And then there were two. Liverpool will face Real Madrid in the final of the 2017-18 Uefa Champions League in Kiev, Ukraine on Saturday night with the title of Europe’s finest on offer.
Liverpool are bidding for a sixth Champions League title in the Ukrainian capital while Real Madrid are going for an incredible 13th win.
Liverpool last lifted “old big ears” back on that memorable Istanbul night in 2005, while Real are seeking their third continental crown in a row and would become the first club to achieve such a feat since 1976.
Fans have already begun to gather in the Ukrainian capital ahead of the Champions League final on Saturday. Photo: EPA
So what do the bookies reckon? Well, the best odds out there would have Real as narrow but definite favourites at $2.3, with Liverpool at $3.25. A draw is easily the most unlikely outcome for the money men at $3.95, which itself represents great value considering the attacking prowess of both sides; many in the game are predicting a high-scoring encounter.
Fans pose for a photograph in front of a banner charting each teams’ progress through the knockout stages of the Champions League. Photo: EPA
Both teams have brought slightly shaky form into the final. Liverpool secured their Champions League place for next season with an impressive dismantling of Brighton on the last day of the Premier League season, but had lost two on the spin going into that game.
Real Madrid drew their final domestic game away to Villarreal this past weekend (Liverpool have had two weeks off), but they did win their previous game 6-0 against Celta Vigo putting an end to a run of three games without a win.
Both teams are expected to be more-or-less full strength meaning we could be in for a super finale.
