Our experts are tipping Liverpool — and expect goals!
JAMIE REDKNAPP LIVERPOOL WIN 3-2
It’s so difficult to call this game. Both teams are capable of magic... and making mistakes. So many different things could happen. I’m only saying 3-2 because I want it to be 3-2!
MARTIN KEOWN REAL WIN 2-1
It is hard to look past Real’s experience of dealing with the occasion. This is their fourth Champions League final in five years and for many of the players it will almost feel like just another game. But if you could pick one team to take on these Spanish giants, it would be Liverpool. They have a puncher’s chance. We are in for a cracker.
CHRIS SUTTON LIVERPOOL WIN 3-0
I can see Liverpool blowing them away. Madrid were fortunate to get past Juventus and Bayern Munich. They are vulnerable at the back, keeping one clean sheet in their last 11 games, so Liverpool should have nothing to fear. If they play their own game, I don’t see how Madrid can cope with them.
IAN LADYMAN REAL WIN 3-1
I fear this may be where the dream dies for Liverpool. Unless something dramatic has happened behind closed doors between Rome and Kiev, it is hard to see Liverpool keeping a clean sheet tonight and that leaves them having to beat Ronaldo & Co in a shootout. I would be delighted — but very surprised — if they manage it.
MATT BARLOW LIVERPOOL WIN 3-2
I’m expecting goals in keeping with the knockout rounds (91 goals in 14 ties at 3.25 per game) and I’m backing Liverpool’s pace and energy to overwhelm Real Madrid’s class and experience.
DOMINIC KING LIVERPOOL WIN 3-1
There is no logic to this prediction as, to be frank, how many Liverpool players would get into Madrid’s starting line-up... two, possibly three at best? But I have had a feeling for some time that Liverpool will win this competition and I can see Roberto Firmino having a huge say. Liverpool’s preparations could not have gone smoother. Now it’s time for the players to deliver in the final.
PETE JENSON REAL WIN 4-2 AFTER EXTRA TIME
Madrid will have three top international forwards on the bench — probably Benzema, Vazquez and Asensio if Bale and Isco start. That could end up being the difference. I take Liverpool to start stronger but Madrid to overwhelm them with that attacking strength in depth over 120 minutes.