What will be the keys to the UEFA Champions League final?

Real Madrid
Why have you reached the final?

Is it too simplistic to say why is Real Madrid? This is their competition and they have the knowledge and quality to achieve their goals even when they do not play well. That has never been more evident than in the quarterfinals and semifinals this season. In 20 good minutes, you can nullify any opponent with your offensive talent.

Where can it be exposed?
On the sides. The three fast attackers of Liverpool that can cause problems to anyone, and with Marcelo and Dani Carvajal having an offensive mentality, could leave a lot of space behind them that could explode Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah with their cons.

Who can be your key player?
It is obvious that this would be Cristiano Ronaldo. The top scorer of the tournament and Madrid's main threat loves this competition almost as much as Real Madrid, and as former player of Manchester United will have one more incentive to beat Liverpool.

What is your key battle?
Marcelo - Mohamed Salah. As mentioned above, Marcelo will have to control his frequent offensive presences if he wants to keep Salah at bay. In a few words, if Marcelo is at his best level and annuls the Egyptian, Madrid will have more options. If it is exposed, then your team will have problems.

Liverpool
Why have you reached the final?
Jürgen Klopp's men qualified for the Kiev final by showing offensive football and breaking the record for the most goals in a single UEFA Champions League season (46) on their way. His attack front formed by Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané has been sensational, but Virgil van Djik, signed in January, has also had a crucial role providing leadership and tranquility behind Liverpool.

Where can it be exposed?
Despite the great improvement of the rear, the defense left doubts after the 4-2 defeat suffered against Roma in the semifinal round. As Klopp himself said, Liverpool was pressured by delaying its positioning at the Olympic Stadium. It would be dangerous to play with very advanced lines against Real Madrid, the English team needs to be more compact in the Ukrainian capital on Saturday.

What can be your key player?
It is difficult to see beyond his 'Pharaoh'. Mohamed Salah has broken records in his first season at Anfield, the most recent of which was the most goals scored during a 38-match Premier League season (32). He was a little absent during the second leg against Roma, but on the 11th of the whole net insurance will show his best version for the great occasion. When he plays well, Liverpool plays well.

What is your main battle?
Marcelo played a crucial role in Real Madrid's semifinal victory against Bayern with a goal and an assist in the 4-3 win in the overall result. The side was surprised out of position on several occasions, mainly in the goal of Joshua Kimmich in Germany. If Salah has a lot of space in the band in the Kiev game, the 25-year-old could feel totally comfortable.