Offense is what excites viewers. Offense is what fans will get in the Champions League final with both Juventus and Barcelona featuring a bevy of offensive stars at the peak of their powers.
Which side boasts the better forward group? The answer is not a shocker, but the losing side in this competition is not far off and certainly competent enough to push its team through.
Barcelona and Juventus both enjoy possession. The former side was the top possession team in all of Spain controlling the ball 69.7 percent of the time. In Europe, Barcelona was second only to Bayern Munich in possession, holding the ball 60.7 percent of the time.
Not to be outdone, Juventus was the fifth highest possessing team in the Champions League with 56.4 percent of ball retention; the team was also the fourth highest possessing squad in Italy, holding the ball 57.3 percent of the time.
As might be imagined, neither team will want to be without the ball during the Champions League final, putting a greater onus on midfielders to hold possession. But which side holds the stronger midfield core?
Juventus and Barcelona are just weeks away from the big game.
They say that offense wins games but defense wins Championships. That maxim will be put to the test as both sides possess capable to outstanding offenses and marvelous defenses.
Which side is better at keeping the ball out of the net? The Italian Champions or Spain's top club?
For many Barcelona is the runaway favorite to win the Champions League. And it makes sense why some would feel this way. Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez, the history, the style, the recent run of play.
There can be no doubt that Barcelona is a top notch side.
But Juventus is not hobbling into this final or simply lucky to be competing for the top prize in club soccer.
The team got here for a number of reasons and those same reasons also justify this team being a potential favorite to win the Champions League. Here are reasons why Juventus should not be overlooked.
