The UEFA Champions League final is already here with Liverpool and Real Madrid meeting at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis on Saturday to decide the winner of this edition. It is not the first time the pair have met in the Paris region with their 1981 clash at the Parc des Princes with a 1-0 victory for the Reds, while their last UCL final ended 3-1. against whites in Kyiv.
Saturday’s clash sees two of Europe’s heavyweights clash, though it’s still an unexpected clash, given how Manchester City were an overwhelming favorite to reach a second consecutive Champions League final.
Let’s take a look at this team by team and break down some of the key battles and things to keep in mind in the French capital on Saturday.
How to look and the odds
Date: Saturday, May 28 | Time: 3pm ET TV: CBS | Live broadcast: Paramount + (Try it for free) Location: Stade de France – Saint-Denis, FranceStudy: Kate Abdo, Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah RichardsComments: Clive Tyldesley and Rob Green | Rules expert: Christina Unkel In situ: Peter Schmeichel, Jules Breach, Jenny Chiu and Guillem Balagué. Odds: Liverpool +104; Draw +270; Madrid +245 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Featured game | Liverpool against Real Madrid
Match to see
Liverpool: I’ve expanded on that in my prediction column, but it certainly looks like a match where the winner of the battle between Trent Alexander-Arnold and Vinicius Junior could lead his team to victory. The latter is statistically the best opportunity creator in Europe and his lightning pace roasted Liverpool last season. But Alexander-Arnold has improved defensively more than he deserves. If he can put himself in a position to launch centers in the area, Madrid will be seriously tested. – James Benge
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Most likely to score
Liverpool: may be struggling to find the net in recent times and his balance in the finals with Liverpool is not as spectacular as in most other games (only the penalty in the victory against Tottenham three years ago), but he would be a bold man. who doubted Mohamed Salah’s ability to deliver. The Egyptian has finally been awarded the rest he has received so infrequently in the last few games of his team. Even in half an hour against the Wolves, he seemed an invigorated force. Added to this is the clear desire to take revenge on Madrid for what happened in Kyiv four years ago and this may be a match where we see the best of Salah. – James Benge
Real Madrid: It’s definitely Karim Benzema. Before facing the quarter-finals last season, Benzema scored four goals in three clashes with Liverpool. We’re moving fast to this day and he’s probably the best player in the world right now with the ability to score every possible way. He is the reference in attack and the main penalty shooter. With just half a second to hit, it’s probably the most likely and you’ll end up finding the net in this one. – Roger González
Most likely to keep a clean sheet
Thibaut Courtois and Alisson are two of the best in the business. What will probably separate these two is the confidence that is their defense overnight. It has been known that Liverpool’s defense has its ups and downs, but in the Champions League so far it has been Madrid who have given more goals, expected goals and almost twice as many shots on goal. Not once in the round of 16 did Courtois keep the goal blank; against the most formidable attack in Europe, expect it to continue. – James Benge
Election of the party man
Liverpool: If Karim Benzema suffocates for the first time in this competition, Virgil van Dijk could be defended. But if recent form is something to keep up with, then as long as it’s in shape, Thiago could be the brightest star on a Paris night. The Spaniard has been one of the most outstanding players in Europe this season and has made a series of copies of Man of the Match when he has mattered most in the Champions League. With Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, this could be the match for Thiago. – James Benge
Real Madrid: Luka Modric. He has to be the creator in the middle, to quickly get the ball out to launch the attack, and he will also look to focus on Benzema’s feet and head. He may be 36 years old, but he still is. Everything flows for him, and if the Royal wins, it will be a great reason. – Roger González
Predictions
Prediction of matches: it is difficult to get the feeling that Madrid spent their nine lives getting here and that Liverpool, who seem to be more comfortable on the biggest occasions, will not sink under pressure as they did on PSG and Manchester City. I am supporting them to win comfortably, 3-1 to be precise.
Champions League final selections