The don’t come any bigger than the Champions League final and they don’t come much bigger than Liverpool v Real Madrid.
Between them they’ve been crowned champions of Europe 19 times and appeared in no fewer than 25 finals so it’s one for the traditionalist in Paris tonight as two of Europe’s most successful clubs go toe-to-toe for the biggest prize in European football.
They did of course meet in the final four years ago and Liverpool will feel they owe Madrid one from that 2018 final when a calamitous performance by Loris Karius and an incredible overhead kick by Gareth Bale helped the Spaniards to a 3-1 win.
The bookies make Liverpool favourites to lift the trophy at 4/7 whilst it’s 13/8 for the Real Madrid to rule Europe for a 14th time.
The Road to the Final
Liverpool cruised through a tough-looking Group B, which included two former winners of the trophy in the shape of AC Milan and Porto as well as 2016 finalists Atletico Madrid. The Reds impressively won all six ties, trailing just once, in the final match at the San Siro.
Klopp’s side had a reasonably straight-forward route to the final thereafter but things got a bit too close for comfort in the last 16 when Inter threatened to overturn a 2-0 first leg defeat but could only manage a 1-0 win in the return leg at Anfield. That was followed by relatively comfortable ties against Benfica (6-3) and Villarreal (5-2).
Real Madrid have led a charmed life en route to the Stade de France. Sheriff Tiraspol’s win in Madrid was arguably the biggest shock in Champions League history but Ancelotti’s men never really looked back after that and won the group on 15 points.
Cue a blockbuster last 16 tie with PSG and a 95th minute goal from Madrid target Kylian Mbappe separated the sides in Paris before Karim Benzema stepped up with a 17-minute hat-trick to turn things around at the Bernabeu after the hosts had fallen two goals behind in the tie thanks to another Mbappe strike.
That defiance, that momentum, that belief has defined Real’s run in the competition. They found themselves three goals down at Stamford Bridge but limited the damage by leaving London with a 3-2 loss thanks to two late goals. That gave them the platform to progress, winning 3-1 in the return leg.
Then came an unbelievable comeback against Man City when they looked dead and buried. They hung in there like a punch-drunk boxer at the Etihad, never allowing Pep Guardiola’s to effectively knock them out. That 4-3 defeat was 5-3 by the time the clock reached 89 minutes in the Spanish capital before Rodrygo and Benzema goals forced extra-time in the space of a frantic couple of minutes. The deadly Benzema then killed off City in extra-time to set up tonight’s heavyweight clash. Write off Real Madrid at your peril.
Betting Angles
There must be a feeling in Madrid that their name is written on the cup this year. Not only have they already knocked-out two of the tournament favourites in PSG and Man City but their never-say-die attitude makes them a very dangerous proposition at 14/5 (SBK) this evening.
For a short period of time last weekend it looked like Liverpool might nick the Premier League from Manchester City but those hopes faded quickly while Liverpool huffed and puffed their way past Wolves. Injuries have taken their toll on the squad in recent weeks too and they’ve struggled to hit top form towards the end of the season. They look vulnerable at even money.
There’ll be plenty keen to take that price though, and to be fair, if Liverpool bring their A-game they’ll beat anyone in the world but they’ve not been firing on all cylinders and Madrid wont go quietly. The Spaniards appeal in the Double Chance market at 5/6 with SBK, or on the Draw No Bet Market at 7/4.
Late goals have been a feature of Real Madrid’s matches in the competition and it’s 5/6 for a goal after the 76th minute. Remember that also includes any injury time and we can expect a fair bit of that if there’s not much between the sides. It’s a bet that would’ve landed in 4 of Madrid’s knock-out matches and two of Liverpool’s.
Super Singles
- Real Madrid Draw No Bet 7/4 SBK
- Real Madrid to win the trophy 13/8 SBK
- Goal scored after 75:59 5/6 Bet365
Upcoming Match Previews & Tips
- Saturday’s Goals Accumulator Tips: Today’s 13/2 Total Team Goals Acca
- SlipsTips Tips: Liverpool vs Real Madrid Bet Builder
- Sat 20:00 Liverpool v Real Madrid
- Sat 23:00 Los Angeles FC v San Jose Earthquakes
- Sun 16:30 Huddersfield Town vs Nottingham
Win £100 in Desmond’s Champions League Competition
After another season of profit, Desmond is giving something to the members here at MFT with a brilliant competition for Saturday’s Champions League final. Simply predict the correct score (and first scorer and goal time) for the chance to win £100 in cash.
Racing Tips
Rizzel has managed to pick out his four best bets on a very busy day of racing on Saturday.
As always, let us know your tips and predictions for today in the comments section below and good luck with all your bets!
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