Sadio Mane scores brilliant goal as Liverpool beat Villarreal in UCL semifinal 1st leg
Football
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has come out boldly to warn Liverpool that they will have a tough outing when the two sides clash in the Champions League final.
Courtois was speaking after Real Madrid completed an incredible comeback against Manchester City. City thought they were heading into the final with only stoppage time left to play.
Brazilian youngster Rodrygo Goes sparked a comeback by scoring twice in quick succession. Red-hot striker Karim Benzema added a third and the winning goal in extra time.
Sadio Mane scores brilliant goal as Liverpool beat Villarreal in UCL semifinal 1st leg
FootballWith the final now slated for May 28th, Courtois believes that Liverpool will approach the game from a disadvantaged point of view. Liverpool Echo reports that the Belgian believes that Liverpool’s hunt for the quadruple will hurt their chances in the final.
Liverpool are playing really amazingly this season. The only good thing for us is that we aren’t playing anymore for anything, we can rest really well for that game, whereas they are playing for the Premier League. So for them it will be a bit harder.
The former Chelsea goalkeeper was referring to the title race that Liverpool are currently involved in. The Reds are hoping to pip Manchester City to the title but will need the Champions to lose their footing in at least one game.
Real Madrid meanwhile are pretty done for the season, save for the Paris final later this month. Carlo Ancelotti has already wrapped up the La Liga title and will be keen to give the fringe players a run in as the key members of the squad rest.
Villarreal fans refuse to leave Anfield after Champions League defeat to Liverpool
FootballLiverpool themselves booked their ticket to the final after overcoming a Villarreal scare. The Yellow Submarines had levelled the tie in the first half.
But a spirited performance from Jurgen Klopp's side in the second half saw the Reds qualify for the third Champions League in five years.
Courtois isn't the only player to have fired warning shots. Liverpool's hotshot Mohamed Salah has also literally asked Real Madrid to prepare for an agonizing battle.
Sports Brief reported that Salah took to Instagram and said that Liverpool have a score to settle in the Champions League final.
Revenge will be on Salah's mind given that he was withdrawn early when the two sides met in the 2018 final where Liverpool lost 3-1.