UEAFA Champions League Final 2022

Another season of dramatic and unpredictable Champions League football is nearing it’s end as Liverpool face Real Madrid in the Champions League Final in Paris.

Two European giants come face to face in a repeat of the 2018 final, which Real Madrid won 3-1, with a goal from Karim Benzema and a brace from impact sub Gareth Bale securing los blancos their 13th UCL title.

But a lot has changed since that Kyiv final for both teams. Liverpool have since won the cup, while Real Madrid haven’t. Lots has changed in personnel as well. Both sides have new goalkeepers in Allison and Courtios. The centre-back partnership for both teams has changed, with Varane and Ramos having moved on, and Liverpool strengthening in that area with Konate.  Midfield wise not much has changed for Real, while Liverpool have since acquired Fabinho and Keita. Real have strengthened the squad depth of their midfield with the accusation of the young and talented Camavinga and the rise to prominence of Valverde. Attacking wise Liverpool still have the three of Mane, Firminho and Salah, but have good squad depth in Jota, Diaz, Elliot (who can also play in midfield), Jones can also play there and of course there is Divock Origi, who offers something different from their other forwards. Real have still got Bale, but he’s barely contributed this season due to lack of minutes. Real still have the in-form, world-class leader Benzema. Out-wide they have the young Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior, who possess great pace and trickery. Vinicius has improved a lot this season, turning his talent into more consistent performance and delivering end product. Real have played Valverde out-wide as well, which I see as a defensive decision. Valverde is quick, possesses good skill, a good all-round footballer, but he works hard and tracks back, so you’d imagine he’d play in this game.

In terms of how I think the game will go, It’s a tough one to call. I’ve watched a lot of both sides in the Champions League this season. Liverpool are relentless, attacking and play with a level of arrogance in the sense they don’t really think about or respect the opposition’s counterthreat at times. I’ve not seen a single ninety-minute solid performance from Real yet in the knockout stage. Each time they’ve got through has been down to moments of brilliance from their top players like Benzema, Vinicius Junior, Modric and the impact that Rodrygo keeps providing from the bench. I can see Liverpool having lots of possession, creating plenty of moments in attack and play the better football, but even if Real conceded one or two, which they may well do, I can’t write them off due to the sheer quality they possess. In short, Real Madrid don’t have to play well to win games, shown against PSG, Chelsea and Man City. I also think Liverpool have struggled against the better sides at times in the Premier League this season and have had a good amount of fortune in terms of the opposition they’ve faced in the Champions League this season, with Klopp’s men strong favourites in each tie. So I believe Real Madrid’s experience of playing some of the top sides in Europe, and coming out on top in each round, will give them an edge in this one. I don’t think Liverpool have played anyone, possibly except Manchester City, that have the quality of Real. So I believe Real Madrid have the confidence that they know they can beat top sides and have so many winners with experience in their team, along with a brilliant “never say die” attitude.

To conclude, I predict a Real Madrid win. It’s tough to say whether that’ll be in the ninety, 120 or on penalties, but I can see Liverpool getting exposed on the counterattack with the pace and quality Real Madrid have, and the amount of space, partially from their fullbacks, that they leave. I’m gonna go 2-1 Real Madrid.

Jack

Please note: The football articles that feature on this site are being written by Jack Dixon as part of his work experience. He is a teenager and looking for work experience within the football industry. He is currently taking his A-levels exams.