The biggest game in European football is upon us as Real Madrid square up against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League final which takes place in Kyiv, Ukraine. Both sides deserve to slug it out for the trophy at stake as they have had a wonderful run in the competition.
Most of my friends have asked where my allegiance lies and without mincing words I said it is with Real Madrid. They are the 5th best team in the world for me just behind Manchester United, Aston Villa, Newcastle, Juventus and ahead of Aberdeen, Kano Pillars and CBS FC. So I clearly don’t need to spell out who I would be supporting on this big night.
You will also realize that I have Manchester United listed above so why would supporting Liverpool be an option. As a Man Utd fan the hatred I have for Liverpool knows no bounds and please spare the story of Liverpool is an English side so it’s only fair to support them. There is a history of rivalry between both United and Liverpool and tonight is the night I show my hatred for Liverpool is eternal.
So without further ado, I am going to be rooting for Real Madrid.
Key Players (Liverpool):
They have a fearsome three upfront in Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mo’ Salah who wrapped up the English Premier League season as top scorer with 32 goals breaking the 31 goal record previously held by Alan Shearer (31 goals for Blackburn), Cristiano Ronaldo (31 goals for Manchester United) and Luis Suarez (31 goals for Liverpool). In as much as Liverpool have the firepower going forward their defense is where the worry lies. They have a chance to win a 6th Champions League trophy no doubt.
Other players to look out for in the squad are James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Key players (Real Madrid):
There’s no denying the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo has been a marvel to watch for the Spanish giants. He has 15 goals to his name in the competition this season not forgetting he has scored a staggering 121 goals in 156 European ties. Through the course of the season has been supported with the creative spark of Luka Modric, Isco, Asensio (when called upon). Karim Benzema also put in good work a few times for this Real side. Sergio Ramos has been a mainstay in the side on the way to the final just as in seasons past and with Casemiro being the link between attack and defence, you cannot help but think Madrid has the a better chance of nicking this. Oh did I forget to mention Marcelo? Helluva a great player.
My verdict: I have seen Liverpool play in 2 Champions League finals and they faced A.C Milan in both finals losing one and winning one but their win in Istanbul, Turkey was clearly a game I will never forget. They came back from losing 3-0 to tying the game 3-3 and going on to win on penalties. A great win it was on that night in 2005.
On the other hand, I have never seen Real Madrid lose a Champions League final before and I have seen them play in 5 finals (2000, 2002, 2014, 2016 and 2017) and if I could add that I keenly followed the 1998 final (Real Madrid vs Juventus) via sports news on radio that makes it 6/6 from my point of view.
Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp has never won the trophy before while Zinedine Zidane who is at the helm with Real is the first manager to have won the trophy back to back since it was renamed UEFA Champions League in 1992 and is on the brink of making it 3 trophies consecutively. Zidane was also assistant to Carlo Ancelloti when Real won it in 2014.
I am tilting Real Madrid’s way for this for obvious reasons, I prefer Real Madrid because I have been following them actively since the year 2000. Even if I wasn’t following Madrid, I have stated above I am a Man Utd fan who hates Liverpool and I expect Liverpool fans to feel same way about Manchester United.
Real Madrid to win this and I see goals in this one. How many? Maybe it will end 3-2, 4-3 or even 4-1, all in Real’s favour. Bite me.
Thanks for your time guys. Do have a lovely weekend.
