Real Madrid vs. Liverpool: 3 individual battles that will decide the UEFA Champions League final
By Eesh Jhamb
3. Sadio Mane vs Dani Carvajal
I would have probably taken Luka Modric vs Thiago as the third one, but Thiago might not play the game due to injury.
It is pretty much understood that Dani Carvajal will start as the first-choice right-back and will have a pretty hard time dealing with Sadio Mane. Mane is on top of his form and is very much in the race for Ballon D’Or after winning the AFCON. A UCL win could be a very deciding factor in determining the winner and that is what makes this fixture even more interesting.
Assuming that Real Madrid will play the tactics similar to how it has been in the last few weeks. This means that Federico Valverde will assist Dani Carvajal in defending, but also that Carvajal will often make forward runs to help offensively from the right flank, thus leaving Sadio Mane unmarked.
The pace with which Senegal’s forward can break will be very threatening and will demand Carvajal to often track back to prevent dangerous counterattacks. It will be a very fierce battle and the Spaniard will have to step up to play his best game of the season.
Carvajal would have to be very sharp defensively given the high degree of threat of Mane. I know how good Dani Carvajal can be offensively too. His crossing is pinpoint and his chemistry with Luka Modric can help create holes in Liverpool’s defence.
Next. Vinicius Jr. is clearly LaLiga’s best young player, even if The Athletic tells you it’s Gavi. dark
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But even if Carvajal manages to keep up with Sadio Mane, without providing much in attack, I would call it an excellent performance from the experienced right back.