Why a fascinating Champions League final awaits, whether Real Madrid play Chelsea or Atletico Madrid

A look at why a match up between Chelsea or Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid will make for a great showpiece in Lisbon

James Orr
Wednesday 30 April 2014 17:54 BST
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Chelsea and Atletico Madrid are just 90 minutes away from reaching the Champions League final (or 120 if the score stays 0-0 at Stamford Bridge tonight).

Whichever team makes it through, they'll be taking on Real Madrid in the final in Lisbon.

Here, we take a look at why whatever happens tonight, it will be a match up to relish...

Carlo Ancelotti and Jose Mourinho face their former teams

A role reversal on the big stage. Carlo Ancelotti won the Double with Chelsea in 2009/10, while Jose Mourinho won La Liga title with Real Madrid in 2012. Both teams have plenty of players still at the club that played under the managers too.

All-Spanish affair

It could be an all-Spanish affair in the final and guess who prevailed last time both teams in the final hailed from Spain? Real Madrid in 2000. They defeated Valencia 3-0 in the Stade de France that year.

Mourinho could win it with three different teams

Mourinho could create history by becoming the first manager to win Europe’s elite competition with three different teams. Mourinho just does not lose the big occasions. He also won it with Porto in 2004, and Inter in 2010.

Mourinho and Ronaldo: Friends reunited

“Coaching him was the highlight of my career. He's the most professional player I've ever met.” Mourinho said last year. The Portuguese pair worked together for three years. Surely the notoriously cunning Mourinho will have a plan for the Ballon d’Or holder…

Ronaldo’s back in Lisbon

It will be an emotional night for Ronaldo, he’s back in Lisbon, although the match will be played at Benfica’s Estadio da Luz, the rival stadium of Sporting, who he started his professional career with. Where better to score the winner?

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