Ronaldo hoping on European dream

Real Madrid against Atletico Madrid is a footballing derby of intense proportions, and this year that intensity will be raised to the highest possible level as they meet in the Champions League final. In a game where anything is possible, the statistics from the Madrid derby do lie in favor of the team in white. The first league matchup between the two sides back in 1928 was won by Madrid, and ever since then, both financially and in a sporting sense, things haven't changed much.

Atleti, however, don't care much for stats. Under the transformational leadership of Argentinean coach Diego Simeone, the club have risen in dramatic and remarkable fashion. Having won the Spanish cup last season, Simeone's men were crowned Spanish champions this season and will be looking to topple their city rivals in the biggest prize of all.

Financially speaking though, Atleti are still lagging behind Real Madrid. Having shown a disregard for financial regulations in recent years, the club's debt peaked at $714 million in 2011.

Money is not the only thing that separates these two sides though. On Saturday evening at 20:45 UTC, Atletico will be vying for their first European title. Real Madrid will be looking to make history by winning their tenth.

Real's hunt for "La Decima"

This tenth title, "La Decima," is the club's greatest wish. Realizing that dream hangs largely on superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. "The Decima is the trophy that every Real fan wants. I came to this club to win titles like this," said the Portuguese attacker, who couldn't have wished for a better location for this historic match. The final is due to take place in the capital of his home country, Lisbon.

In Sporting Lisbon's youth academy, in the historical center of town, Ronaldo began his professional footballing journey. And in Benfica's Estadio de Luz, the 2014 FIFA World Player of the Year wants to write his latest entry in football's history book. After a brace against Bayern in the semifinal - his Champions League goal tally now stands at a remarkable 16 - not even a sore thigh will keep him out of Madrid's most important derby. "I will be one hundred percent fit," promised the 29-year-old.

Can the underdogs steal Ronaldo's crown?

If ever there was a side capable of stopping Real Madrid though, it was Atleti. Coming out on top in a thrilling Spanish title race, Atletico took four points off their Champions-League final opponents, including a win on the other side of Madrid. In Europe, Simeone's side surprised many by beating Barcelona in the quarterfinal. By the time they had seen off Chelsea in the semi, many started to wonder whether there really would be a magical ending.

The final could be in-form striker Diego Costa's last game for Atleti. Costa is rumored to be nearing a summer deal to sign for Jose Mourinho's Chelsea. However, Atletico are sweating on the fitness of both Costa, who has 36 goals in all competitions this season, and Turkish midfielder Arda Turan after the pair picked up injuries in the 1-1 draw against Barcelona.

Aside from Ronaldo's thigh injury, one he is expected to recover from, Real Madrid also have their own concerns over dedender Pepe and striker Karim Benzema. Germany international Sami Khedira continues his fantastic recovery though, and may even start in the final.

Can Atletico knock off their local rivals and make history? Are Ronaldo and co. simply a step too far for Simeone's side?Who will win Saturday night in Lisbon? Give us your thoughts in the comment section below...

ck,jh/dr (sid/dpa)