Liverpool vs Real Madrid: How both teams have changed since 2018 Champions League final

• Real Madrid and Liverpool have experienced interesting fortunes since they last met in the Champions League final in 2018
• The 2018 edition of the final ended in a 3-1 win for Real Madrid, who capitalized on defensive lapses from Liverpool
• Jurgen Klopp’s team that played three years ago has not changed much, compared to Real Madrid, who only have 4 players in the starting XI who also played in 2018

Liverpool and Real Madrid meet again in the same stage of the most prestigious competition in Europe, and everything is at stake for both sides.

The two giants of Europa will lock horns at the Stade de France on Saturday, May 28, and both will be looking to cap off the season with European glory.

While both sides are clearly intent on winning the Champions League, a good argument can be put up on why Liverpool is the side that wants it more.

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The last time the two sides met was in 2018 final in Kyiv, where Liverpool suffered a sensational collapse as Real Madrid won their third Champions League trophy in a row.

It was a game of “what ifs” for Liverpool as a combination of poor goalkeeping and bad luck in terms of injuries ultimately cost Jurgen Klopp a shot at glory.

Of course, all that is in the past as Liverpool would go on to redeem themselves the following season, winning the Champions League at the expense of Tottenham Hotspur, who they beat in the final.

Sports Brief takes a look at how both teams line ups have changed since the infamous final three years ago.

Liverpool

Here is how Liverpool lined up for the 2018 Champions League final:

Karius; Van Dijk, Lovren, Alexander-Arnold, Robertson; Milner, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Salah, Mane, Firmino

In goal, Karius as dramatically fallen out of favor at Liverpool and is no longer at the club, with Alisson set to take responsibility in goal.

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Dejan Lovren also departed the club but the three defenders, Van Dijk, Robertson and Trent Alexander Arnold are still key figures for Jurgen Klopp.

In midfield, Wijnaldum left for PSG, while Milner is not a regular starter but Jordan Henderson is still very crucial for his side, especially in big games.

Up front, Mohammed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino are all still with the club, but Klopp has the luxury of testing out other lethal forwards like Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota for this final.

Real Madrid

Here is the Real Madrid side that starred in 2018:

Navas; Ramos, Varane, Carvajal, Marcelo; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric, Isco; Cristiano, Benzema

Los Blancos are definitely the more changed side in the last three years, and changes begin right from the manager, as the 2018 triumph was masterminded by Zinedine Zidane.

This time, however, it is Carlo Ancelotti who will be looking for another slice of European success.

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Another major difference in Real Madrid’ squad is the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is currently the most prolific marksman in the competition’s history.

Keylor Navas, Ramos and Varane also left the Bernabeu, while Marcelo has fallen down the pecking order with the Merengues.

Further upfront, Modric is likely to still be a key player for his side, and so will Casemiro and Toni Kroos.

In attack, Isco is no longer a regular starter for his side, but Karim Benzema is certainly the go-to guy for goals, especially following the departure of Cristiano.

Vinicius Jnr’s daring request to Klopp

Meanwhile, Sports Brief reported of Vinicius junior’s odd request to Jurgen Klopp ahead of Saturday’s showdown.

There is some uncertainty around Liverpool’s squad ahead of the final, with a number of stars facing late fitness tests.

Regardless, Vinicius urged Klopp to put out his strongest team, so fans can be treated to a proper clash between the two giants.