Liverpool take on Real Madrid in Paris in the Champions League final on Saturday night. The game will be played at the Stade de France and is a chance for both teams to add one final trophy to their cabinets this season. It is a massive game and the first final back with all fans in the stadium.
Liverpool go into this game having finished second in the Premier League a point behind Manchester City. Liverpool have won two trophies this season, a Carabao Cup on penalties and an FA Cup on penalties. There is pressure on Liverpool to deliver because the media has hyped the team up to be one of the greatest ever. If they then end the season with a domestic double and nothing else then it would be a poor season.
Real Madrid go into this game having won La Liga two weeks ago. Since then they have relaxed and trained and have been focused on this final. For Real Madrid this will be their 14th Champions League title and it is a swan song of sorts for several of their players. They have beaten PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City on road to the final and they go do the treble over the Premier League. It just seems like its meant to be for Benzema and this Real Madrid team.
Liverpool Team Preview
Divock Origi is out and Thiago is a doubt but will probably play. Alisson will be in goal with a back four of Trent, Konate, van Dijk, and Robertson. Fabinho, Henderson, and Thiago should start in midfield while Diaz, Mane, and Salah should start up front. Liverpool have depth in attack but the rest of he pitch this is their strongest XI. Diaz has been their best player in recent weeks while Trent is the weak link. We all know what Liverpool will bring to the game.
Real Madrid Team Preview
Real Madrid have their whole squad available. Courtois will start in goal with a back four of Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, and Mendy. Casemiro, and Kroos, and Modric should start in the midfield with a front three of Vinicius, Benzema, and Valverde. It is a strong lineup but it is the depth they have on the bench that could prove the difference. Camavinga has been crucial in recent games while Eden Hazard is back feeling good and he is always a danger for Liverpool. Gareth Bale is also back and it is final game for the team. It is a strong team with quality which is being underestimated.
Starting XI Prediction
It is a replay of the 2018 final which Real Madrid won. This time Liverpool are the favourites and some think they are going to win it 3-0. The way Real Madrid have managed to win their games against all odds this season.. there is something special. I can’t shake off the feeling that Eden Hazard is going to be massive for Madrid and in Paris Real Madrid are going to win their 14th. A massive game but Real Madrid are being slept on.