Real Madrid go head-to-head with Liverpool on Saturday aiming to become the champions of Europe for the 14th time.
With the La Liga title already in the bag, Los Blancos will be confident of adding another Champions League success to their impressive tally.
However, they are unlikely to find things easy against a Liverpool team chasing their third trophy of the campaign. Read on as we preview the final.
Previous record
Steve McManaman highlighted in a recent interview with Betway just how much this prestigious competition means to Madrid.
The former Liverpool and Madrid star waxed lyrical about a club that has undoubtedly had the upper hand against their English opponents in recent years.
Madrid have won four and drawn one of their last five meetings with Liverpool, and will fancy their chances of enhancing that record in Paris.
The Reds triumphed in the three previous matches between the two sides, but recent results give Madrid a distinct advantage over their opponents.
Madrid road to the final
A 2-1 home defeat against Sheriff Tiraspol on Matchday 2 aside, Madrid had little difficult in claiming top spot in Group D.
Things got trickier in the round of 16, with Madrid recovering from a two-goal deficit to secure a 3-2 aggregate victory over Paris Saint-Germain.
They were pushed hard again by Chelsea in the quarter-finals, but eventually secured a 5-4 aggregate win after extra time.
A dramatic 6-5 overall win against Manchester City following another extra time period sent Madrid through to their fifth final in nine years.
Madrid team news
Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has the luxury of a full squad to choose from, with David Alaba back in training after a month on the sidelines.
The defender has not played since the first leg of the semi-finals, but is expected to be restored to the heart of the defence against Liverpool.
Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Luka Modric are likely to be the midfield three, although Eduardo Camavinga is pushing for a start.
Karim Benzema will be Madrid’s danger man in attack after rattling home an impressive 15 goals in this season’s Champions League.
Prediction
Bookmakers rate Liverpool as favourites to lift the prestigious trophy for the seventh time, but they appear to have got the odds wrong on this occasion.
Madrid have had a much tougher route to the final having been forced to dig deep against PSG, Chelsea and City in the knockout stage.
Liverpool have looked a little weary in recent weeks and may find it difficult to overcome the setback of missing out on the Premier League title last Sunday.
Madrid’s record of 13 Champions League titles highlights how seriously they take this competition and they look a good bet to add to their tally this weekend.
Score: Madrid 3-1 Liverpool.
