In the US, Paramount+ will have the match on their streaming service. pic.twitter.com/LK322Fs3gT. Even though the midfield may seem like the most pressing issue for Liverpool, that doesnt mean that panic should ensue if they do indeed neglect to buy a midfielder this summer. Liverpool will bid to get over their Premier League disappointment by lifting a seventh European Cup this weekend as they take on Real Madrid in the Champions League final. For more information: Several outlets reported fans were pepper-sprayed outside the stadium, with footage suggesting that is the case, but The Athletic has not been able to verify that. Versatile midfielder Federico Valverde started the second leg as one of Real's designated forwards, allowing them to seamlessly switch to a more compact system when out of possession. One of the ways they could punish Liverpool, with all of the above information in mind, is creating moves that suck Liverpool players in and open the door for passes played over the top for pacy forwards such as Vinicius Junior to attack. (LogOut/ But Real went gung-ho for the final 20 minutes of normal time, after introducing winger Rodrygo as a substitute. In this tactical analysis, we take a look at why Bellingham has excelled at Dortmund, and attempt to identify his next big club. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti pictured gesturing to his players during their Champions League semi-final win over Manchester City. Ancelotti has used a 4-3-3 in almost every single match this campaign in all competitions, and the final of the Champions League was never going to be anything different. -> Contact After a delayed kick-off, Liverpool started the brighter of the two sides. Many opponents Liverpool face retreat into their own defensive half when they are without the ball, aiming to remain compact and with a view of restricting space for Liverpool to exploit. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. In last 21 years, La Liga teams have played 17 Champions League and Europa League finals against non-Spanish teams. When asked by AS what system he planned to use against the Reds, he replied: "The 4-3-3 that sometimes can change to a 4-4-2. -> About Real Madrid held on to lift the Champions League for a record 14th time, as Liverpool were unable to break through the Spanish side's resolute defence. Real Madrid starting XI: [4-3-3-] Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric; Valverde, Vinicius Junior, Benzema. I think it's always been broadly assumed that Xavi was the greatest midfielder of that generation just gone (born early 80s-ish), but it's Modric isn't it. Earlier this season, he became the first manager to win the league in five different countries and tonight he has gone one better. It was a repeat of the 2018 final, which Real won 3-1, and once again the Spanish side emerged victorious after a goal from Vinicius Junior. See how I watch football matches for my analyses, and gain the necessary insights that guide my articles. Despite the high-scoring nature of the contest, Real actually played rather defensively for much of the second leg, although that was largely dictated by City's dominance for 89 minutes. Carlo Ancelotti may however have more to celebrate and remember in 2021-22, winning the Champions League and La Liga title in his first season back with Los Blancos. Of course, even before kick-off in Porto, everyone knew how much quality the Redbridge-born right-back possessed, but his performance over the course of 90 minutes was genuinely enough to take your breath away.
The first South American player since Lionel Messi in 2008-09 to be directly involved in 10+ goals in a single #UCL campaign while aged 21 or under & the match winner in #UCLFinal tonight.The rise of Vinicius Junior #RMCF @dermotmcorrigan @jacklang @NickMiller79. Vinicius is a right-footed attacker who usually plays on the left of Madrids attack, with scoring goals just as important as creating them for Ancelottis men - hes scored 21 goals across all competitions this season. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. (LogOut/ With the defensive line so high, opponents have very little space to try and play their way out and as a result will often be forced to go long, giving possession back to Liverpool to again take control. LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 27: Jordan Henderson of Liverpool celebrates with his team mates after scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Leg One match between Liverpool and Villarreal at Anfield on April 27, 2022 in Liverpool, England. Carlo Ancelotti has said that his Real Madrid team will line up in a fluid 4-3-3 formation when they face Liverpool in the Champions League final. Rodrygo scored twice in the 90th minute from Real's first two shots on target to force extra time, where Karim Benzema completed the turnaround. Nevertheless, Liverpool could never fully stop either man from being a handful, with the two Real Madrid men working in tandem to cause misery to Klopps back-line. Unfortunately for the Reds, their many attempts and excellent link-up from the likes of Mane and Salah always found their match in the steady arms and warm embrace (Tifo reference. 