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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21st May 2018, Anfield, Liverpool, England; Liverpool open media day ahead of Champions League Final; Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah of Liverpool during today’s open training session at Anfield ahead of this week’s Champions League final in Kiev against Real Madrid (Photo by Alan Martin/Action Plus via Getty Images)
21st May 2018, Anfield, Liverpool, England; Liverpool open media day ahead of Champions League Final; Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah of Liverpool during today’s open training session at Anfield ahead of this week’s Champions League final in Kiev against Real Madrid (Photo by Alan Martin/Action Plus via Getty Images) /

Although Liverpool does indeed have a very dangerous trio, it is these two individuals that pose the biggest threat. Saido Mane is indeed a problem, however, his hit and miss form this season has meant that teams will likely focus more on the threat of Mohammed Salah and Roberto Firmino.

Roberto Firmino

Firmino is perhaps the most underrated weapon in Jurgen Klopp’s armory The Brazilian has been sensational this season and while Salah has gotten the majority of the plaudits, Firmino perhaps deserves it just as much as the Egyptian.

Firmino has proven to be somewhat of a Swiss army knife in this Liverpool side. He has averaged 1.8 tackles per game as well as 1.5 dribbles. The Brazilian has also scored 10 goals and added seven assists in the competition so far on his 3.3 shots per game

The striker is the main link-up between attack and midfield, often seen dropping into space and carrying the ball forward. He also has regularly won the ball back from his team.

Firmino must be contained between Casemiro, Ramos, and Varane. If given too much freedom, the Brazilian will be the orchestrator of destruction for Real Madrid. He is the main chance creator in the team and also has the second most assists in the team, only behind the nine of James Milner.

Mo Salah

The world has been singing about the Egyptian sensation all season and with very good reason. Salah is a fantastic dribbler with eye-watering pace and as seen this season, a clinical finish. With 46 goals in 54 club and country appearances, he is the biggest threat in this side.

Salah is completing 2.2 dribbles per game, taking 3.4 shots per game, and making 2.3 key passes per game. With 10 goals and three assists under his belt in the competition this year, Salah could be the biggest headache for Zidane’s side to contend with. However, the team has faced the Egyptian previously in the run-up to the final in Milan a couple years ago.

Yes, Salah has clearly improved since – but Ramos has shown the capability to stop the Egyptian. It will be an interesting battle to watch!

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