Lovren: We are a different class to 2014

Dejan Lovren has warned Real Madrid that the present Liverpool side cannot be compared to the one which the Spanish giants outclassed when they last met.

Real won 3-0 at Anfield in the Champions League group stage in 2014, when Brendan Rodgers was manager. “The only thing that is similar to that night is the name, Liverpool,” says Lovren. “When you look at the players and everything we have changed a lot. I think me and Jordan Henderson are the only players left.

“I am so much more confident in the team now than I was then. Real Madrid didn’t play against us [in 2014] like we play today. Maybe they are used to this team [in 2014] and they look at images from this game [in 2014], but we are totally different now.”

Lovren is content for Madrid to be seen as the more likely winners.

“Real Madrid are favourites because of their previous experience,” he said. “You really need to respect a team that has reached the Champions League final three times in four years.”

Lovren, much improved since he was paired with Virgil van Dijk, feels he is fulfilling a personal destiny getting to the final.

“When I started to play football, I always believed in myself and that one day I can reach the final and hopefully lift the trophy,” he said.

Liverpool and Roma have been charged by Uefa following crowd disturbances at the semi-final first leg at Anfield. Liverpool have also been charged over the setting off of fireworks.