Liverpool will be hoping to add more silverware to cap off a brilliant season when they face Real Madrid in the Champions League final on Saturday night.
Jurgen Klopp’s side won both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup and will aim to clinch European glory after their hopes for a quadruple came short in dramatic fashion with Manchester City winning the Premier League title.
The Reds will expect a different outcome in a repeat of the 2018 final when they face the Spanish giants. Gareth Bale recorded a brace in a 3-1 win for Madrid. However, the Welshman is expected to bring an end to his spell with the Los Blancos this summer.
For the La Liga Champions, it has been a sensational ride to the final, almost coming close to who staged a comeback against Man City courtesy of two stoppage-time goals from Rodrygo to send the game to extra-time, with skipper Karim Benzema coming in handy with the winning goal.
Head to head:
Real Madrid remain unbeaten in the last five meetings between the sides, including the 2018 Champions League final and last season’s quarter-final tie.
Liverpool wins: 3
Draws: 1
Real Madrid wins: 4
Team news
Thiago Alcantara is likely to miss out after limping off in their final EPL game against the Wolves. The Reds will be desperate for Fabinho’s return after his absence due to a hamstring injury. Klopp confirmed Fabinho will return to training and is expected to be available on Saturday with both Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. Bad news for Divock Origi, who is ruled out with a muscle injury. The Belgian will end his Liverpool career without a last show dance in the Champions League final.
Carlo Ancelotti confirmed David Alaba will be in contention for the clash after a month on the sidelines. Gareth Bale, who is expected to leave in the summer, will be expected to be part of the team as indicated by Ancelotti.
Possible line-ups
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Keïta; Salah, Mané, Luis Díaz
Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Éder Militão, Alaba, Mendy; Kroos, Casemiro, Modrić; Valverde, Benzema, Vinícius Júnior
Date, kick-off time and venue
Liverpool vs Real Madrid UCL final will be hosted at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday, May 28, 2022. The kick-off time is scheduled for 8 pm GMT.
Predictions
Liverpool go into the game as favourites on paper after an intriguing season with their high-line and can wreak havoc on Madrid’s defence with an in-form Sadio Mane and Salah on the attack.
The chemistry between Benzema and Vinicius Jr. is expected to continue. Madrid will fancy their chances of getting success against Liverpool’s high-line to win the double this season.
Liverpool 1: 2 Real Madrid
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