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The UEFA Champions League Final
Pre-Match Analysis
This is it, the moment we've all been waiting for.
Arsenal and
Inter Milan, the two biggest teams in world football, going head to head for the right to take home the famous
Champions League trophy. Not only is this a clash of footballing clubs, however, it is a clash of managerial geniuses.
Arsenal's manager,
Antonio Conte, has had a fantastic season with Arsenal, winning every competition available to him thus far. Some time before, he had led Juventus to an undefeated season in Serie A and brought them a Scudetto they had so horribly wanted.
Giuseppe Bergomi of Inter, however, has been Conte's worst nightmare.
Ever since Bergomi took charge of Inter, Juventus have not won a single trophy except for the 2013 Supercoppa Italiana, falling short every time to the Nerazzurri's brilliance. This will be a chance for vengeance for Conte and also a chance to show proper dominance from Bergomi, a true tactical showdown.
Starting Lineups
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Inter start in their usual
4-3-3. The biggest inclusion is that of
Philippe Coutinho on the left wing over a stuttering
Lorenzo Insigne; we shall see if he can have a big effect.
Arsenal start with Conte's favored
3-5-2.
Giroud and
Rubio have a deadly attacking duo all season with 48 goals between them and will look to lead the line tonight for the Gunners.
The Match
0' At last, at long last, that moment is upon us, and the referee blows his whistle to start the match! Inter start with the ball, and you can hear the 80,018 fans in the packed Giuseppe Meazza begin to create their magical atmosphere as the final begins!
26' It's been quiet so far from both sides. When Inter have had the chance to come forward, Arsenal have smothered them and stifled chance creation. Vermaelon's been forced to concede a corner here, though. Andrea Poli whips in the corner, Ranocchia's headed it across goal, and Bellusci nods it in at the far post! GOAL! Inter take a 1-0 lead!
38' That goal from Inter has sparked Arsenal's attack, and it's Greizmann racing down this left hand side. He whips in a deadly cross, and Giroud gets his head to it! Oh, so close! Marc-Andre ter Stegen was at absolutely full extension to keep that one out, and Inter keep their lead!
HT' And the referee brings a thrilling half of football to a close with the score
Inter 1-0 Arsenal. Both teams have attacked non-stop and the sold-out crowd have been absolutely phenomenal. We'll be back after this for the second half kick.
46' We're off again now with Arsenal taking the kick. We are in for an incredible second half of football as Inter look to be the first ever side to win the Champions League on home soil while Arsenal look to spoil the party and win the trophy for the first time in their history.
72 Inter have looked reasonably comfortable thus far in the second half, possessing well though not creating any real chances. They've penned Arsenal back, and that will please Mr. Bergomi greatly. Maher drifts passed his man here and plays a delightful ball for Destro! He's found space for a shot here, off the bar! Wojciech Szczesny was at full stretch but was beaten and Arsenal are still in this game thanks to the latest layer of paint on the bar!
90+3' Not much time left now for Arsenal as they throw absolutely everyone forward in their search for an equalizing goal. Inter are sitting very deep, almost in their own box, defending with everything they've got to hold onto this lead. Arsenal have won a corner, and the goalkeeper Szczesny has come up! This could be their last chance! Whipped in by Aaron Ramsey, but it's headed clear by Ranocchia and out of bounds.
FT' Arsenal are rushing to take the throw in, but that's it! The referee blows his whistle, it's all over!
Inter Milan have won the Champions League by a score of
1-0!
Bellusci was the hero, leading the defense like a field marshal and scoring the winning goal! What a match! The fans are going absolutely insane as they celebrate their sides 4th Champions League trophy!
Post-Match Coverage
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Despite being limited to a mere 2 shots all game, Inter made them count, with one rocketing off the post and other ending up in the back of the net. Arsenal fought hard but were profligate in front of net, and Inter Milan not only take the title but are the first to do so on home soil. Let's look at the managers' post-match statements.
Giuseppe Bergomi
"This is the best feeling in the world. I am absolutely delighted. It was a hard-fought game until the very end, but we wanted it more and in the end deserved it more. The fans were really amazing, a true 12th man, and we are honored to be the first team to accomplish this feat in front of their own support. I am just in dreamland right now."
Antonio Conte
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"We came up short. It is as simple as that. However, we must all remember, this has been a long season. We've done very well to win other competitions, and of course we are upset at losing today, but we know this is not the end. We are the best club in England and showed that today, and it's only a matter of time before we are the best in the world."
So there you have it folks, Inter Milan are the UEFA Champions League winners!
- GOAL! Leonardo Bonucci is looking for Leali with this pass but it's right to Mattia Destro! Leali is stranded in no-man's land and Mattia Destro gives Inter a 1-0 lead with an easy finish!
- POST! Oh so close to an equalizer for Juventus! Claudio Marchisio plays a delightful long through ball to Mauricio Isla but the winger rattles it off the upright!
- RED CARD! Arturo Vidal has absolutely rammed through the back of Raheem Sterling here. Quite a foolish move considering he's already been booked and, yes, that's his second yellow card. Arturo Vidal has been giving his marching orders here.
