Big Match Breakdown: Real Madrid v Liverpool
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Odds and tips ahead of the Champions League final
It doesn’t get much bigger than Real Madrid facing Liverpool in the Champions League Final. And they could produce a classic in this one.
Zinedine Zidane’s side are chasing a third consecutive win in Europe’s biggest club competition. But they’re up against a Liverpool side that can beat anyone on their day.
The Coral News Team have all you need to know before kick-off in Kiev…
Head to Head
These two sides have 17 European Cup and Champions League titles between them, but they’ve only met five times in the competition before.
The first was the final in 1981-82, when Liverpool emerged triumphant with a 1-0 win.
They’ve also faced each other four times in the group stages and recorded two wins each.
Likely XIs
Zidane’s biggest selection dilemma will be over who to start alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. The evidence from this season suggests he’ll opt for Karim Benzema over Gareth Bale.
There shouldn’t be any surprises in Liverpool’s XI either. They may not have as many stars as Madrid, but Klopp has turned them into a fearsome unit.
Key Battles
Liverpool’s right flank could shape how this match goes. Does Jurgen Klopp tell Mohamed Salah to stay high up the pitch and expose the space left by Marcelo? Or does he ask him to offer more support to Trent Alexander-Arnold against Ronaldo? It’s a very tricky balance to strike.
On the other flank, Sadio Mane’s pace will test Dani Carvajal, who’s been injured recently. Roberto Firmino’s tendency to drop deep could also cause confusion for Casemiro and the Madrid centre-backs.
But if the holders can break through Liverpool’s press, Isco could have plenty of space to pull the strings.
Match Odds
Think this one will go all the way? It’s 7/1 for either side to win on penalties.
With so much attacking quality on show, expect plenty of goals. Over 3.5 Goals is 23/20. You can also get 5 or more goals for 14/5.
Ronaldo tends to deliver in these big games. He’s 14/5 to score first and 3/4 to get on the scoresheet at any point.
Mo Salah carries the Reds hopes after his sensational campaign. The Egypt ace is a 10/3 shot to open the scoring and 19/20 to net anytime.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
