Liverpool will attempt to win their seventh European Cup title when they face Real Madrid in the Champions League final at Stade de France in Paris on Saturday, marking the culmination of their 2021-22 season.
The Reds, who finished second in the Premier League, aim to complete a domestic and European treble after securing the FA Cup and Carabao Cup this campaign. Manager Jurgen Klopp emphasized the challenge ahead, stating, "Three finals in five years is exceptional because this competition is really difficult. It is really special. We really want to give it a proper go."
Real Madrid, the 13-time Champions League winners, are led by Carlo Ancelotti, who seeks a fourth European Cup triumph as a manager—equaling the record he set with AC Milan (2002-03, 2006-07) and Real Madrid (2013-14). The Italian coach also became the first manager to win league titles in all five major European leagues after guiding Real to a 35th La Liga title in 2022.
Key players include Liverpool’s Sadio Mane, who helped Senegal win the Africa Cup of Nations in February 2022, and Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema, the Champions League’s top scorer with 15 goals this season. Both are in contention for the Ballon d’Or award.