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However, within the commentary surrounding what Atletico did on the day to achieve a result, as an undoubtedly all-out defensive approach, the 5-5-0 has become overstated almost as a metric for evaluating Atleticos solidity. Liverpool played in three cup finals last season, and although they won two of them on penalties, they scored zero goals in regulation. Even with Alisson at his best, hes still not capable of keeping every one of these types of opportunities out, and that leads us back to Saturdays clash with Real Madrid. But whats important to note is that Klopps Liverpool have never been a team that is greatly dependent on their midfield to get their attack going; thats what fullbacks Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold are for, as evidenced by the amount of assists they rack up on a yearly basis. Kroos completed 8 of his 10 long passes, whilst Modric managed 5/6, constantly offering a threat from deep for the likes of Vinicius and Benzema to go toe to toe with Liverpools back-line. You can unsubscribe at any time. Should there be any concern that Liverpool were unable to score in any of their three finals this season. For example, when pressing from the front, Jordan Henderson would sometimes step up on Toni Kroos in a sort of 4-2-4 pressing shape. In arguably his biggest selection dilemma, Jurgen Klopp has opted for Ibrahima Konate over Joel Matip to partner Virgil van Dijk at the heart of Liverpool's defence. Check out our new Player Ratings inside the CANPL! Perhaps a switch from a 4-3-3 formation to a 4-2-3-1 could be behind all this. Maybe this is the time for Liverpool to fully embrace what they are and play an attack-minded 4-2-3-1, using Thiago or Henderson as a holding midfielder with Fabinho, and focusing the rest on the attack. Share your thoughts by emailing us on [emailprotected]. They kept solid possession in patiently working the ball through the thirds, utilizing Kroos + 1 other central midfielder to drop toward the centre-backs and aid in the circulation out from the back. The MastermindSite is a football tactics and analysis website, guided toward those seeking professional development and greater knowledge of the game, to take their craft and footballing IQ to the next level. After a prolonged VAR check, however, the Real striker was adjudged to be offside. $4.99 per month. Be sure to check out more of our Match Analyses, and follow on social media @mastermindsite, to never miss an update. Spanish sides just seem to have a certain 'know-how' in European competition. A tactical analysis of Liverpools loss to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Final. That then pushed Benzema over to the left next to Vinicius Junior, where the dynamic duo could work in close quarters. The full-backs pushed high, as the third member of the midfield triad urged forward and joined Valverde in holding an advanced position in a box-like midfield quartet. Enter your email to receive new posts delivered directly to your inbox! Europe, once again, belongs to Real Madrid. With Courtois supersonic-ifying his gloves beforehand, the match ended with Real Madrid coming out as winners, claiming an impressive double under the influence of Carlo Ancelotti, and one last hurrah for many of the decade-defining stars from the 2010s. Since the signing of Mohamed Salah in 2017, and the subsequent renaissance the club has experienced, they have rarely lined up in any formation other than 4-3-3. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. Even after signing forwards Diogo Jota in 2020 and Luis Diaz in January of 2022, they stuck with the 4-3-3. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. But now things are changing in Merseyside. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. In this competition, they have faced their fair share of elite opposition which included last seasons champions of Italy and Spain, making it even more impressive that they won 12 of their 13 Champions League fixtures. In terms of Klopps selections, Ancelotti and Real set into motion the plan to target the weaker right side of Trent and Konat. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. For further information on their rich European history, click here. The durability of Ancelottis team has been particularly impeccable and impressive this season, with older heads like Modric, Kroos, Benzema and Courtois still kicking about as some of the most important members of the team. Over the past few seasons, weve seen some legendary Champions League finals. Change). 2022 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Vinicius Jr's second-half strike gave Ancelotti's side the lead. Liverpool generated several quality opportunities, but couldnt find a way past the tall frame of Thibaut Courtois, and failed to find the heavy metal-ness of their usual dominance and control. Real Madrid lifted the Champions League trophy a record 14th time after beating Liverpool 1-0. Liverpool starting XI: [4-3-3] Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Mane, Diaz. While Liverpool can boast being the stronger side in most areas, there is still a vulnerability to their game that could cost them dear this weekend, and the same is a consequence of their infamous high defensive line. That has now transferred into a fourth UEFA Champions League title for the manager himself, his second at Real Madrid. Though theres a fair case to be made that Madrid are fortunate to have reached this stage, theyre still a top European outfit that can hurt plenty of top teams. Real beat Manchester City 6-5 on aggregate in the semi-finals to set up their meeting with Liverpool in Paris on May 28.