Champions League Final: Keys to the Game

The long anticipated Champions League final is approaching and for the first time since 2008. In this article we will outline the keys to the game that each team need to have the chance to lift the UCL trophy.

This is Liverpool’s second consecutive Champions League finals and they look to make it theirs as they are already familiar with the playing style of fellow English team Tottenham. Each team will be looking to dominate possession on the pitch and take advantage of their key players. Harry Kane has announced that he is fit to play, which is a huge boost for Pochettino’s side considering the London club has reached the final without him. Roberto Firmino also has been given the pass to play as Klopp mentioned, but didn’t indicate whether he was going to start the match. Nevertheless, Liverpool are just fine without starting their Brazilian striker as Shaqiri provides the same threat. Keita will stay sidelined for this match as he sustained the hip abductor injury from the last fixture against Barcelona.

Starting with the Spurs, Kane’s return will surely spark some flare to the Spurs playing style. They can now add more attacking threat from other angles using their midfield and versatile attackers. Firstly,

They need to start fast:

Quick passes and early runs will give Tottenham the room and opportunity to get the go ahead goal and shut down Liverpool mentally. Stopping the runs from Salah, Mane, and Shaqiri will be vital so the back line need to make sure they are tight and quick in regards to shifting the play and clearing the ball. Every player needs to be on the same wave length for this to happen because the need to know where each other are and where each other will  be.

https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1134803028236619776

Break down the midfield:

Spurs need to take control of the midfield, this is their strongest point in terms of creating goal scoring opportunities. Quick pressure by the Spurs will allow for little-to-no breathing room for Klopp’s men. This overwhelming congestion will lead to misplacement and loss of possession on Liverpool’s part. With this established, Spurs can pick up the loose ball and move forward with it as a unit.

Capitalize on the Set-pieces:

Spurs need to make the most of their chances; this means converting when the opportunity is given to you. Liverpool are gonna be coming out with pace so Pochettino’s men need to make sure they win the aerials on corners, and at hit the target on free-kicks.

https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/1134868865232572416

Liverpool:

Now in my opinion, I believe Liverpool will lift the trophy this year, but with that being said, there’s some key points they will have to bring to the pitch in order to achieve this.

Use your pace:

We all know how fast Salah, Shaqiri, and Mane are, so Liverpool need to take advantage of their resources. This pace will allow them to get in behind the back-line and play the ball inside the 18 as (this is where most of their goals come from).

Keep the passes short:

As I mentioned for the Spurs, Liverpool need to counter with quick, and short passes in order to move around the Spurs midfield and back-line. Klopp also needs to ensure that his men keep a low number of touches on the ball, you don’t want to give Tottenham the chance to regroup.

Maintain Intensity:

Liverpool have to make sure that they carry the same momentum and intensity throughout the match. Even if they go down by a goal or two they have to make sure they hold up their heads and carry on.