Final will be an interesting one – Benitez

RAFA Benitez predicts a “very interesting” Champions League final between “top sides” Liverpool and Real Madrid later this month.

The Newcastle United manager famously led the then-unfancied Reds to the Champions League title in 2005 – completing an historic three-goal comeback in the final against AC Milan which has become affectionately known as ‘The Miracle of Istanbul’ – and Liverpool have not claimed another European Cup since.

However, Benitez – who has managed both Liverpool and boyhood club Real – expects an exciting spectacle in Kiev on May 26 when the Reds chase their sixth European title.

Twice-defending champions Madrid will target a 13th continental triumph.

“We have plenty of time to talk about that,” Benitez replied when asked his thoughts on Liverpool’s progression to their first Champions League final since 2007, when the Spaniard was at the Anfield helm.

“It will be very interesting to see these top sides playing in the final.

“For the Liverpool fans, it will be a great experience again, while for the Real Madrid fans it is something they are used to doing.

“Both teams are good teams and it will be very interesting.”

Liverpool and Real are both renowned for their attacking prowess, the Reds boasting Mo Salah in their ranks and Madrid able to field Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, Benitez has warned both teams that finals are difficult to “control,” citing his experience in Istanbul with Liverpool,.

He has suggested Reds’ manager Jurgen Klopp and Real boss Zinedine Zidane will need to be flexible in their approach.

“The final, sometimes you cannot control,” Benitez responded when asked if he expected an end-to-end game with both teams prioritising attack over defence.

“When we played in Istanbul we were thinking about staying in the game for a while – and we conceded after one minute.

“In a final you never know, it is hard to control.”