It is the eve of the Champions League final. For many, that is as significant (if not more so) than Christmas Eve, as another exhilarating European campaign culminates under Ukrainian lights in little over 24 hours’ time.
This year, the Champions League has rolled back the years. Two of Europe’s heritage clubs are set to compete for the ultimate prize.
The World Cup beckons just around the corner, but for now the focus remains firmly on club football and what promises to be a night infused with raw European passion.
Real Madrid’s spirited hunt for a third successive Champions League crown has seen historic moments unfold. Gianluigi Buffon’s vehement bow out of Europe with Juventus, a truly bizarre moment from Bayern Munich goalkeeper Sven Ulreich and Cristiano Ronaldo at his peak spring to mind.
Fortune has somewhat fueled their campaign, however if they clinch another honor at the pinnacle of Europe, who can argue against them.
Jurgen Klopp’s fierce, vibrant Liverpool stand in their way. Top scorers in the competition this term, the Reds’ fearlessness on the most important stage has seen them reincarnate themselves as a force in the Champions League once more.
Mohamed Salah’s relentless Premier League excellence hasn’t ceased in Europe, and alongside Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino one of the continent’s most feared attacking tridents can unleash wizardry one last time. It has all come together at the right time for Liverpool.
Mohamed Salah looking to cap off a great season
One of Europe’s fastest emerging talents locks horns with a seasoned great. Salah, a revelation under Jurgen Klopp, can polish his sparkling season further here.
Already worshiped by Anfield who have taken him in as one of their own, the ‘Egyptian King’ as he has aptly been dubbed, would etch his name into Liverpool folklore with a Champions League-winning display.
The worry for Real Madrid is that he has already produced plenty of those – astounding performances against Tottenham in the Premier League and Manchester City in this competition the epitome of his rise.
But Salah, fresh onto the world scene, will cross swords with Brazil international Marcelo. He is no stranger to the big occasion. Marcelo has started in all three of Real Madrid’s Champions League finals in the last four years, scoring against Atletico Madrid in 2014.
He has been as influential as ever this term, too, grabbing a goal and assist in the two legs against Bayern Munich in the semis. His attacking prowess, as well as stubborn defensive duties, have been key for Zinedine Zidane in their venture for Champions League glory.
His optimism going forward may have to be put on hold in Kiev, though, because curbing the ever-potent threat of Mohamed Salah is a task that requires full concentration.
Sergio Ramos will face a tough ask in Roberto Firmino
Constantly labelled ‘Europe’s most complete striker’ this season, underrated Roberto Firmino can turn heads if he triumphs in a crucial battle with hardened warrior Sergio Ramos.
Ten goals and eight assists in the Champions League since the beginning of the group stage are impressive statistics. He has been a fundamental part of Liverpool’s journey to Kiev, but will more than likely meet his match in Ramos.
A veteran combatant all too aware of the rewards at stake on Saturday evening, Ramos’ stalwart approach is sure to be important to Real Madrid. His significance was brought into sharp focus in the quarters. His absence in the second leg versus Juventus saw the Old Lady pull the deficit back, and of course Cristiano Ronaldo was the man to rescue Madrid.
Winning aerial duels with Ramos isn’t something Firmino should expect to do, however his Brazilian flair, deft touches and lethal finishing can all aid him in causing ripples in Kiev.
Battle of the crowd
There should be no underestimating the importance of the support inside a sell-out Olimpiyskiy Stadium.
Anfield was a fearsome place when Manchester City visited back in April, and if the Liverpool fans can recreate that level of noise (which they should do), it could spur the Reds further in their biggest game of the season.
Liverpool don’t have the same amount of pressure as Real Madrid, and perhaps there will be an air of expectancy amongst the Los Blancos faithful. The hush of silence inside Santiago Bernabeu when Juve embarked on their ‘Mission Impossible’ style turnaround was notable. If Liverpool score first, the same aura would surely engulf the Real Madrid end of the stadium.
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Who do you think will get the edge in this year’s Champions League final?