The Real Champs
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Real Madrid’s four keys to victory in the Champions League Final

By Hasan Karim

Real Madrid players attend a training session during Real Madrid's Media Open Day ahead of their UEFA Champions league final footbal match against Liverpool FC, in Madrid on May 22, 2018. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP) (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)
Real Madrid players attend a training session during Real Madrid's Media Open Day ahead of their UEFA Champions league final footbal match against Liverpool FC, in Madrid on May 22, 2018. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP) (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images) /
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ESTADIO WANDA METROPOLITANO, MADRID, SPAIN – 2017/11/18: Modric (L) and Tony Kroos (R) during Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid match. Null match (0-0) between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid. (Photo by Jorge Gonzalez/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)
ESTADIO WANDA METROPOLITANO, MADRID, SPAIN – 2017/11/18: Modric (L) and Tony Kroos (R) during Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid match. Null match (0-0) between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid. (Photo by Jorge Gonzalez/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images) /

Control the midfield battle

The midfield battle is perhaps the most key aspect of the final. Successful control of the midfield will make or break the game for Los Blancos and one thing that is abundantly clear is that anything less than a three-man midfield will end in disaster.

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Liverpool’s midfield is not the most technically sound, however, it is effective. With Henderson sitting deep at the base of the midfield, he is supported by the ever-lasting efforts of Wijnaldum and Milner.

The main target of that midfield should be Jordan Henderson. Should the Madrid midfield manage to shut down the man from Sunderland, they will then minimize just how much effect Wijnaldum and, more importantly, the record-breaking assist maker, James Milner, have on the game.

Henderson has improved greatly this season in picking his passes and timing his tackles to break up the opposing team’s rhythm. Against Manchester City at Anfield, he completed two tackles, one block, and three interceptions. He boasted very similar numbers against Roma in both legs of the UCL semifinal.

This is complemented by James Milner also completing around 2.5 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game in the UCL. While these numbers may not be massively high, the continual work ethic and war-horse like attitude is the biggest threat posed. Why is this an issue for Real Madrid? The midfield has shown tendencies to switch off in games. It has been seen numerous times this season.

Alongside the midfield continually being aware, positioning must be disciplined. This mainly falls on Casemiro who can often be caught out up the field and failing to track back. The Brazilian has some incredible defensive capability and he needs to keep that consistent over 90 minutes as he has one key battle that in this game.

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