Real Madrid will face off with Liverpool in the Champions League Final on Saturday. It will be their chance for a record 14th Champions League title and their fifth in eight years. On the other side stands Liverpool, a massive club in both history and how they have looked this season.
Much is known about how Real Madrid will set up, but almost nothing is known about how the game might look from their standpoint. Thus, we took a shot at making three bold Real Madrid predictions for the Champions League Final vs. Liverpool.
*Watch Soccer Matches LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
Real Madrid Predictions for Champions League Final vs. Liverpool
Federico Valverde will get the start over Rodrygo
For a 21-year-old, Rodrygo has already done so much for Real Madrid. His antics versus Chelsea and Manchester City in the second legs of these matchups are already iconic in Madrid. Rodrygo's two goals in two minutes versus the Citizens are the reason why Real Madrid are even playing Liverpool here.
However, due to the way that Carlo Ancelotti likes to play, we are not likely to see Rodrygo in the starting lineup come Saturday. His place on the right wing should be covered by another youngster, Federico Valverde. Valverde is a much lesser offensive piece than Rodrygo, but he does so many other things that it only seems logical that he starts.
Valverde is absolutely critical for the way Real Madrid will defend this game. They are expected to be on the receiving end of attacks in the final, at least for the first 60-ish minutes of the game. That is how it has looked versus all three of their previous knockout stage opponents.
Against Liverpool, the inclusion of Valverde is relevant because of two things. Firstly, he needs to additionally cover Real Madrid's right side, as Trent Alexander-Arnold loves sending long balls from his position, which usually catches the defense by surprise and leaves space for Liverpool attackers. Secondly, Valverde is a great ball carrier, a much-needed role versus this Liverpool team.
However, we should see Rodrygo enter the fray around the 65th minute.
Vinicius Junior will torch Trent Alexander-Arnold
For TAA, it will be a repeat of Liverpool meeting Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals last year. Unfortunately for the English right back, he has not done enough improvement defensively to warrant any chance against the in-form Brazilian. It is indicative that Vinicius scored two goals last season playing versus Alexander-Arnold, and that version of Vini was nowhere close to this version who scored 21 goals and dished out 20 assists this season. All the signs point to the fact that Vinicius should have his way with Trent Alexander-Arnold. All right backs, including Reece James from Chelsea, who is similar to TAA in many regards, have had issues with Vinicius and asked for double- or even triple-teams to contain the Brazilian.
There is also the fact that TAA is very involved in the Liverpool attacks. Of course, he is a physically ready player, someone who can play on a very high level for the entire game. But being on the other side of the Vinicius matchup will either limit Alexander-Arnold offensively or tire him out defensively. It should be a bit easier for TAA because of his experienced center backs being able to help, but then that opens a ton of space for Karim Benzema, and if there is one player who should not have space against your team, it is Benzema. It will be a great game for Vinicius to really showcase his talents to the entire world. Real Madrid will certainly count on him to do just that.
Through some more magic, Real Madrid will win the 2021-22 Champions League
It just has to be them, right? The way Real Madrid arrived here is iconic in its own nature. Three comebacks, late goals, slaying of superteams, legendary performances … this run has just had it all.
Now, a wide sentiment of Real Madrid fans would still consider this season a success. After all, winning La Liga and reaching the Champions League Final in the manner they did, all of that in a transitional year, is a fantastic season. Still, everyone in that club and fan base is dreaming about the 14th title, a number no team will reach for the foreseeable future. If they manage to win this match, it will cap off the greatest run in the Champions League ever.
Of course, the way to do it is some more of that patented Real Madrid Champions League magic. Whether it is Rodrygo coming up clutch again, Benzema scoring a goal, or just some crazy, last-minute shenanigans, everyone around the world is beyond excited to see what will happen. The mood around Madrid is that they are underdogs, but that is a feeling they know all too well. They had to knock off three of the top five preseason favorites for the Champions League and now face the fourth. Without any doubt, we can predict that Real Madrid will win this match and lift a record 14th Champions League title.
Follow Us
Subscribe