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Liverpool vs Real Madrid confirmed line-ups: Team news ahead of Champions League final

Liverpool are bidding to win a seventh European Cup when they take on Real Madrid in the Champions League final.

Jurgen Klopp’s side suffered heartbreak on the final day of the Premier League season as Manchester City came from behind against Aston Villa to clinch the title, bringing an end to Liverpool’s dreams of an unprecedented quadruple.

The Reds will require little added motivation when they take on Madrid, though, with the scars of the 2018 final still fresh for many players - none more so than Mohamed Salah, who was forced off with an injury before Gareth Bale scored a spectacular bicycle kick in Madrid’s 3-1 victory.

Madrid will be relying on Karim Benzema to recreate those heroics in Paris after a stunning season. Carlo Ancelotti’s side have already produced barely imaginable comebacks against PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City en route to the final and have pretty much been able to channel all their focus on this fixture since wrapping up the La Liga title almost a month ago.

Here is everything you need to know:

When and where is it?

The Champions League final has been delayed by 30 minutes after fans struggled to get into the stadium in Paris before kick-off. The final will now kick-off at 8:30pm BST, according to Uefa.

How can I watch?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match on BT Sport 1, with coverage due to begin at 6pm.

Subscribers can watch the game via the BT Sport app or online player, while the broadcaster will also be providing a free stream on their YouTube channel.

Team News

Liverpool have been handed a huge boost as both Thiago and Fabinho start in midfield after recent injury scares. Jurgen Klopp has opted for Ibrahima Konate over Joel Matip in defence, while Luis Duiz starts alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane in attack. Divock Origi has been ruled out.

Real Madrid have made one change from the team that started their semi-final second leg against Manchester City, with David Alaba returning from injury to replace Nacho in defence. Federico Valverde starts ahead of Rodrygo on the right, who has been held in reserve alongside Eduardo Camavinga. Gareth Bale is also named on the bench.

Confirmed line-ups

Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson; Fabinho, Thiago, Henderson, Diaz, Mane, Salah

Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius

Odds

Liverpool - 11/10

Draw - 13/5

Real Madrid - 23/10

Prediction

Real Madrid have pulled off some dizzying comebacks in this season’s Champions League but Liverpool are a stronger squad and have consistently shown the ability to rise to the occasion themselves. They will be even more determined after missing out on the final day of the Premier League season and will be desperate to avenge their defeat against Madrid in the 2018 final. Real Madrid 1-3 Liverpool.