As the sun sets over the Stade de France tomorrow, two teams- Liverpool and Real Madrid would get ready to battle it out to get the final taste of the cherry.
It is going to be the greatest sporting spectacle of the year. Both, Real Madrid and Liverpool would want to take their revenge on the other.
Real Madrid beat Liverpool at Kyiv the last time they met in the UCL final in 2018. Interestingly, Liverpool were the one who beat Real at this very same stadium in 1981.
The Reds will set their sights on winning the European title for the seventh time. On the other hand, record-holders Real will eye for their 14th title.
Liverpool missed the Premier League by whiskers the previous weekend. However, they have won the other two major domestic League cups-the EFL and the FA cup.
Therefore, their quadruple dreams have been crushed. Still, Liverpool would not want to leave this chance to lift the UCL and make it three, if not four.
They were pinning their hopes on Aston Villa in the Premier League the previous weekend to help them in lifting the title.
Though Villa nearly pulled off an upset, City were resilient and got the winner in the final minutes of the game to confirm their trophy.
On the other hand, though, Klopp’s men fell behind initially they made a strong comeback. Goals from Salah, Mane, and Robertson confirmed their win.
Most people believe that the Reds had a fairly easy run to the final of the UCL. Though Villareal posed a threat in the Semi-final but Liverpool was adept at dealing with the threat.
Moreover, except for that one loss at Anfield against Inter Milan in the Round of 16. After that Klopp has seen an unbeaten run of 18 games including all tournaments.
They also have a winning record of 10 out of the last 11 they have played. Therefore, they would be all guns at Paris when they face Real Madrid tomorrow.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, had one of a fairytale run in the Champions League this season.
Though no one doubted their capability of reaching the final, still, they had to traverse a hard route to reach that spot.
Their games were full of surprises and much of Karim Benzema. He has been delivering for the team throughout the season and this competition was no exception.
Real pulled off from positions when no one expected it. Like in the semi-finals against Manchester City, two goals in the injury time from Rodrygo and Benzema sealed the deal for the Spanish powerhouses.
After winning the La Liga with some games remaining Ancelotti seems to have taken the foot off the pedal.
He tested his bench in these matches, rotated the squad, and rested his players. Therefore, their last match in the La Liga ended in a dull draw.
However, a fact that will keep pestering Ancelloti going into the final is that they have failed to keep a clean sheet in the knockout stages of the UCL.
Liverpool Champions League form: L W D W W
Liverpool form (all competitions): D W W W W
Real Madrid Champions League form: W W L L W
Real Madrid form (all competitions): W L W D D
REAL MADRID VS LIVERPOOL: TEAM NEWS
Los Blancos’ team news
Carlo Ancelotti seems to not have much injury problems.
David Alaba has returned to training this week and will be playing the UCL final.
Therefore, Nacho Fernandez would probably be benched.
Eduardo Camavinga would also be benched if any of the midfield trio do not pick up an injury before tomorrow.
The Reds team news
Thiago Alcantra is hopeful to make the playing eleven for Saturday’s final. He was subbed off with an injury in Liverpool’s last match against Wolves.
Fabinho has luckily recovered from his hamstring injury. Therefore, he would be available for the final.
Joe Gomez is also fit and will be in the bench.
Divock Origi has played his last match for Liverpool after he picked up an injury. Therefore, he would not be part of the team.
Liverpool’s possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Van Dijk; Konate; Alexander-Arnold; Robertson; Henderson; Fabinho; Thiago; Salah; Mane; Diaz
Real Madrid’s possible starting lineup:
Curtois; Eder; Alaba; Mendy; Carvajal; Kroos; Casemiro; Modric; Valverde; Benzema; Vinicius Jr.
OUR PREDICTION
Real Madrid 3-2 Liverpool
This game has the capability to go to the penalties, still with Real’s form in the Champions League this season, I would have to go with this scoreline. Liverpool would pose a threat, but if the Real’s defense stands up to the test, Benzema would take care of the rest.
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