5 key battles that could decide the Champions League Final

The Top Flight’s 5 key battles that could decide the Champions League Final

FILE PHOTO (EDITORS NOTE: COMPOSITE OF IMAGES - Image numbers 887122058,856402376 - GRADIENT ADDED) In this composite image a comparison has been made between Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur (L) and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool meet in a Premier League match on September 15, 2018 in London. ***LEFT IMAGE*** LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League group H match between Tottenham Hotspur and APOEL Nicosia at Wembley Stadium on December 6, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 01: Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp looks on during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St. James Park on October 1, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 12: Sadio Mane of Liverpool looks dejected during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield on May 12, 2019, in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /

Here are two players who have had very contrasting seasons.

Since that free kick for England in the World Cup Semi Final, nothing much seems to have gone right for Kieran Trippier. He has had a pretty poor season and has been the weak link for Spurs many times this campaign.

In contrast, Mane has been outstanding for Liverpool all season. While Salah and Firmino have had quiet spells, it has often fallen on Mane’s shoulders to get important goals and drive his team towards three points.

Mane scored Liverpool’s goal in last season’s final, and don’t be surprised if he pops up again with a goal or two in Madrid. It’s down to Spurs and Trippier to stop him.

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