Liverpool seek to deny Real Madrid their third Champions League victory in a row, as they know a victory would cement themselves amongst Europe’s elite once again
Real Madrid are seeking to win their third European Cup in a row – 4th in 5 years – in Kiev on Saturday. This achievement would be unprecedented in the modern era with the last team to secure a hattrick in back to back to back years the formidable Bayern Munich team- led by Franz Beckenbauer - in 1976. On the other hand, Liverpool are seeking their 6th European Cup overall and first since 2005 – a decade that had seen them fall out of Europe’s elite competition for long periods.
Before this year, Liverpool had reached the Champions League – falling in the group stage – just once in seven years and Saturday will mark a contrast of experience, as Real Madrid have failed to not at least reach the semi-final stage in eight years. Despite Jurgen Klopp having taken Borussia Dortmund to the final in 2013, not a single Liverpool player has played in a Champions League final, meanwhile Madrid have won their last six, three since Liverpool’s last triumph.
The two finalists have reached this stage of the competition in very different styles. Liverpool have played extremely free flowing football and have set the record for the number of goals scored in a Champions League campaign – 46 so far. Meanwhile, Madrid have often been unconvincing in their performances, but have seemingly used their vast experience to scrape over the line – frequently relying on Cristiano Ronaldo, with 15 goals this season in the competition - to bail them out of trouble.
Both teams travel to Kiev with mixed form, having both only won one game in their last four. However, both teams have surely had one eye on the final these previous few weeks, having both been in relatively secure league positions.
Whilst Madrid rely on Ronaldo for goals, Liverpool will be hoping their frontline of Salah, Firmino and Mane are back in form in the Ukraine. Champions League finals are often tense affairs, but with Liverpool’s flair for the dramatic, expect goals galore on Saturday. Will Ronaldo be able to match Liverpool’s ‘Big Three’?
Goals, Goals, Goals
Liverpool and Real Madrid have both been amongst the goals in the competition so far, averaging 3.3 and 2.5 goals per game respectively. Liverpool have made a habit of scoring early and often and if they are to emerge victorious on Saturday expect them to come out of the gates flying. If this occurs Madrid will hope to pull off their own Istanbul-type comeback. Betting on both teams to score in both halves at 11/2 is well worth a flutter.
With the teams averaging a combined 5.8 goals per game, Kiev could be in for one of the most exhilarating finals in years. All year Liverpool have been a party to high scoring games with their fast-paced attack and suspect defence. Madrid’s attacking options will be keen to take some of the spotlight away from Liverpool’s ‘Big 3’ and therefore betting on over 6.5 goals at 17/2 presents great value and a fun routing interest.
Experience Matters
Throughout the competition Madrid have shown an ability to often look slightly off the pace whilst maintaining a clinical edge. This format has seen them overcome an incredibly tough road to the final of PSG, Juventus and Bayern Munich.
Whilst at times looking overmatched in these ties Madrid always found a way to score, often at critical stages in the match. Putting this down to their incredible experience gained over the past half-decade, Liverpool could be in trouble on Saturday. Putting some money down on Real Madrid to win and both teams to score at 23/10 should ensure a safe return.
Inevitably Cristiano Ronaldo will be centre stage on Saturday night. If Real Madrid are to win, he will almost certainly be amongst the goals as he has scored half of all their goals in the competition this season. Ronaldo to score two or more goals at 14/5 is well worth a punt.
Penalties?
The Champions League final has gone to a penalty shootout six of the past 17 years, with Madrid and Liverpool both being involved in one shootout each. Betting on either team to win on penalties at 14/1 represents great value. Liverpool have won both their European Cup final penalty shootouts, whilst Madrid have won their only foray past extra time. If penalties do occur on Saturday both sides will undoubtedly feel the pressure, but will Madrid’s experience emerge on top once again?
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