The Reds have played in every possible match, reaching the final in all three knockout competitions, and their focus is now on adding European glory to the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. Liverpool’s quadruple hopes are over, after Manchester City’s dramatic Premier League title win, but the Champions League is far more than just a consolation prize.
In a repeat of the 2018 final, Jurgen Klopp’s side face Real Madrid and they will be hoping for a very different outcome. Gareth Bale scored twice that day in a 3-1 win for Real – that must feel a long time ago for the Welshman who brings his time in Spain to an end this summer.
It’s been an incredible run to the final from the La Liga champions, who have looked almost certain to be knocked out on more than one occasion. That was the case in the semi-finals against Manchester City, as Rodrygo produced two stoppage-time goals in no time at all to take the tie to extra-time, where Karim Benzema finished the job.
What we’ve seen from these two sides throughout the season would suggest it could be a final full of goals and last-minute drama in Paris.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Liverpool vs Real Madrid is scheduled for a 8pm BST kick-off on Saturday, May 28, 2022.
The Stade de France in Paris will host the match.
Where to watch Liverpool vs Real Madrid
TV channel: The match will be televised on BT Sport 1. Coverage begins at 6pm BST, two hours before kick-off.
Live stream: BT Sport subscribers will be able to watch the match online via the BT Sport website or app. The game will also be available for free via BT Sport’s YouTube channel.
Live blog: You can follow all the action via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Liverpool vs Real Madrid team news
Liverpool will be desperate to have Fabinho back for the final, after his absence with a hamstring injury. Klopp confirmed that Fabinho will return to training at the start of the week and is expected to be available on Saturday. Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed should both return to the side too.
All trained as part of an open session on Wednesday.
It’s less good news for Thiago, who limped off against Wolves with an Achilles problem Klopp described as “not good” and is a massive doubt for the Reds.
Divock Origi will not get the chance to end his Liverpool career with another Champions League final goal, with the Belgian ruled out with a muscle injury.
For Real Madrid, David Alaba looks set to be in contention after a month on the sidelines.
The defender has not played since the first-leg against City in the semi-fnals due to muscle fatigue and missed out on Real’s final game of the La Liga season against Real Betis, but is expected to make a return.
On Tuesday, Ancelotti confirmed he had a full squad from which to choose.
Much will rely on Benzema for Real Madrid and he’ll be looking to add to the 15 goals he has already scored in this seasons’ Champions League. Carlo Ancelotti hailed that Gareth Bale may be a part of the Real squad for the final, before he leaves the club in the summer.
Liverpool vs Real Madrid prediction
Predicting Real Madrid’s matches in their run to the final has been an impossible task. Ancelotti’s side had no right to beat PSG, had to dig deep against Chelsea and then pulled off an astonishing comeback to get past City.
Liverpool go into it as favourites and rightfully so after a stellar season competing on all fronts and can cause Real’s backline real problems in Paris.
Benzema and Vinicius Jr will fancy their chances of getting success against Liverpool’s high-line, but the Reds are the more complete team and are well placed to secure a third trophy of the season.
Liverpool to win, 3-1.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Real Madrid are unbeaten in the last five meetings between the sides, including that 2018 Champions League final win and last season’s quarter-final tie.
Liverpool wins: 3
Draws: 1
Real Madrid wins: 4