Where the Champions League final might be won and lost
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
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What might separate Real Madrid and Liverpool in the final? We asked our team reporters.
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What are their strengths and weaknesses? Who are their main men? Where might the game be won and lost? UEFA.com's team reporters Joe Walker (Real Madrid) and Matt Howarth (Liverpool) cast their expert eye over Real Madrid and Liverpool ahead of Saturday's UEFA Champions League final.
Real Madrid
Why have they reached the final?
Is it too simplistic to say: because they are Real Madrid? This is their competition and they have the know-how and quality to get the job done, even when they don't play well. That has never been more evident than in this season's quarter-finals and semis. In a spell of 20 minutes, Zinédine Zidane's men can take the game away from any opposition with all their attacking talent.
Where might they be exposed?
In the full-back positions. Liverpool's flying front three have the kind of pace and directness that can cause anyone problems, and with Marcelo and Dani Carvajal both attack-minded, there could be plenty of space on the counter for the likes of Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah to exploit.
Who might be their key player?
Stating the obvious here, but it has to be Cristiano Ronaldo. The tournament's top scorer, Madrid's main man, the Portuguese No7 loves this competition almost as much as Real Madrid do. Plus, as a former Manchester United player, he will have added incentive to help see off Liverpool.
What is their key battle?
Marcelo v Mohamed Salah. As previously mentioned, Marcelo will need to curb his attacking instincts at times if he is to keep man of the Mo-ment (forgive the pun) Salah at bay. Put simply, if Marcelo plays his best and nullifies the Egyptian, Madrid win. If he is exposed, then they will be in trouble.
Liverpool
Why have they reached the final?
Jürgen Klopp's side have made it to Kyiv on a tidal wave of attacking football, breaking the record for goals in a single UEFA Champions League campaign (46). Their relentless front three of Salah, Roberto Firmino and Mané have been sensational, but January acquisition Virgil van Dijk has also had a crucial role, bringing much-needed leadership and composure to the defence.
Where might they be exposed?
Despite the back four's obvious improvement, defensive question marks remain following the 4-2 defeat by Roma in the semi-final second leg. By Klopp's own admission, Liverpool brought pressure on themselves by dropping too deep at the Stadio Olimpico. While it would be foolish to adopt a high line against Madrid, the Reds will need to be more compact in the Ukrainian capital on Saturday.
Who might be their key player?
It is hard to look beyond their 'Egyptian King'. Salah has smashed a host of records during his debut campaign at Anfield – most recently setting a Premier League high for goals in a 38-game season (32). He was unusually quiet during the Roma reverse, but more often than not the Reds' No11 rises to the occasion. When he plays well, Liverpool play well.
What is their key battle?
Marcelo played a pivotal part in Madrid's semi-final victory over Bayern, scoring one and creating another in the 4-3 aggregate win. The left-back was caught out of position on several occasions, however, most notably for Joshua Kimmich's opener in Munich. If Salah is afforded as much space down the right flank in Kyiv, he could have a field day.
