Real Madrid are considered the favorites to win the 2018 Champions League Final against Liverpool. It’s true that Los Blancos are the better team, but they will need to complete a very solid performance to win. Here are three keys to the game.
- Don’t let Liverpool dictate the tempo of the game. Klopp’s team will undoubtedly try to make it a match with opportunities in transition, at least during the first half. Real Madrid need to play safe during the first minutes of the game so that they can keep the ball and control Liverpool’s counterattacks. Los Blancos can also be dangerous in transition and while it would be tempting to just play fast, they need to control the game this time around.
- Can Casemiro shine in another Final? The midfielder was excellent against Atletico two years ago and he gave Madrid the lead in Cardiff last season. Tonight, Zidane will need the best Casemiro against Salah and Mane. Marcelo and Carvajal’s offensive inputs are extremely important for Madrid and that’s why they need to have Casemiro’s help defensively when they’re out of position.
- Use your depth. Real Madrid’s bench will be much better than Liverpool’s, which means that Los Blancos have to take advantage during the final third of the game. Players like Asensio and Lucas Vazquez could have a pivotal role in this Final, so Zidane will need to use them accordingly.
HOW TO WATCH, STREAM CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
Date: 05/26/2018
Time: 21:45 local, 20:45 GMT+2 (Spain), 02:45pm EST, 11:45am Pacific.
Venue: Olimpiyskiy Kiev, Kiev, Ukraine.
Available TV: FOX (USA), BT Sport 2 (UK), Antena 3 (Spain).
Available Streaming: FOX Match Pass (USA), Fubo.TV (EVERY Real Madrid game with a high-quality and legal stream, click here to sign up and benefit from a spring discount for new members and Managing Madrid readers).