The stage is set for the highly anticipated Real Madrid vs Liverpool Champions League 2022 final, which will take place at the Stade de France. The contest will begin at 1 a.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time) on Sunday, May 29. Both teams are having a fantastic season and have already won titles in their respective domestic competitions. Real Madrid won La Liga for the 35th time with a few games to spare. Oppositely, Liverpool have already won the EFL Cup and the FA Cup and might complete a treble if they win the Champions League. The UEFA Champions League 2022 final match preview is discussed in this article.
Real Madrid vs Liverpool: Predicted Lineups for the Final
Defender David Alaba is expected to be back in the squad after being sidelined for one month. He hasn’t played a match since the first leg of the semi-final encounter against Manchester City. Apart from him, there is no major injury concern for the Real Madrid side. Besides, head coach Carlo Ancelotti has also hinted that Gareth Bale is likely to be included in the squad that is all set to leave the club this summer. The Real Madrid team is expected to name a full-strength squad for the final.
Probable Starting XI
GK: Courtois; Defense: Carvajal, Eder Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Midfield: Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Forward: Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Junior
Liverpool have three major injury issues. Fabinho has been struggling with a hamstring injury, Thiago Alcantara has an Achilles problem, and Divock Origi will not be available for a muscle injury. Fabinho and Thiago may be included in the squad depending on their final fitness reports. Besides, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah will both be fully fit to start against Real Madrid.
Probable Starting XI
GK: Alisson; Defense: Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Midfield: Henderson, Fabinho, Keita; Forward: Salah, Mane, Luis Diaz
Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Head-to-Head Record
These two teams have played each other eight times in the Champions League competition. Out of those, Real Madrid have won four times, while Liverpool have three, and one match ended in a draw. Cristiano Ronaldo is the top scorer for Real Madrid with 105 goals, while Mohamed Salah is the top scorer for Liverpool with 34 goals. Overall, Real Madrid is the most successful club in Champions League history with 13 titles. On the other hand, Liverpool have won 6 Champions League trophies.
Real Madrid vs Liverpool Champions League 2022 Final: Match Prediction
Real Madrid’s ideal formation is 4-4-3, but they occasionally adapt to 4-4-2 to ensure that their game plan is successfully executed on the field. Players like Kroos and Modric will be crucial for Madrid to take control of the midfield. However, the front two—Benzema and Vinicius Jr.—have forged an excellent relationship this season. They will be pivotal in scaring Liverpool’s defense, as they have done throughout the season.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is well-known for his fondness for heavy metal football. He expects more from his players and always urges them to keep going. Klopp’s ideal system is 4-3-3, and he has Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Luis Diaz upfront to carry out his game plan. These three have the ability to terrorize the opposition defense and steal the game from them. Fabinho and Thiago have been outstanding in midfield. Liverpool have a powerful defense as well.
Prediction: Real Madrid 3-2 Liverpool
Bottom Line
The Real Madrid vs Liverpool final match is likely to be enthralling, considering they are two of the most successful clubs in UEFA Champions League history. The last time they played in a final was in Kyiv’s Olimpiyskiy Stadium in 2018. Real Madrid claimed their 13th UCL title with a 3-1 victory in the final. Therefore, Liverpool have an opportunity to avenge that defeat, and they have a strong squad to do so. The majority of people are likely to have placed their bets on Liverpool. However, Real Madrid also have an equal chance in the match. In the Champions League this season, Madrid’s main mantra has been to create a magical moment and shatter the opponent’s defense. If Liverpool do not prepare well, Real Madrid can steal the match from them.
Source: United News of Bangladesh