sport
pic: fromthevalleys
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
At long last, the biggest match in European club football meets the Principality Stadium. On Sat 3 June, Spanish giants Real Madrid face Serie A champions Juventus in the Champions League Final – an exhibition of world-class attack and defence. Indeed, the Old Lady’s defensive record has been impeccable both in Europe and domestically, having gone six games without conceding a Champions League goal and boasting the tightest defence in Italy with only 26 goals conceded in the league. This, of course, is down to their stoic backline. The experience of Bonucci, Chiellini, Alves and Barzagli is unrivalled, but it is the legend in net that is integral to the Italian brick wall. Buffon enters the game looking to win his first Champions League medal after enduring disappointment in two finals, most recently in 2015. The World Cup winner will not only be relying on his defence, with the potent attack of Higuain and Dybala enough to seriously concern the Galacticos, especially after strolling past arch rivals Barcelona in the quarter-finals. Regardless of the opposition, however, Real Madrid have the potential to arrive and be unplayable. With the likes of Ronaldo, Benzema and Isco – who is in scintillating
form this season – they have torn defences apart in La Liga, and have proven their attacking prowess in the Champions League, boasting the highest goal count (32) and shot count (19.6) at the tournament. It would be a romantic return to Wales for Gareth Bale, should he be fit to play the final – a notion coach Zidane has flirted with. Even without the Welsh magician though, a number of players have stepped up at the Bernabeu this season, proving their worth for the white shirt and causing selection dilemmas for coaches. Winning the tournament twice in the past three years, Los Blancos will feel they have the experience, grit and skill to deliver a blow to the Italian heavyweights. However, having last seen European glory at Old Trafford, Juventus may, with their impressive defence and dynamic attack, feel the Principality Stadium could be an omen of success. CONOR KNIGHT Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Sat 3 June. Tickets: sold out. Available to watch for free on BT Sport. Info: www.uefa.com
June is a busy one for the SSE SWALEC stadium this year. With the ICC Champions Trophy being played all over England and Wales, Glamorgan’s ground will host an array of international fixtures over the course of a month. For those of you who don’t know the format will be 50 overs – that’s a whole day’s worth of cricket. Weather permitting, it’s going to be good fun. First up, England will take on New Zealand on Tue 6 June. Both are building reputations for being two of the most exciting sides in the one day format, with the visitors boasting one of the best batsmen in the world, Kane Williamson. Watch out for him. On Fri 9 June, the Kiwis take on Bangladesh before Pakistan vs Sri Lanka on Mon 12 June, a match up that’s sure to bring in heaps of passionate cricket fans. That one is a mouthwatering tie. Then, on Wed 14 June, the SWALEC is scheduled to host the first semi-final draw. That fixture is yet to be decided, but will probably be the highest profile of the ties over the month. That could be England vs India or Australia vs South Africa… there are a few permutations for that one. One thing is guaranteed and that is high quality cricket. If by then you’ve got a taste for the Champions Trophy, then why not consider South Africa rounding off their one-day tour of England and Wales and the two play each other in an International Twenty20 on Sun 25 June? There’s a lot of history and want for a vengeance there. The visitors will bring the likes of Quinton de Kock and AB De Villiers; two of the most technical batsmen in modern day international cricket. STUART FAGG BUZZ 58
pic: Annie and Andrew
CRICKET FIXTURES
Tue 6 June 10.30am: England vs New Zealand (ICC Champions Trophy) Fri 9 June 10.30am: New Zealand vs Bangladesh (ICC Champions Trophy) Mon 12 June 10.30am: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka (ICC Champions Trophy) Wed 14 June 10.30am: TBC (ICC Champions Trophy, 1st Semi Final) Sun 25 June 4.30pm: England vs South Africa (3rd Natwest T20 International)
SSE SWALEC, Cardiff. Tickets: £10-£45. Info: 029 2040 9380 / www.glamorgancricket.com