The tag of “European football powerhouse” does not come easy as it is a preserve exclusively meant for the special one. This reality looms large with Liverpool and Real Madrid looking to grab the European honour on May 28 in the 2022 UEFA Champions League final. Both would try to make the occasion as memorable as possible because they had a fabulous season this time around. Hence, it would only be appropriate to focus on some key facets ahead of the face-off between Liverpool and Real Madrid.
The Backdrop
The competition began for the first time in 1956 and it was known as European Cup back then. Real Madrid happened to be the first-ever club to lift the prestigious cup. However, Liverpool tasted the victory for the first time only in 1977, almost two decades later. Both the clubs have met only twice in the final since the inception of the cup and have won the title once between themselves.
The French Connection
There is an interesting link between the clubs and France. In the first final (1981), they competed at France’s Parc des Princes Stadium, Liverpool beat Real 1-0, courtesy of a decisive goal by Alan Kennedy in the 82nd minute of the match. On another occasion in France, it was Real who won against Valencia 3-0 in the 2000 final. So, will the script pan out in 2022 the same way as in 1981 or will there be a role reversal at Stade De France a few days from now?
The Fancied One
Liverpool is being hailed as the favourite to win the 2022 UEFA Champions League Final by the bookmakers. But even Real are no pushovers and they will strive hard to prove the punters wrong. However, considering the outings they both had this season it is better not to put the money on anyone right now. Come Saturday, we will find out if the bookies were right or wrong. Frankly speaking, there is nothing that separates the two clubs.
The “Revenge” Of Salah
Mohammed Salah has already thrown the gauntlet at Real by declaring that the team (Liverpool) has a “score to settle” with Madrid, considering what transpired in 2018 at Kyiv. In the final in the Ukrainian capital, Liverpool lost 3-1 to Real and, in a shocking turn of events, Salah got injured during the game to miss a considerable part of the match. So, one does not have to be a nuclear scientist to figure out what the Egyptian striker meant when he uttered the words “score to settle”.
Not For Lily-Livered
In an all-important match like this, there is no room for soft-heartedness or leniency as there won’t be any mercy on offer. As Liverpool and Real Madrid gear up for the final, they both will be licking their lips in anticipation and the match will be as vital or precious as their own lives. Hence, both the teams would try not to slip up and give any kind of advantage to the opposition. So, one can already hear fans saying, “Neither Liverpool nor Real Madrid, let the team who soak up all the pressure and excel on the D-day take the coveted trophy.”
