early on at Barcelona, Luis Suarez struggled to find his prolific goal scoring form. Some wondered if the player would ever adapt to life with Barcelona. Those questions have been put to rest, as Suarez scored 16 goals and contributed 14 assists for Barca in just 25 La Liga appearances this season. Suarez has shined alongside Neymar and Messi in both an attacking and supporting role. Look for Suarez to combine well with his attacking partners. With Messi and Neymar contributing assists, Suarez will find the back of the net twice and lead Barcelona to an emotional victory over Juventus.