Real, Liverpool battle for Champions League glory

Real are chasing a third successive European crown and a record-extending 13th overall, having claimed the trophy in 2016 and 2017.

The Spanish side’s path to the final saw them finish runners-up in Group H (behind Tottenham Hotspur) before defeating Paris Saint-Germain (5-2 on aggregate), Juventus (4-3) and Bayern Munich (4-3) in the last 16, quarter- and semifinals respectively.

‘Los Blancos’ have endured a disappointing season domestically, only finishing third in La Liga behind hated rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, but if they win the Champions League yet again, then all will be forgiven for coach Zinedine Zidane.

They come into the game having played to a 2-2 draw away to Villarreal in a league clash on Saturday, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale proving their fitness and form by starting and scoring a goal apiece.

Liverpool is chasing their sixth European crown and a first since 2005 when they famously came from three goals down to defeat Italian giants AC Milan.

The English side’s path to the final saw them finish top of Group E before defeating Porto (5-0 on aggregate), Manchester City (5-1) and Roma (7-6) in the last 16, quarter- and semifinals respectively.

‘The Reds’ were last in action on May 13, when they thrashed Brighton & Hove Albion 4-0 to secure a fourth-place finish in the Premier League. The match included yet another goal for Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah, who has netted an incredible 44 times in his debut season for the club.

In head-to-head stats, Real and Liverpool have met in just five previous European Cup matches. The Reds have claimed three wins compared to two for Los Blancos and outscored the Spanish side six goals to four. Included in Liverpool’s victories is a 1-0 win in the final of the 1981 competition in Paris. It was Madrid’s last final loss in the European Cup and the only time an English side have beaten Spanish opponents in the final.

The teams’ most recent meetings were in the group stage in 2014/15, with the La Liga side winning both matches.

Recent form, all competitions, latest results first

Real | D | W | L | D | D
Liverpool | W | L | L | D | W

Head-to-head, all competitions

Matches played 5

Real wins 2

Liverpool wins 3

Draws 0

Real goals 4

Liverpool goals 6