Liverpool vs Real Madrid betting tips: Champions League Final preview

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Liverpool's last four Champions League campaigns have all ended in defeat to Madrid-based opposition or with them lifting the trophy in the Spanish capital. This'll be the Reds' tenth European Cup Final, all of which have been against teams wearing white.

Since 2001, 16 major UEFA Finals have featured a Spanish side against a non-Spanish club, with the La Liga team winning all 16. Real Madrid are looking to win the European Cup in the same city for the third time, something no club has achieved before, leaving Paris with the trophy in 1956 and 2000, also losing to Liverpool at Parc des Princes in 1981. Carlo Ancelotti is looking to become the first man to win this competition four times as a manager.

Both teams to score is 4/6.

Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals is 1/1.

Liverpool to win and over 2.5 goals is 2/1.

Liverpool to lift the trophy is 8/15.

Mohamed Salah has scored 33 goals in 55 Champions League appearances for Liverpool. He is 4/1 to break the deadlock and 11/10 to score anytime.

Karim Benzema has scored 15 goals in his last ten Champions League appearances. He is 9/2 to open the scoring and 13/10 to net anytime.

Match preview

After yet another thrilling UEFA Champions League season it all comes down to this.

This pair are European royalty having now featured in 25 different European Cup Finals between them, winning six and 13 titles respectively.

Back in 1981, eight miles down the road at Parc des Princes, Alan Kennedy's late goal saw the Reds defeat los Blancos 1-0 in the final.

Slightly more recently, over in Kyiv four years ago, Gareth Bale's brace off the bench saw Real complete the three-peat.

This time, who will claim European glory in Paris?

Real Madrid's run to this season's final has been frankly ridiculous, starting with a 2-1 group stage defeat at home to minnows FC Sheriff.

Their subsequent escapade through the knockout phase has quite simply been unbelievable, unexplainable and unforgettable.

First, despite being outplayed for 150 minutes, a 17-minute hat-trick from Karim Benzema saw them dump out Paris Saint-Germain.

Then, Real looked set to crash out against Chelsea, only Rodrygo to equalise before Benzema headed home the winner in extra time.

All of this was leading up the crescendo that was the semi-final with Manchester City, commencing with a 4-3 win for the hosts in England.

The Citizens then looked set for back-to-back finals until, in stoppage time, Rodrygo scored twice in just 88 seconds to force extra time again.

Four minutes into the additional half hour, Benzema converted a spot-kick as his team completed the more extraordinary comeback.

So, Carlo Ancelotti has become the first manager to reach five European Cup Finals, looking to claim a record-breaking fourth title.

Also, with the La Liga and Supercopa de España trophies in the bag, Real are looking to match 1957 and 2017 as their best-ever seasons.

Liverpool's run to the final has been serene in comparison, winning all six group matches against A.C. Milan, Atlético Madrid and Porto.

Since, the Reds have ousted Inter, Benfica and Villarreal in knockouts, only really suffering a scare in the first half at El Madrigal.

So, this is their third final in five attempts under Jürgen Klopp, losing to Real in 2018 but defeating Tottenham in Madrid 12 months later.

They did miss out on the Premier League title, but have the Carabao and FA Cups to show for their efforts during this gruelling 63-match campaign.

So, Liverpool are looking to end a season with the European Cup alongwith two other trophies for the fourth time, most recently in 1984.

Will the Spanish champions or the English heavyweights be celebrating following this heavyweight bout at Stade de France?

Liverpool team news

Jürgen Klopp does have some injury concerns coming into this final.

First, Thiago Alcântara was taken off at half time against Wolverhampton Wanderers, so is a doubt.

The Spanish midfielder is looking to win this competition with three different clubs, something only Clarence Seedorf has achieved to date.

Meanwhile, Fabinho hasn't featured since the FA Cup Final, but is expected to start even if not 100% ready to go.

Captain Jordan Henderson will complete a midfield that'll also feature Naby Keïta if Thiago is not ready to go.

At the back, Ibrahima Konaté has started seven of the last eight Champions League matches, scoring in both legs against Benfica.

So, he could keep his place as Virgil van Dijk's partner, chosen over Joël Matip.

In attack, Mohamed Salah came off the bench to score his 31st goal of the season on Sunday.

The Egyptian is looking to join Phil Neal as the only man to score in multiple European Cup Finals for the club.

He's likely to join Luis Díaz and Sadio Mané up front, with Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino in reserve.

2019 final scorer Divock Origi will be on the bench, hoping to make his 176th and final appearance for the club.

Real Madrid team news

Real Madrid have enjoyed the luxury of two days extra rest since their final La Liga game of the season against Real Betis last Friday night.

However, like his opposite number, Carlo Ancelotti is sweating over the availability of a key figure or two.

Two-time winner with Bayern Munich David Alaba hasn't featured since the trip to Manchester City on 26 April due to an adductor injury.

Daniel Carvajal, Éder Militão and Ferland Mendy will feature in the back four, with Nacho completing the quartet if Alaba isn't available.

The iconic trio of Casemiro, Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos will start a fourth Champions League Final together, hoping for the same result.

Teenager Eduardo Camavinga could be key though, coming on to change the game in all three knockout round victories.

Up front, Vinícius Júnior and Karim Benzema are the obvious threats, having scored 21 and 44 goals respectively this season.

Who Ancelotti decides to start on the right-wing is his biggest selection decision.

He's likely to go for the defensive option of Fede Valverde, meaning semi-final hero Rodrygo will be kept back in reserve.

2018 final match-winner Gareth Bale has only made seven appearances all season and this is his final chance to feature in a Real shirt.

Premier League table:

La Liga table:

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