VARANE: HAT-TRICK CHANCE SO SUR-REAL

RAPHAEL VARANE admits it feels “surreal” to be on the brink of making Champions League history.

Varane, 25, can win a third successive European Cup on Saturday but claims Real Madrid are not favourites to beat Liverpool.

“It seems surreal and difficult to imagine,” said the Real defender (above). “Winning one is complicated but three in a row? I’ve no words. . . and a fourth would be magnificent.

“It’s amazing. The experience we have in this situation makes us realise how tough it will be, yet it makes us more confident. We’re clear in knowing what we have to do to win. “First we need to think of this match. We’re only thinking of Liverpool and then, we’ll see. “Liverpool play well together. Their attacking trio work well and have scored a lot of goals. We know it’s their strong point, so we need to defend well and avoid leaving spaces. It’s really important to work as a unit and close any gaps, so concentration will be vital.

“But I don’t think we’re favourites. Liverpool are in the final for a reason. They are a good team and have done well to reach this stage. There are no favourites in a match like this and beating them will be complicated.

“Both teams are able to get forward very quickly.

“But you can’t suddenly change the pace of the game, otherwise it unbalances the team. You need to have balance and that’s important; transitional play is crucial.”