The most awaited sporting event in the next week is the UEFA Champions League final between two heavyweights — England's Liverpool and Spain's Real Madrid. Both teams are arguably the best teams in their respective leagues and their fight for supremacy over the title of the best team in Europe is sure to make sure for an exciting fixture.
Here, we look at the forward lines of both sides and analyse their pros and cons heading into the ultimate match of the season.
Mohamed Salah vs Karim Benzema
The Liverpool forward will have a score to settle after suffering an injury in the last final between the two sides during the 2017-18 season. He limped off because of another injury during the FA Cup final against Chelsea. Now knee-deep into the race for a quadruple, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will hope to get back the Egyptian king in time for the final. His form has been topsy-turvy this whole season but he is still in the race for the Golden Boot in the Premier League, with 22 strikes to his name.
Meanwhile, Karim Benzema has been in prime form this season. His exceptional performances single-handedly gave Real Madrid the La Liga trophy this season, and the forward has 27 goals and 12 assists this season, his best G/A contribution for the Los Blancos in 12 seasons with the record 13-time UCL champions.
Sadio Mane vs Vinicius Junior
Sadio Mane has been a household name for the Liverpool fans ever since his move to Anfield from Premier League rivals Southampton. The Senegalese star will hope to help the Reds win their second UCL trophy in four years after playing a major role in all their different competitions. Mane often flies under the radar, mostly because of his ability to assist rather than score, but the smooth and pacey Reds star is the main player that Madrid will need to watch out for.
And on the other end of the spectrum is young Vinicius Junior, who has had a breakthrough season with Los Blancos since joining the club as an 18-year-old in 2018. The youngster has since improved leaps and bounds, and this season, built a lethal partnership with Karim Benzema, Vinicius scored 17 goals and assisted 13 more this season. He also has three goals and seven assists in the Champions League.
Diogo Jota vs Federico Valvedere
Here is where the Reds trump their opponents in the final. Valvedere starts the match on the wings, but drifts into the midfield, his original position, whenever they are attacking. This is key because it opens up a space between the attackers and the midfielders, and the player that he will have to face in the opposite direction is one with immense speed and he will need to be at his best against the Portuguese talent of Diogo Jota.
Jota has been one of Liverpool's most injury-prone players this season, but when in form, the 25-year-old has been at his possible best for Liverpool. His threat will make the Madrid defence wary of any loose balls in the midfield because the Portuguese's speed at his best can cause problems to the best of defenders.
