Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares has predicted that Real Madrid, not Liverpool, will win Saturday’s Champions League final.
Speaking on the Counter Attack Podcast, Tavares was asked who he thinks will win the trophy. The Arsenal man said that although he thinks it will be a tough game, he expects Liverpool to lose.
“Real Madrid. Because they are on fire this season,” said the 22-year-old. “It’s 11 against 11, Liverpool are really, really good. They look forward all the time and don’t let the other team breathe but it will be a good fight.”
As the game approaches everyone appears to have their own favourite. Liverpool have been imperious this season but Madrid have won La Liga and been impressive in Europe. It really could go either way.
The countdown continues
Liverpool have of course been in two cup finals so far this season and won both. Despite that excellent record, they didn’t actually manage to score in either game.
You would think that would have to change against Real Madrid. They do boast a player who has scored 44 goals in 45 games this year after all.
As well all know, that player is Karim Benzema. The Frenchman has been ridiculously good in-front of goal in what has been by far and away the best scoring season of his career.
It will be a massive task for Virgil Van Dijk and co to keep him quiet throughout the 90 minutes. Even more-so if the match goes to extra time.
If Liverpool get chances, they simply have to take them. Putting the ball in the net isn’t usually an issue for The Reds – they have only failed to score in five of 62 games this season.
However, two of those occasions came in the cup finals. Perhaps it’s been a case of the big occasion catching Liverpool out.
That can’t be allowed to happen on Saturday. You can rest assured that Benzema won’t pass up any opportunity to score on the biggest stage. Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Luis Diaz are likely to start for Liverpool. They must make sure they’re equally as clinical.