Real Madrid, under Zinedine Zidane, have registered themselves as Europe’s best outfit following their sheer dominance in the Champions League competition over the past two seasons. They are on the cusp of winning their third successive title on Saturday night when they face Liverpool at NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, in a high-voltage final.
The Reds have enjoyed a memorable run and their sublime form guided them to grab a place in the competition’s final. They, however, will have their biggest test against a fearsome counterpart and the odds are pretty much in Real Madrid’s favour to win yet another European trophy.
Team News
Los Blancos are incredibly free of any sort of Injury and Cristiano Ronaldo, who had a minor concern, has been labelled as ‘120% fit’ by gaffer Zinedine Zidane.
Probable Real Madrid XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Zinedine Zidane
Keylor Navas (GK)
The Costa Rican custodian has been club’s No.1 for a while now and despite a few moments of a scare earlier in the competition, Navas is experienced enough to step up and deliver his best against a lethal Liverpool front trio of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and red-hot Mohamed Salah.
Dani Carvajal (RB)
The right full-back has been in sublime form, particularly high up the pitch, with his overlapping runs and crosses inside the box. He will have a tough contest against Sadio Mane down the wing and must concentrate on defensive duties as well.
Raphael Varane (RCB)
Has been a regular starter in central defence and the Frenchman will have to keep an eye on Roberto Firmino, who is mobile and quick with his movement.
Sergio Ramos (LCB)
Los Blancos’ defensive warhorse is already upbeat about the Saturday night encounter and must deliver a towering display to blunt Liverpool’s attack.
Marcelo (LB)
The Brazilian is known for his relentless forward runs but he must concentrate more on defensive duties against Mohamed Salah, who could be lethal if given space down the wing.
Casemiro (CDM)
The combative midfielder will have to maintain his destructive role in the middle of the park to break down Liverpool’s quick passing and pressing game. The Brazilian might have to shield the defensive line and also carry the ball forward from a deeper midfield role.
Luka Modric (RCM)
The Croatian midfield maestro has emerged as Real Madrid’s one of the finest and most consistent names alongside Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo. He holds the ball, orchestrates moves from behind and finds his teammates with great vision and range of passing.
Toni Kroos (LCM)
Another top-notch midfield sensation who holds a strong passing skill and dictates the game from the middle of the park. His clever runs, link-up play and distribution allow the Spanish supergiants to have control of the game.
Gareth Bale (RW)
The Welsh wizard has always delivered when fit and his recent form should earn him a start over Marco Asensio or Lucas Vazquez down the wing.
Cristiano Ronaldo (LW)
Arguably the biggest name in Champions League football and the iconic attacker will be looking to terrorise the Liverpool backline with his masterclass. He has netted 15 goals this term in the Champions League – 5 more than both Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.
Karim Benzema (ST)
Has not been his best this season, yet the Frenchman must get the nod due to his enormous experience and chemistry with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale in the attacking third.