It has been 11 years since two English clubs met in UEFA Champions League final, back when Manchester United beat Chelsea 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in 2008. The stage is set again as the world prepares to witness the dominance of English football when Liverpool take on Spurs in Champions League final in Madrid.
The Reds are seeking another European trophy. They registered a memorable win by beating AC Milan 3-2 on penalties back in 2005 whereas Tottenham will play their first Champions League final.
When is it?
Saturday, June 1 8pm, BST.
Where?
Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid.
Head-to-Head
Liverpool and Tottenham have faced each other five times in Premier League since 2017. Liverpool have won three times, defeating Spurs 2-0 in 2017 and twice in 2018 with a 2-1 score on both occasions. Spurs have registered only one 4 -1 win in 2017. One clash ended in a 2-2 draw in 2018.
Injury news
Tottenham
Jan Vertonghen suffered a head injury in the first leg vs. Ajax when he collided with fellow teammate Toby Alderweireld and Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana to win the ball. He suffered a severe injury with his shirt covered in blood.
The Belgian took part in a team training session and indicated that he is fit enough to start against Liverpool.
Harry Kane suffered lateral ligament damage in his left ankle against City in first leg quarter-finals. When asked about his chances of playing, Kane said:
I feel good; there have been no problems so far. It’s down to the manager. The manager will assess it and decide whether I’m ready to go or not, but, so far, I feel good and ready.
The likes of Harry Winks and Davinson Sanchez have also trained after previously being named as doubts for the final.
Liverpool
Roberto Fermino suffered muscular injury in training. He was substituted in the first leg against Barcelona. He returned to training and participated in the first session of the squad’s pre-final camp in Marbella. Klopp confirmed the Brazilian should be fit to feature.
Naby Keita suffered high-grade adductor injury at Camp Nou against Barcelona. The medical staff have made it clear that he will not be able to feature in Champions League final.
Klopp vs. Pochettino: Battle of the Brains
The Champions League final will be the 10th meeting between the managers since Klopp took charge of Liverpool in 2015. Out of the nine clashes, Klopp has won four and lost only on one occasion while four matches ended in all square. It will be the war of wits when Pochettino’s philosophy of dynamic attacking play counters Klopp’s Gegenpressing tactical theory.
What are the expectations?
Liverpool are clear favourites to lift the European trophy. Klopp’s troops are high on energy after resurrection against Barcelona. They had a splendid Premier League season with only one defeat throughout the campaign.
It would not be wrong to say that the ‘luck factor’ is walking with Tottenham. They managed a narrow escape against Man City in the quarter-finals before making an astonishing comeback against Ajax in the following round.
Whatever may be the result, one thing is sure that the world is about to witness the dominance of English football in Europe once again.
