Real Madrid vs. Liverpool – Preview of Champions League Final

“Its revenge time” – Weeks before the grand finale of the UEFA Champions League, Mohammed Salah has sent a cautionary message to Real Madrid giving a touch of what happened with him and his team at Kiev in 2018. Liverpool defeated the likes of Inter Milan, Benfica and Villarreal on their road to Paris and will now face the 13 times Champions League winner Real Madrid to lift their 7th UEFA Champions League in history!

Real Madrid lifted their 35th La Liga trophy this season and with the brand of football the Los Blancos are playing, one would predict them to win the competition. However, Liverpool are too good of a side and with vengeance on their mind, they can wreak havoc at Parc De Princess. Thus, expect a cracker of a contest when these two historical clubs go hammer and tongs on May 29th.

Team News –

Real Madrid – Gareth Bale is likely to miss the clash as the Welsh Wizard is yet to recover from his injury. Eden Hazard is currently training at Valdebebas but may miss the match. Real Madrid is closely monitoring his injury.

Liverpool – Fabinho, the Brazilian International is currently injured and will miss the FA cup finals but the Reds are desperately trying to get him fit before the high-voltage affair.

Analysis

Press, Press and Press should be Liverpool’s mantra in the finals as the inexperienced Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy can be the weak link of Real Madrid. Real Madrid has suffered a lot from deadly crosses inside the box. Thus, Virgil Van Dijk can be a dangerous custodian in set-pieces and corners. Also, look out for young Luis Diaz. His pace can be a problem for Real Madrid.

Madrid needs to use their flanks really well. Fede Valverde will be extremely important on the night of the finals. Alexander Arnold, who’s not known for his defensive skills, should be the obvious target. The team also needs to keep Thiago quiet. He is the danger man for Pool.

Probable XI

Liverpool - Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara; Salah, Mane, Luis Díaz

Real Madrid - Courtois; Carvajal, Eder Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Junior

Key Players for Liverpool –

1. Mohammed Salah – Like already mentioned, the Egyptian King will look for blood in Paris. He’s the leading goal-scorer in the Premier League and has already scored 8 in the Champions League. He will lead the Reds with an astute vision for perfection.
2. Virgil Van Dijk – The 30-year-old Dutch International saw his team go down at Kiev in 2019. He is a force to reckon with and getting past him is like poking a beehive. Touch him and get hammered.

Key Players for Real Madrid –

1. Karim Benzema – Who other than Karim? The prolific goal scorer and the current favourite to win the Ballon D’or is Real Madrid’s sun in a winter morning.  Whatever he touches turns to gold and with him donning the prestigious white, Real Madrid is never afraid to push limits and fight harder.
2. Federico Valverde – The young prodigy from the land of horses can create a huge difference against Liverpool. He is a beast and can help the team on both fronts. You can definitely place your bet on the 23-year-old.

Conclusion

History vs. History, Legacy vs. Legacy Pride vs. Pride – How would you define this rivalry? Parc De Princes will light up to host the biggest game of the summer and unlike the 2019 Champions League final, you can’t really pick a winner. Despite all that, Liverpool will start favourites but the whole world has learnt a lesson from the game against Manchester City that you can NEVER EVER write Real Madrid off!

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