Madrid rivals on final journey into the unknown

For one Madrid side tonight in Lisbon, familiarity will breed contentment. For the other, the emotions will go a lot deeper than contempt.

It is the defining factor for this unique Champions League final, the first between two clubs from the same city. No two finalists have ever known each other better than Atletico Madrid and Real, yet it is precisely that knowledge — or, rather, the temporary lack of it — which gives this game an extra edge beyond even the local rivalry.

On this occasion, because of everything from mood to injury doubts over the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Costa, they really won’t know what is precisely in store.

It is something that may tilt this game.

There are a number of unusual variables, ahead of the kind of epic occasion where you need to control everything you can. It was something that both managers touched on ahead of the game.

Carlo Ancelotti has more experience of Champions League finals than virtually anyone, as he prepares for his seventh as a player and manager, and was asked how he prepares.

“You worry most about what you cannot predict. Anything can happen in a final, things you cannot do anything about.”

The Real Madrid squad certainly felt like that after the last time they faced Atletico in such a showpiece game, the 2013 Copa del Rey final, as they missed an improbable number of chances in a 2-1 defeat.

Diego Simeone was similarly keen to stress that this would be a Madrid derby unlike that match, or any other.

“The Madrid we played in the Copa final are not the same as this year,” the Argentinian said.

Perhaps the key factor, and not just on the pitch, is that this is also a very different Atletico. That is not just compared to last season. It is also compared to seven days ago.

There could be no escaping the difference in mood around Simeone’s squad after that final title win at Barcelona. They truly looked like a team released by victory: calm, content but also utterly composed in the pre-match activities.

It is also impossible not to ponder what they would have looked like had they not claimed that 1-1 draw at Camp Nou.

Because, in the weeks before that Spanish title decider, there was a sense they were feeling the pressure. Results emphasised that. With the trophy effectively in their hands, they had lost to Levante and then only drawn at home to Malaga.

It would been have been hugely damaging to expend all that energy but not enjoy an emotional release. It may have led to an implosion, as has been the case with similar sides.

Instead, they exploded with joy. Moreover, it confirmed the correctness of their approach. It has meant they are in an unmistakably focused mindset.

“We are very confident because we have a strong identity,” Tiago said. “This team has shown, throughout the whole season that we know what to do in every game. I don’t think that will change tomorrow. We’ll be the same Atletico, very strong.”

Instead, the context has changed for Real. It is now Ancelotti’s side in danger of losing everything, rather than Atletico. And there can be no disputing that La Decima, a 10th European Cup, means absolutely everything to Real. It hung over every aspect of yesterday’s build-up.

“There is a very close line between an obsession and a dream,” Ancelotti said.

“If you win, the memory is infinite,” Iker Casillas added.

That is some pressure, but it is in this area where Ancelotti tends to be most adept as a manager. As virtually every star he has played under has attested, the Italian knows how to set the mood. He did so again on the eve of the match. When asked about all of that, and the tension, he responded with a joke. “Do I look tense?”

That mood has never been more necessary.

Top stars on form have never been more necessary, either. Ronaldo was one of three Madrid players, along with Pepe and Karim Benzema, in doubt.

“We need Cristiano at his best,” Ancelotti said. “He has played a fantastic Champions League, scoring 16 goals. He has helped the team to get to this final.”

And ahead of the final?

“Cristiano and [Gareth] Bale have no problems. Pepe and Benzema have not trained this week. Today they’ll begin session with others, then we will take decision for tomorrow.”

Simeone has similar decisions.

“We will look at Diego and Arda [Turan] in training today, and see how they feel. We will talk with them tonight and see what the team needs.”

The feeling remains that Real need to win this final. Atletico are that bit calmer, but may never be in such a position again. Their rivals may be going for No 10, but they are hoping for a first European Cup and a historic double.

Tonight, we’ll finally know. So will the two clubs.