Only the very best of teams can hope to lift the iconic Champions League trophy, earning themselves the right to be crowned as kings of Europe. As we head into the 2022 final, Liverpool and Real Madrid will be competing for that honor, aiming to put the icing on the cake of what has been an exceptional season for both clubs.
Both of these great clubs have enjoyed phenomenal success in this competition. Widely considered to be European football royalty, Real Madrid boast having lifted the iconic trophy thirteen times, along with having finished as runners-up on three occasions. Liverpool are the most successful English team in the elite European competition, triumphing six times over the years, while featuring as runners-up in three of their final appearances.
Such massive occasions can be decided by moments of brilliance or inexplicable errors, as the weight of history and the sense of occasion is felt by everyone involved. But when it comes to some of the decisive factors, those which can sway fate one way or the other, what are the key factors ahead of the Liverpool versus Real Madrid Champions League final? Let’s take a look at what could make or break the fortunes of either finalist.
- History
Real Madrid was the first club ever to win the European Cup, as the competition was originally known following its inauguration in 1956. Liverpool didn’t win their first European Cup title until just over two decades later, celebrating their first triumph in 1977. Despite their collective success in the competition, Liverpool and Real Madrid have only met in the final twice, while the honours are currently even with one victory apiece.
- French Finals
Quite coincidentally, the first time Liverpool and Real Madrid met in a European Cup final, it was held at the Parc des Princes stadium in France. Liverpool ran out 1-0 winners against Real Madrid, Alan Kennedy scoring an 82nd minute winner to secure victory in the 1981 final. Every other time Real Madrid has competed at a final held in France, they have also lifted the trophy. The last occasion was the 2000 final, earning a 3-0 victory over fellow Spanish side Valencia.
- Favoritism
According to the vast majority of bookmakers, Liverpool will head into the 2022 UEFA Champions League final as favorites. Of course, Real Madrid will be out to prove the oddsmakers wrong. Thanks to the latest guide to the best online betting sites, we can get great advice about reliable and trusted online bookmakers, along with detailed site reviews and ratings, before choosing the safest locations to back our own favorites.
- Unfinished Business
Having met as recently as the 2018 final in Kyiv, there appears to be a sense of unfinished business from the Liverpool camp, given they ultimately lost that encounter 3-1 against Real Madrid. Upon discovering the Spanish giants had reached the final, Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah said that his team has a “score to settle” with Real Madrid. The Egyptian was famously injured during the 2018 final, which was a huge blow for his team, underlining his desire for some revenge this time around.
- Nerves
Playing in the final of a major competition comes with plenty of pressure, and that will be no different in the 2022 UEFA Champions League final, as Liverpool and Real Madrid players prepare themselves for the big match in Paris. For pretty much every man on the pitch, this will be the biggest game of their careers to date, so any mistake or lack of concentration could make all the difference. Any sense of nervousness will need to be carefully controlled, which means the calming influence of the respective managers will be of paramount importance.
