Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid derby in Champions League final
Who will win the battle of Madrid?
Real Madrid's 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League semifinal sets up an all-city final with Atletico Madrid. Real's Gareth Bale had the only goal in the game for the spanish side, but it was enough to get the job done.
Gareth Bale, 1-0. <a href="https://t.co/3Nu2vc20c6">pic.twitter.com/3Nu2vc20c6</a>
—@RealEsparta
But maybe this month's championship game is better described as the battle of Madrid.
Both teams originate from the Spain's central capital and if you're a football fan you know this goes beyond a Champions League final. It's about the Spanish derby as the two are also competing for the La Liga title. The Spanish league standings are a tight draw between FC Barcelona, Atletico and Real Madrid. It's safe to say that both teams will want to grab the double.
La Liga Standings:<a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona">@FCBarcelona</a> 85 Pts<a href="https://twitter.com/Atleti">@Atleti</a> 85 Pts<a href="https://twitter.com/realmadrid">@realmadrid</a> 84 Pts <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RAPL?src=hash">#RAPL</a> <a href="https://t.co/4CIKu47ncL">pic.twitter.com/4CIKu47ncL</a>
—@AfPremierLeague
Another angle of this Champions League final is the battle between coaches Zinedine Zidane and Diego Simeone.
Retired French footballer Zidane needs no introduction as he is one of the game's most decorated footballers. What you might not know is that this French sensation played for Real Madrid from 2001-2006 and is most commonly remembered for this piece of magic:
From Real player to manager, Zidane just proved that he can bring this club to a Champions League final from either side of the fence.
Ronaldo: Zidane was the best player I knew and the best I played with. He made Real Madrid better with his style. <a href="https://t.co/saTwJDffDz">pic.twitter.com/saTwJDffDz</a>
—@Realmadridplace
Legend status just got even bigger.<br><br>Zinedine Zidane, the man. <a href="https://t.co/D0KXMRjdSb">pic.twitter.com/D0KXMRjdSb</a>
—@SoccerSt_
less than a season as coach and Zidane is headed to the Champions League Final. <a href="https://t.co/kUbCBPhRFD">pic.twitter.com/kUbCBPhRFD</a>
—@Complex_Sports
But let's not forget about Atletico's mastermind, Diego Simeone. This Argentinean-born footballer also played for Atletico and is most respected for his defensive tactics.
The Man in Black: Helping make your team forget how to score <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Simeone?src=hash">#Simeone</a> <a href="https://t.co/jtD3yS13fp">https://t.co/jtD3yS13fp</a>
—@br_uk
Diego Simeone <a href="https://t.co/5sOcIcBHgO">pic.twitter.com/5sOcIcBHgO</a>
—@FootballFunnys
Simeone's tactical soccer IQ has taken Atletico far into many Champions League tournaments:
Atletico in the Champions League under Diego Simeone:<br><br>2013/14: Finalists<br>2014/15: Quarter finals<br>2015/16: Finalists <a href="https://t.co/gyEhMHvoL9">pic.twitter.com/gyEhMHvoL9</a>
—@FootballFunnys
As much as these coaches want to win both league titles for their clubs, we can assume it's a personal battle as well.
Diego Simeone vs. Zinedine Zidane in Italy, 16 years ago (AP photo). <a href="https://t.co/1KTxxKrw01">pic.twitter.com/1KTxxKrw01</a>
—@AnAbnos
So pick your poison.
Will this Champions League final be a battle of Madrid?
Champions League final<br><br>Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid <br><br>Date: Sat, 28 May<br><br>Venue: San Siro <a href="https://t.co/qT9iyzMnhf">pic.twitter.com/qT9iyzMnhf</a>
—@e_realmadridcf
Or will it be a battle of the coaches?
Champions League final:<br><br>San Siro Stadium<br>May 28, 2016<br><br>Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid.<br>Zidane vs. Simeone. <a href="https://t.co/s5jyEXW32m">pic.twitter.com/s5jyEXW32m</a>
—@Footy
Who will be the heroes of San Siro in Milan? Vote here: