UCL finalLiverpool v Real Madrid: Key tactical battles

A mouth-watering occasion awaits when Jürgen Klopp's men go in pursuit of their third piece of silverware in the 2021-22 campaign.

Los Blancos, meanwhile, won La Liga this season by 13 points and are looking to clinch a 14th European Cup.

With the help of former Red Fabio Aurelio, we've previewed a trio of individual battles we're expecting to see when the two sides meet at Stade de France. Read on for his analysis…

Alisson Becker v Karim Benzema

Among the very best in the world in their positions.

Benzema has yet again displayed his goalscoring touch throughout 2021-22, with Alisson equally as skilled at keeping them out.

The Real Madrid forward has netted 44 goals from his 45 outings in all competitions this season, while Alisson has delivered 27 clean sheets for Klopp's side.

"A great part of Real being in another final is because of his season," Aurelio says of the Frenchman. "He doesn't need much of a clear chance to score.

"In one-v-one situations, I believe it's more difficult for 'keepers – but we've seen Alisson in those situations just grow a lot. So players don't have much of a view or don't have as easy a view as they would in front of other 'keepers.

"I hope they don't face each other in one-v-one situations, but if they do, it will be very interesting to see."

Trent Alexander-Arnold v Vinicius Junior

Arguably the most intriguing match-up of the night will take place on Liverpool's right-hand side.

Alexander-Arnold will look to continue being the creative force he is, though needs to be on high alert for Real's left winger.

Vinicius has the joint-second-most assists in the Champions League this season (six) and possesses explosive pace to utilise absolutely any space afforded to him.

That said, there may be an expectation for the Brazilian to chip in defensively to combat Alexander-Arnold's game-changing threat.

"It's similar to the last Champions League final they played against each other in 2018," Aurelio offers. "I remember we were saying before the game about Salah against Marcelo. It's a bit different now because it's a Liverpool defender and Madrid's attacker.

"Trent has been, for a few years now, a key player for the team because, as well as doing his part defensively, he goes forward a lot, creating options for assists, scoring goals and has good free-kicks.

"We could see in the knockout rounds how important Vinicius was for Madrid as well, because he's very good in one-v-one situations.

"I think Alexander-Arnold will have to be more careful going forward because he knows what he'll have behind him. But Vinicius will have to compose himself well tactically to not leave those spaces. If he does, Alexander-Arnold can create a lot of chances and help Liverpool go forward.

"It'll be an interesting battle tactically and technically."

Jordan Henderson v Luka Modric

The heartbeat of both finalists – on and off the pitch – that are showing no signs of slowing down.

No player has made more appearances for Liverpool in this demanding campaign than their inspiring captain.

Meanwhile, Modric, at 36 years of age, has covered 114 kilometres in the 2021-22 Champions League (ninth-most) and is searching for his fifth winner's medal.

Aurelio is blessed to have shared a pitch with both, having been a teammate of Henderson during the No.14's first season at Anfield and coming up against Modric at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Brazilian analyses: "We can see Henderson does the responsibilities he has very well – on the field and off the field. He can contribute a lot and he's very important for the team.

"His role is a bit different to Modric's in Madrid, because I would say Modric is more a creative player for them. It will be very important to keep an eye on him because he can create those chances you just cannot see.

"His passing ability, his view of the game, moving everywhere – most of Madrid's game, in my opinion, passes through his feet."