Balague – Madrid will struggle to contain Liverpool’s pace
Real Madrid fans will definitely not be pleased with the assertion being made by Spanish football expert Guillem Balague that Los Blancos will struggle to contain Liverpool as both sides are currently preparing to square up to each other in Kiev on May 26.
Debates have been raging in the course of the week on which side will emerge tops over the other as the day approaches. Real Madrid are firm favorites on paper, but they’ll have to prove it on the pitch against the Gegenpressing side of Jurgen Klopp
The Los Blancos’ quest for a 13th UCL title will surely provide the needed motivation to help them prosecute the game, but Liverpool’s run to the stage has been far from lucky and fortunate as they’ve had to knock out some very decent sides, courtesy of their red-hot attack line that has seen them outscore the majority of their opponents up to this stage.
As we look forward to the game, Balague has also identified the trio of Firmino, Salah, and Mane as one that Los Blancos will not be able to contain due to their pace.
However, Liverpool will also be on the lookout for Madrid’s attack line with Ronaldo being a sure threat. Asides that, one or two on the attack line could decide to take the bull by the horn on the day.
In a chat with Redmen TV, Balague said: “I was with Rafa Benitez a couple of days ago. We were going through the final, and he came out with something that made me think. It was a very good analysis.
“If they go from minute one, it’s impossible to be matched by Real Madrid”
“It was about intensity versus knowledge and control, particularly the intensity of Liverpool. If they go from minute one, it’s impossible to be matched by Real Madrid.
“By controlling the game in a conservative way, they are just trying to stop Liverpool going at that rate and pace.
“That’s all they’ll be able to do.
“It could well be that they just go aggressive from minute one on the front foot and surprise Real Madrid that way. If that happens, Real are not used to that intensity.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool are the top scorers in the competition with 40 goals, 10 more than Real Madrid. However, Klopp’s form in finals could be a cause for concern among the Anfield faithful. He has played six finals and lost five of them. We look ahead to the finals where the final talking will be done with the feet.
