Liverpool v Real Madrid: Three key tactical battles

The stage is ready for arguably the largest match in world soccer as Actual Madrid face Liverpool within the UEFA Champions League ultimate on Saturday evening. 

It will likely be a repeat of the 2018 ultimate which can ceaselessly be etched in Liverpool followers’ reminiscences as they went down 3-1 in Kyiv, Ukraine. 

Jurgen Klopp’s outfit have the chance to avenge the defeat although after they play at PSG’s Parc des Princes on Saturday. 

Liverpool might be in search of a 3rd trophy of the season, having gained the FA Cup and Carabao Cup already. 

Madrid, then again, gained La Liga this season by 13 factors and need to clinch a 14th European Cup. 

Forward of the anticipated conflict, we check out key battles anticipated to unfold; 

Alisson Becker v Karim Benzema

Benzema has been the standout performer for the Madrid-based membership, scoring 44 objectives from his 45 outings in all competitions this season. 

He leads the goalscoring charts within the competitors with 15 strikes, with 9 of these coming within the knockout levels. 

He scored gorgeous hat-tricks in opposition to PSG and Chelsea, and a double in opposition to Man Metropolis within the first leg earlier than one other from the spot within the return leg. 

General, he has as soon as once more displayed his goalscoring contact and might be a key asset for Madrid in France. 

He’ll nevertheless come up in opposition to a formidable opponent in Alisson Becker, who is taken into account among the many finest in his place. 

The Brazilian has managed 27 clear sheets this season, and will probably be attention-grabbing to see how they honest within the largest match but. 

Liverpool assault vs Madrid’s backline

Jurgen Klopp has assembled fairly an attacking group over the previous few seasons. Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino had been the identified entrance three earlier than Diogo Jota was thrown into the combo this season. 

As if that was not sufficient, Luis Diaz was added within the January window, and he has added a brand new dimension to the Reds’ assault. 

The deadly Reds’ assault will come up in opposition to an unpredictable Madrid defence that crumbled in opposition to PSG, Chelsea, and Manchester Metropolis. 

The Los Blancos’ defence will should be at their finest to include the Reds, in any other case, the conflict could possibly be determined at that finish. 

Trent Alexander-Arnold v Vinicius Junior

Arguably probably the most intriguing match-up of the evening will happen on Liverpool’s right-hand aspect. 

Alexander-Arnold has all the time been a inventive supply for Liverpool every time going ahead, and he all the time does this, however he’ll should be on excessive alert as he’ll come up in opposition to a speedy Vinicius Jr. 

The Brazilian has the joint-second-most assists within the Champions League this season (six) and generally is a menace for any defender on a superb day. 

This wing may simply decide the end result of the match, and every set of followers might be praying their participant wins the battle.