Scott Groom explains why Liverpool are concerning for Real Madrid after they progressed to the UEFA Champions League final on Wednesday evening.
Liverpool are charging across Europe towards Kiev with their sights firmly set on bringing home a sixth European Cup to the Anfield trophy room, with Real Madrid standing in their way of what would be a monumental achievement.
The Reds tested the nerves of their fans across the globe as they held off a resilient Roma to win the semi-final 7-6 on aggregate, sending them into their first Champions League final since their 2-1 defeat to AC Milan back in 2007.
It’s been a long journey, starting all the way back in August last year with a 1-2 away victory over Hoffenheim with Liverpool overcoming some stern tests along the way.
Manchester City, Roma, Porto: dispatched. But in Real Madrid, the side are certain to face their most difficult match yet.
Los Blancos are not aiming to win their third consecutive European crown for nothing – they’re quite the team with world class players at their disposal in every position. And worryingly, they have been far from their best during this Champions League campaign but have still found a way to overcome opponents such as Bayern Munich, PSG and Juventus.
It is a daunting proposition and there is no doubt that Liverpool will go to Kiev as the underdogs, but Madrid will most definitely be wary of Klopp’s side.
The obvious reason that Liverpool will be giving Zidane’s team something to lose sleep over is the front three of Sadio Mané, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah. They’ve been nothing short of prolific all season, particularly in Europe.
Between the three of them, they have scored almost at will and bagged an incredible 29 goals. They’ve given every defence they’ve faced problems that often defenders cannot find an answer for. The old expression of a hot knife through butter comes to mind.
There’s also The Reds’ newfound grit and steel that’s helping them to weather stormy, rocky periods in matches. Conceding after just two minutes in the second leg against City could’ve led to a significant wobble and self-destruction as similar things have done in the past – but it didn’t.
Yes four goals were conceded in Rome, but when you consider one was a total fluke, one was a wonder strike and one was a rather harsh penalty – other than that, we dealt with their threats well. A special mention here for Virgil Van Dijk and Dejan Lovren who bossed Dzeko all night.
But more than anything, Madrid need to be scared of one thing in particular that money simply cannot buy and that is the unity and spirit that Klopp has instilled into his squad.
Every player on the pitch is playing not for themselves, but for everyone else. Selfless performances all over the pitch, endless running to ensure every blade of grass is covered and not give the opposition a yard of breathing space, and a determination to lay themselves on the line for the cause.
I saw a quote from a Liverpool fan during the celebrations in the Stadio Olimpico last night which summed up how Klopp has got this Liverpool team and fans feeling right now.
The man said that he has never felt as close to a Liverpool team as he does to this current one.
The fans are one with the players. The players are one with the manager. The manager is one with the Club. The Club is one with the fans.
You cannot rival this. It’s pure passion, pure desire – and it’s dangerous. Liverpool will not be scared of Real Madrid, and they will believe that they can hurt them going into the final.
But in times of need, they know they can rely on their fans, who can rely on the players in turn. With Klopp at the helm, everyone’s believing.
On paper, many will argue that Madrid are by far the favourites, but with this on Liverpool’s side, and 90 minutes of “all inclusive” football still to be played, anything can happen.
Make us dream.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
