Champions League
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UEFA Champions League Final: Preview & Predictions

Muhammad Osama·
LiverpoolReal Madrid
·2 Comments·

The UEFA Champions League final brings an end to another absorbing football season…

Real Madrid and Liverpool will be going head-to-head on Saturday for the holy grail of European football at the NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Kiev. Liverpool have marked themselves as the surprise package, while Real Madrid are the habitual finalists – setting up an exciting Champions League encounter between the two giants.

By all means, this is also a clash between contrasting styles and methods. Liverpool’s high-tempo attacking style will come up against Real Madrid’s more measured approach. The game will inevitably carry a lot of sub-plots within itself, and we will look to address the key battles between the two sides as both managers look to stamp their authority on the game.

Key Battles:

Salah vs. Ramos

One of the most crucial individual match-ups in the game has to be Salah vs. Ramos. Despite Salah starting out on the wing, it will largely be up to the Real Madrid skipper to close down the Egyptian wing-wizard in tight spaces.

Salah has had an incredible season, exceeding all expectations. Currently playing at the top of his game, his influence can be commanding enough to help Liverpool take a sizeable step towards the UCL trophy.

In the other corner is Sergio Ramos, who has an uncanny ability to rise to the biggest occasions. He relishes such encounters, and him getting the better of Mo Salah will prove to be a mini-victory in Real Madrid’s quest to secure their third consecutive Champions League title.

Ronaldo vs. Lovren

Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Dejan Lovren is undeniably a one-sided duel on paper, and CR7 will be looking to exploit the Croat’s defensive frailties to the fullest.

Lovren faced multiple hurdles on his journey to the Champions League final, but has improved immensely as of late and has contributed to Liverpool’s success in the competition. If he manages to keep Real’s talisman quiet, it will take Liverpool a long way to winning the final.

Ronaldo, on the other hand, is the man for all seasons. If he can churn out another special performance, there is no defender who can keep him and Real Madrid from the illustrious Decimotercera.

Firmino vs. Casemiro

The most overlooked – but arguably the most important – battle will be between the two Brazilians, Firmino and Casemiro.

Firmino has been massively under-appreciated this season despite being a key part of Liverpool’s success. Playing as a centre-forward, he drops into midfield and opens up space for Salah and Mane. With his wide range of passing, Firmino is also their chief creator in the final third, and The Reds will look to him for inspiration once again.

Los Blancos will want their midfield enforcer to keep a close eye on his Brazilian counterpart as he can plug the gaps the forward is likely to occupy. If Casemiro is able to contain Firmino, it will the cut the supply lines to Salah and Mane.

The Managers:

Both managers offer contrasting approaches to man-management. Jurgen Klopp is a more charismatic and outspoken figure, whereas Zinedine Zidane projects a calmer influence on the touch-line. Moreover, each manager’s personality mirrors their footballing ideology.

Klopp will want his Liverpool side to start quick and get on the front-foot from the very first minute. This will involve getting the team’s wide-men into the game early and exploiting the space left behind by Real’s full-backs.

On the opposite end, Zidane will look to take control of the midfield through his two maestros, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. By taking the reigns, Real will look to outnumber their opposition on the wings – with the likes of Marcelo and Carvajal overlapping whenever the opportunity arises. Zizou will also be looking to utilise the talent available to him on the bench, and the right substitution or tactical change could prove significant.

Potential Line-ups:

Real Madrid XI: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Casemiro, Modric, Kroos; Isco, Bale, Ronaldo.

Liverpool XI: Karius; Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Milner, Wijnaldum; Mane, Salah, Firmino.

Prediction:

This is an extremely difficult game to predict despite what Liverpool’s detractors may say. Both sides possess plenty of individual quality, and one magical moment could essentially decide the game. However, Champions League experience is invaluable and Real Madrid have all the tools necessary to weather the early Liverpool storm. By slowly growing into the game, Ronaldo and co. will have the chance to tire out their opposition and launch a late barrage of attacks. A narrow win for Los Blancos seems to be the most likely result.

Real Madrid 2-1 Liverpool