The biggest club competition in the world is about to come to an end with the final being played this evening. This Champions League campaign has really been one for the ages. We’ve seen incredible comebacks, underdogs rising to the occasion, and even a Divock Origi goal. It’s been a hard-fought competition by some of Europe’s biggest clubs, however there is now only two left standing. Liverpool and Tottenham both pulled off incredible comebacks in the previous round to reach the final in Madrid. Liverpool will be looking to go one better this year, having only just fell short to Real Madrid the previous season. For the Tottenham players, they will be looking to make club history by winning the trophy for the first time.

The result of a cup final is all dependent on whatever team can execute their game plan the best on the day. With the quality that both these sides possess, it really is anyone’s to play for. Liverpool will be most people’s favourites going into the final, especially coming off the back of a terrific Premier League season in which they only fell short of the title by one point. Liverpool was in the exact same position last year and you must think that the experience will only help them this time round. The players will be able to draw on that experience and be able to get themselves mentally prepared for the big occasion that lies ahead. Many people have been questioning Liverpool’s defence over recent seasons, although this season we’ve seen how defensively good Liverpool have been with Van Djik being able to play the full season along with the introduction of Allison. Tottenham will have to be weary of Liverpool’s full backs. Alexander-Arnold and Robertson are a constant threat and have been a huge part of Liverpool’s success. With 23 Premier League assists between them this season, Tottenham’s wide men will have to get on top the Liverpool’s full backs. But if Liverpool are going to win the game this evening, it will be through their front three. Arguably the best threesome in world football, Salah, Mane and Firmino, could humiliate any defence in world football. Constant movement, incredible speed, and clinical in front of goal. These three will be Liverpool’s key to victory and the players to win them the game. Unfortunately for Liverpool, Firmino has been injured of late so may be on the bench, although as we’ve seen from the previous round Origi is a completely new player to the one of previous seasons and should be able to fill his boots.

Tottenham will go into this game under no pressure whatsoever. Sure, they may never get this opportunity again for a while, but no one expected there in the first place. Pochettino has really worked his magic this season, after not signing player in the summer the Tottenham manager was working on limited resources. A new stadium, a Champions League final, and another top four finish shows why it’s no coincidence that every club in the world would love to have the Argentinian as their manager. This will be a new experience for the Tottenham players this evening and how they react to the magnitude of the occasion will determine whether they can beat Liverpool. Tottenham’s strongest 11 can compete with anyone in the world if they’re fully fit, however their star man and captain, Harry Kane, is only just returning from an ankle injury. Lucas Moura stepped up the last round, although has been very inconsistent throughout his time at Tottenham. Whether Poch remains loyal to the players from the semi-final victory or decides to go with his star man will have a massive impact on the game. For Tottenham to win this game, they will have to win the midfield battle. This is Liverpool’s weakest department and arguably Tottenham’s strongest. The team from North London will have take control of the midfield in the early parts of the game to establish a foothold of the game and give them a chance of victory.

Whatever happens, both teams have been incredible this campaign and both sets of fans will certainly be proud of there players. Many had written off the English teams over the past few seasons, although it looks like English teams are finally able to compete with Europe’s big boys. I fancy Liverpool to win this due to there firepower upfront, although it will certainly not surprise me if Tottenham can find a way to do it. One thing is for certain, Arsenal fans will be the most nervous out of anyone this evening.