UEFA Champions League Final 2022 Preview: Liverpool vs. Real Madrid

The two most elite squads of European football in 2022 will do battle at the Stage de France on May 28^th. Liverpool and Real Madrid have fought through the trenches of the Champions League group and qualification stages to reach the penultimate fixture of the tournament.

The most prestigious trophy in European club football is a mere three weeks from hosting its final matchup. It’ll be Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool squad hoping to re-write history when facing Spanish giants Real Madrid who defeated them in the competition back in 2018.

From A Betting Perspective

Los Blancos and the Reds are the most successful teams in European competition. Liverpool lifted the UCL trophy on six occasions, and Real Madrid boasts twelve successes in their club’s history. The worldwide popularity of each team could produce the most-watched Champions League final ever, and the sports betting apps and bookmakers are guaranteed to be prepared for the heavy wagering action to follow.

Oddsmakers have put their line-making faith in Liverpool as the Champions League winners of 2022; the available odds are currently 1.59 (-169) with a 62.9% implied probability with the comeback on Real Madrid at 2.70 (+170) with a 37% implied probability. However, betting on the UCL trophy winner removes the method in which the tournament is won – moneyline bettors who expect either team to win within 90 minutes of action will provide a higher value. The Liverpool moneyline is priced at 2.05 (+105), and as a heavy underdog, if you believe Los Blancos can shock the world again, an incredible piece of betting value at 3.70 (+270) can be had on the Spaniards.

From a betting perspective, I believe that no team should be entering a Champions League final with such a dramatic separation in the available odds. Logic would say bet the Real Madrid odds and understand that technical ability and managerial tactics don’t necessarily produce winning teams. Of course, most critics would agree that Liverpool owns the superior lineup. Still, the same people also argued the same case for PSG and Manchester City, who fell victim to Carlo Ancelotti and his masterfully crafted squad selection.

Liverpool

A history-defining moment in time awaits Jurgen Klopp and company. Liverpool is on the brink of accomplishing an unfathomable feat with the potential of a quadruple trophy season ahead. After collecting the English League Cup, they claimed a position in this season’s FA Cup final, and with an English Premier League title chase with Manchester City underway, the domestic treble of English glory is a real possibility. And, of course, the Champions League final would complete the quadruple, should the Reds succeed in the aforementioned trophy hunts. However, despite their UCL exit, Manchester City is in top form, and Klopp’s men must overcome the defending UCL champions in Chelsea to get their hands on the FA Cup.

The weeks ahead will play a massive factor in Liverpool’s Champions League confidence heading into the final. With every game on the Reds schedule between now and May 28^th involving ‘make or break’ situations, it will be imperative for the Merseyside faithful to remain composed and winning or losing these games will undoubtedly play a role in their clash with Real.

Nevertheless, Liverpool has played exceptional football this term, and many critics believe the gargantuan task of a quadruple season isn’t so unlikely.

Real Madrid

Los Blancos have already claimed the La Liga title after dethroning their city rivals Atletico Madrid with four matchdays remaining. Having dominated the season to a 35^th Spanish title with room to spare, Real Madrid can relax and put their sole focus on the Champions League final with Liverpool.

It’s surprising how many people are doubting the most successful team in Champions League history. With just three defeats in seventeen European cup final appearances, I believe Real Madrid’s 2021/22 edition could silence the doubters once again.

Champions League 2022 Final Thoughts: Liverpool vs. Real Madrid

I genuinely believe that confidence will play a huge factor in this meeting. Therefore, it’s hard to make a prediction at the time of writing this article. I’ll leave you with this, should Liverpool claim the FA Cup trophy against Chelsea and take the English Premier League title from Manchester City, they’re going to enter the Stade de France with a level of confidence that even Karim Benzema and his comrades can overcome.

On the flip side, If Liverpool suffers a downtrend throughout the upcoming weeks of play, Real Madrid might capitalize on the fragile mentality the Anfield boys will unquestionably be suffering from.