ClapThe UEFA Champions League is the premier competition across European football and as such, holds a special place in the hearts of millions of fans across the globe. Regardless of whether or not your club is lingering down in the lower leagues or thriving in the UCL itself, this is where the elite reside within the context of the beautiful game.
Every single year we see a whole lot of magic transpire in the Champions League and this season has been no different. From wonder goals to dramatic comebacks to intricate pieces of play, it’s been everything fans could’ve hoped for and so much more.
Now, there’s just one more game left to be played – the final in Paris on Saturday night.
For the second time in the last four years, Liverpool and Real Madrid will battle it out for the right to be called European champions. Today, we’re going to take a look at the tie and what we think is most likely to happen.
Liverpool
While the Reds may not be able to achieve their quadruple dreams, they’re still on for a remarkable treble and that’s a real testament to the squad that has been assembled by Jurgen Klopp in the last few years. They’re compact, strong in possession and have the ‘mentality monsters’ title that showcases just how good they are in high pressure situations.
They won the League Cup, won the FA Cup and came agonisingly close to capturing the Premier League title on the last day. They’ve had a fairly seamless run through to the final of this competition, too, which they’ll be hoping to win for the 7th time.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid, in the eyes of many, shouldn’t even be in this position – but they are. Through hard work, grit and determination, they’ve been able to arrive at the doorstep of greatness once again. Carlo Ancelotti has a lot to do with that but the spirit of the squad is what really seems to keep them ticking along, despite their shortcomings.
They reached the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey this season, won La Liga and beat both Chelsea and Manchester City en-route to Paris. They’re the underdogs, but they’ll relish every second of that title.
Prediction
Four years ago Liverpool fans couldn’t quite believe their eyes when they were beaten by Real Madrid in Kyiv. Now, though, they’ve got a squad that’s far more adept on the big stage, and the roles have been reversed with the Spanish giants.
We think a methodical, smart Liverpool will bully Real into submission with the kind of efficient play that makes them so feared across the continent. We expect to see them take the lead within the first 20 minutes before adding to their advantage early in the second half.
Madrid will do what they do best and pull one back but it simply isn’t going to be enough to deter the boys from Merseyside, who will win 2-1 and win the UCL for the second time under the leadership of Jurgen Klopp.
