Key Battles To Watch Out For In The UCL Final

10 months ago

Liverpool vs real madrid match. Jurgen Klopp vs Carlo Ancelotti. English versus Spanish. Carabao Cup and Confederation Cup winners against La Liga champions. Six titles versus 13 titles. Everything is ready to be captured in a three-way battle between two of Europe’s most dominant clubs. It is set to host the Stade de France as 22 players compete for the final prize for club football.

The match itself is set to be a listed occasion where superstars compete against superstars. There will be an abundance of ‘main battles’ on the field to gain the upper hand. Can Karim Benzema continue to score? Will Mohamed Salah take revenge? Who wins the duel between two world class goalkeepers?

The possibilities are limitless. football I’ve got you covered with five of the most important battles to watch out for on Saturday.

Will it be Divock Origi’s time again?

The man, the legend, the super submarine. Divock Origi built a following at Anfield due to his penchant for influencing matches. He helped Liverpool win so many times Merseyside Derby. Origi’s record in the improbable No remontada against Barcelona. Heck, he scored in the 2019 Champions League final.

So, it wouldn’t be surprising if he had one last moment of magic left before he left the club. Origi will face fellow Belgian Thibaut Courtois in goal and could be a game-changing substitute once again.

Jurgen Klopp is a huge fan of the striker and could give him minutes if the match is tight before the final minutes. Origi’s time with Liverpool isn’t over… yet.

The Battle of Al-Marassi – Casemiro vs. Fabinho

Two of the best defensive midfielders over the past several years. Casemiro and Fabinho will have to play increasingly important roles. Both rely heavily on dismantling attacks and thwarting an opposing threat.

Casemiro has an excellent reputation for being…aggressive and taking no nonsense. He goes hard and often ends up winning the ball while leaving the opponent on the mat.

Meanwhile, Fabinho is more than a high-end stopper, slipping in to steal the ball away. On top of that, Fabinho has evolved into a goal threat this season as well. However, both of them play a very important but similar role in every aspect. Given that Liverpool and Real Madrid have identical formations, the winner of this battle will greatly help his team.

The best in the world Alison vs the speed demon Vinicius Jr

Alisson has had great reviews since his move to Liverpool in 2019. He shared the Golden Glove with Ederson in the 2021-22 season after keeping 20 clean sheets. Furthermore, his savings percentage (75.3%) and defensive actions outside the penalty area (1.60). per 90) amazing.

However, he will face one of the biggest tests of his career for Liverpool in Vinicius Jr, his national teammate. Vinicius Junior has suffered tears this season by scoring 27 goals in La Liga. His forward movement, pace and dribbling stunned the best teams (just ask Fernandinho).

13.19 progressive carry (99th percentile) and 3.32 completed dribbling (97th percentile) per 90 with 5.31 shot creations that speak for themselves. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s advanced role might expose Alisson a bit, and while he’s the best goalkeeper in 1v1 situations, Vinicius Jr will be a huge challenge.

Big Benz vs Big Dick

One of the nominees for this season’s Ballon d’Or is facing a steady defender. Karim Benzema is the man of the Champions League season with crucial goals at every stage.

His expert finishing, link play, and vertical strength have caused all kinds of defensive problems. This time he will face Virgil van Dijk, an excellent defender. Van Dijk has the ability to win aerial duels, and is fast enough to intercept attacks.

The main battle would be the physical one, as both were able to use their strength equally. Benzema will be one of the scoring favorites and Van Dijk should be well aware of his possessions in this epic duel. Definitely one of the main battles.

Is it time for Salah to go up?

Slated to take revenge soon? Mo Salah walked off the field in tears in 2018. He has spoken publicly about his desire to reach Real Madrid in the final. Salah will be Liverpool’s most dangerous threat as he has been all this season. 23 goals and 13 assists for the Golden Shoe (common) and Playmaker Award.

However, he will be hungry to lead the Reds to glory in the Champions League. Salah will face Ferland Mendy, who is also quick but humiliating. If Salah confronts him, David Alaba will have problems.

Alaba was at sea against Kylian Mbappe and it could be a similar case against Salah. Madrid should be really careful not to allow him a space below the left or give him chances to shoot in dangerous areas. These fights will be key.

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