Few viewers of the Champions League final will have a better understanding of both sides than Michael Owen, who was a force with both Liverpool and Real Madrid during his stellar career.
The former player-turned-commentator will have his loyalties split, but from an objective point of view, Owen believes Real are the favourites thanks to their experience.
He added: “The strong point of Real Madrid is the experience they have in this type of match, and players as decisive as Cristiano Ronaldo, Isco…”
While Owen picked Real to claim a third straight European crown at the beginning of the season, he’s been impressed with Liverpool’s rise and now sees the final as being more “50-50”.
One of the obvious reasons for the club’s emergence has been Mohamed Salah, who has dazzled this season as a prolific goal scorer.
The Egyptian is deservedly in the mix for the Ballon d’Or, as is Ronaldo, who is vying for his third successive piece of hardware.
As close as the competition is over the award, Owen believes the result of the Champions League final will play a major factor in who walks away with the coveted honour.
“I think a lot will depend on who wins the Champions League,” Owen said. “If Real Madrid wins, then Cristiano will be there once more. If Liverpool does it, Salah would be favourite. He has been absolutely brilliant this year, and has done very well in the Egypt team, taking them to the World Cup.”
Owen, just like the rest of us, will have the wait until May 26 to see how it all plays out.
