The stage is set for arguably the biggest match in world football as Real Madrid face Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday night.
It will be a repeat of the 2018 final which will forever be etched in Liverpool fans’ memories as they went down 3-1 in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Jurgen Klopp’s outfit have the opportunity to avenge the defeat though when they play at PSG’s Parc des Princes on Saturday.
Liverpool will be looking for a third trophy of the season, having won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup already.
Madrid, on the other hand, won La Liga this season by 13 points and are looking to clinch a 14th European Cup.
Ahead of the anticipated clash, we take a look at key battles expected to unfold;
Alisson Becker v Karim Benzema
Benzema has been the standout performer for the Madrid-based club, scoring 44 goals from his 45 outings in all competitions this season.
He leads the goalscoring charts in the competition with 15 strikes, with nine of those coming in the knockout stages.
He scored stunning hat-tricks against PSG and Chelsea, and a double against Man City in the first leg before another from the spot in the return leg.
Overall, he has once again displayed his goalscoring touch and will be a key asset for Madrid in France.
He will however come up against a formidable opponent in Alisson Becker, who is considered among the best in his position.
The Brazilian has managed 27 clean sheets this season, and it will be interesting to see how they fair in the biggest match yet.
Liverpool attack vs Madrid’s backline
Jurgen Klopp has assembled quite an attacking team over the past few seasons. Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino were the known front three before Diogo Jota was thrown into the mix this season.
As if that was not enough, Luis Diaz was added in the January window, and he has added a new dimension to the Reds’ attack.
The lethal Reds’ attack will come up against an unpredictable Madrid defence that crumbled against PSG, Chelsea, and Manchester City.
The Los Blancos’ defence will need to be at their best to contain the Reds, otherwise, the clash could be decided at that end.
Trent Alexander-Arnold v Vinicius Junior
Arguably the most intriguing match-up of the night will take place on Liverpool’s right-hand side.
Alexander-Arnold has always been a creative source for Liverpool whenever going forward, and he always does this, but he will need to be on high alert as he will come up against a speedy Vinicius Jr.
The Brazilian has the joint-second-most assists in the Champions League this season (six) and can be a menace for any defender on a good day.
This wing could easily determine the outcome of the match, and each set of fans will be praying their player wins the battle.
