Champions League final predictions: Our writers have their say on Real Madrid v Liverpool

Sport360 Writers 10:34 26/05/2018
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  • The wait is almost over as Real Madrid and Liverpool get set to lock horns in the Champions League final in Kiev on Saturday night.

    Here, our team of writers have their say on the showpiece clash and make their predictions.

    Who do you agree and disagree with?

    Let us know your thoughts! Get in touch on Twitter and Facebook.

    Stuart Appleby (@Stuart_Appleby)

    Champions: Real Madrid

    Score: 4-2

    Real Madrid are closer to the end of their cycle of European dominance than the start but this will not be the night when Zinedine Zidane’s men are dethroned.

    The prospect of winning three titles in a row does not come around too often, so expect the Whites to demonstrate their typical ruthlessness and continue the Frenchman’s super winning streak in final matches.

    Few teams have the capability of out-scoring Liverpool but Real, with Cristiano Ronaldo, can do just that while Sergio Ramos raises his game in these matches.

    Andy West (@andywest01)

    Champions: Real Madrid 

    Score: 4-2

    Everything is pointing towards this being one of the most open cup finals in history, with two teams who are far better going forward than in defence.

    The old adage that the first goal will prove vital becomes irrelevant for this game – it’s a question of who can score last. And with their wider range of firepower and superior midfield, that will be Real Madrid.

    Chris Bailey (@chrisjebailey)

    Champions: Real Madrid 

    Score: 3-1

    This all hinges on how Real Madrid’s defence deals with that electric front three. Should they play too high a line without the required discipline, or be caught out of position (here’s looking at you, Marcelo) then it could all go horribly pear-shaped for Real.

    But this time, they’ll retain their shape. Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric should keep Liverpool at arm’s length in midfield, even for all the gegenpressing in the world.

    And though giant strides have been taken in defence thanks to Virgil van Dijk, the lack of experience could well be telling.

    Alex Rea (@AlexReaSport)

    Champions: Liverpool

    Score: 3-2

    Difficult to predict the score, easy to forecast the type of game we’re going to get. Liverpool’s strengths play into Real Madrid’s weaknesses and vice versa which means goals will be on the menu. Real Madrid have the experience but the Reds have more tools to win.

    Expect an early storm from the Premier League side before tiredness inevitably let’s Real back in but the first-half should see Klopp’s side secure a sixth European title.

    Marcelo could be set to play a big part both in attack and defence

    Marcelo could be set to play a big part both in attack and defence

    Tom Biggs (@TWKBiggs)

    Champions: Liverpool

    Score: 3-1

    With 70 goals between the two teams in the competition so far, goals are guaranteed in Kiev. Real Madrid are likely to adopt a more cautious approach – just as they did in the away legs against Juventus and Bayern Munich – in a bid to stop Jurgen Klopp’s side from ruthlessly punishing them on the counter.

    Both sides will be under no illusions about the importance of scoring first.

    Alex Broun (@alexanderbroun)

    Champions: Liverpool 

    Score: 2-1

    To me this is a match which could go either way and is very hard to predict. Real are understandably favourites as they possess a seasoned squad of world class professionals who continue to produce under enormous pressure.

    Whereas Liverpool are young, raw and woefully inconsistent – breath-taking one day, banal the next. There is also no form-guide between the teams as the last time they met was 2014. I’ll go for Liverpool to get two early goals and cling on to win 2-1.

    Brendon Netto (@BrendonNetto)

    Champions: Real Madrid

    Score: 3-1

    From a tactical point of view, Liverpool are probably the side most equipped in this moment in time to dismantle Real Madrid. But none of their players have played in a Champions League final before and I can see the occasion affecting their approach.

    Whenever they aren’t on the front foot, they’ve looked vulnerable and Madrid are seasoned pros in this competition who will show no mercy.

    Aditya Devavrat (@AdityaDevavrat)

    Champions: Real Madrid 

    Score: 3-1

    For all the talk of how this match could easily end up 4-4 – and both teams’ attacks are capable of producing that sort of display – the truth is, Real Madrid have the edge, if only a small one, in every department.

    Even if the attacking duel can be declared a draw on paper, Madrid have the stronger midfield, and less weak defence, especially considering how Sergio Ramos turns up for big games.

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