"I believe that Atletico will take home the trophy. I think this is the moment of Atletico. They deserve it because of the work they are doing. Of course it is not the philosophy of play that I like the most, because they speculate and wait in defence, but I think it is the moment of Atletico Madrid,"
Xavi, ex-Barcelona midfielder
Agencies
Barcelona
Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi believes 'it is the moment' for Atletico Madrid to land their first UEFA Champions League title.
"I believe that Atletico will take home the trophy. I think this is the moment of Atletico," Xavi said ahead of the all Madrid final.
"They deserve it because of the work they are doing. Of course it is not the philosophy of play that I like the most, because they speculate and wait in defence, but I think it is the moment of Atletico Madrid.
"Football always gives you a second chance, and it is the same final as two years ago in Lisbon. Now we have the final in Milan and I think it is the time of Atletico Madrid."
Xavi admits, however, that Madrid's experience makes them favourites, adding: "The favourite in terms of history could be Real Madrid, as they have more experience in finals and these situations. So they have the edge in that regard. But I believe and think that it is the moment of Atletico Madrid.
"In Atletico Madrid's team you have Koke, Saul (Niguez), (Antoine) Griezmann, Fernando Torres, these are football players with natural talent who can change a match in a moment.
"At Real Madrid you have (Toni) Kroos, (Luka) Modric, Isco, James (Rodriguez), (Gareth) Bale, Cristiano (Ronaldo), (Karim) Benzema, they are spectacular football players and we will see a fantastic final. I will watch it at home in Barcelona, and am looking forward to seeing that final.”
Meanwhile, former Atletico midfielder Juninho believes the work ethic of Diego Simeone's men may hand them the edge.
Juninho was contracted to Atletico between 1997 and 2002, although he spent much of it either injured or on loan elsewhere. He nevertheless retains affection for the Vicente Calderon club and feels they have the ability to land their first Champions League crown this weekend.
He told Omnisport: "If we see the individuals, Real Madrid have a better team than Atletico and have a player (Ronaldo) who can make a difference on the game at any time.
"But, with Atletico Madrid, we can see a group, maybe even stronger than Real Madrid, especially with the team spirit that they have, knocking out two teams, which in my opinion, are the two bests teams in the world, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
"So for me Atletico has great momentum to go to the final and beat Real Madrid."
Atletico's game is based largely around a strong defensive structure, but Juninho thinks they will have to show more at the other end of the field if they want to beat Madrid, having lost 4-1 to them in the 2014 showdown that went to extra-time.
