La Liga chief Javier Tebas says Atletico de Madrid are the favourites to win the Champions League against Real Madrid when the two sides meet in Milan later this month.
Diego Simeone’s side have beaten Barcelona and Bayern Munich en route to the final while Los Blancos saw off Manchester City in the semi final this week to set up a repeat of the 2014 final.
Atletico lead much of the game in Lisbon two years ago before Sergio Ramos equalised in the 93rd minute. Real ran away with it in extra time, sealing a 4-1 win on the night to secure La Decima.
Speaking to reporters, self-confessed Real fan Tebas said Atletico’s run to the final has been impressive and makes them slight favorites for the final.
“I see the final very evenly balanced. But after the semifinals, and with Atletico’s intensity, I would make them favourites,” he commented.
He also spoke about the strength of La Liga in general, with Sevilla having reached their third consecutive Europa League final. Liverpool defeated Villarreal in the other semi-final, prevented an all Spanish final in both European competitions.
“For the Spanish league it is an extraordinary success what is happening. If you balance up the financial side, and the sporting side, the Spanish league is the best in the world. Sometimes the work by club directors who must manage the finances and sign coaches and players, is not valued enough. We have been at the top level for some years now,” Tebas stated.
