The stage is arguably set for the biggest match in world football as Real Madrid take on Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League Final on Saturday night.
It will be a repeat of the 2018 final that will forever be etched in the memories of Liverpool fans when they lost 3-1 in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have a chance to avenge the defeat despite playing at Paris Saint-Germain’s Parc des Princes on Saturday.
Liverpool will be looking for their third title this season, having already won the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup.
On the other hand, Real Madrid won the Spanish League this season by 13 points and are looking to win the 14th European Cup.
Before the highly anticipated engagement, we take a look at the major battles expected to occur;
Alison Becker / Karim Benzema
Benzema has been the standout performer for the Madrid-based club, scoring 44 goals from 45 appearances in all competitions this season.
He tops the scoring lists in the competition with 15 goals, nine of which are in the knockout stages.
He scored an amazing hat-trick against Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, and a double against Manchester City in the first leg before another penalty kick in the second leg.
Overall, he once again showed his scoring touch and would be a key asset to Madrid in France.
However, he will face a strong opponent, Alison Becker, who is considered among the best in his position.
The Brazilian has managed 27 clean games this season, and it will be interesting to see how they leveled in their biggest game yet.
Liverpool attack against Madrid’s defense line
Jurgen Klopp has put together an attacking squad over the past few seasons. Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino were the top three known before Diogo Jota was thrown this season.
As if that wasn’t enough, Luis Diaz added in the January window, and he added a new dimension to the Reds’ attack.
He will face the Reds’ killer attack against Real Madrid’s unpredictable defense that has collapsed against Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City.
Los Blancos’ defense must be at its best to contain the Reds, otherwise, the confrontation can be decided at this end.
Trent Alexander-Arnold x Vinicius Jr
Arguably the most intriguing match of the night will be played on the right side of Liverpool.
Alexander-Arnold has always been a source of creativity for Liverpool as they go forward, and he always does, but he will need to be on high alert as he quickly takes on Vinicius Jr.
The Brazilian has the second most assists in the Champions League this season (six) and could be a threat to any defender on a good day.
This winger can easily determine the outcome of the match, and each group of fans will pray that their player wins the battle.
