Boooo! Bad news, footy fans – the season is almost over. But before we wave goodbye for the summer, we have the small matter of the Champions League final to enjoy first. This year’s showdown takes place in Paris between two of the competition’s most successful clubs, as Liverpool take on Real Madrid.
And ahead of the big game, we’ve taken a closer look at the two European giants.
The story so far…
It was close but no cigar for Liverpool on the final day of the Premier League season! Their quadruple dreams came to an end as Manchester City pipped them to the title. But after already securing both domestic cups, a win over Real will make it a hat-trick of silverware and put the cherry on top of a successful campaign.
It hasn’t necessarily been an easy ride in Europe though, as they survived a mini scare in the last round to see off Villarreal. And they’ll need to outwit another Spanish opponent to secure their seventh European Cup win.
Real are on a high having left rivals Barcelona for dead to land the La Liga title. Plus, momentum is in their favour after masterminding a stunning comeback against City in the previous round.
The number 13 may be unlucky for some but not Madrid – that’s how many times they’ve won this competition. And with ex-Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti in charge, there will be extra incentive to get one over on Liverpool.
Salah’s revenge
Mohamed Salah has been in red-hot form this season but he’ll be out for revenge this weekend – and as we all know, it’s a dish best served cold. The meeting between Liverpool and Real Madrid is a rematch of the 2018 Champions League final, which infamously saw Salah forced off early after dislocating his shoulder in a tangle with Sergio Ramos.
Real ultimately won the game 3-1, thanks to a stunning bicycle kick from Gareth Bale and a pair of horrendous mistakes from Liverpool keeper Loris Karius. And after winning the Premier League golden boot, Salah will be fully focused on avenging his side’s defeat in Kiev four years ago.
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Want some more OJO football content?
If you’re in need of some more reading to pass the time ahead of the Champions League final, check out some of our interviews with former footballers…
• We sat down with ex-England captain Terry Butcher. He discussed his career, England’s chances ahead of the Euros last summer and that famous picture.
• Liverpool legend John Barnes opened up about the issues of racism in football.
• William Gallas didn’t hold back as he dissected former clubs Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham.
• And another former gunner Emmanuel Frimpong shared all about the north London club. Plus, he discussed his thoughts on fairness within the game.
