Liverpool will face Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final in Paris on Saturday, capping a trip that began in September. Thirty-two teams fought in the group stage and a wild knockout round, but only two remain in contention for the coveted trophy. Fans across the world will be treated to a rematch of the 2018 final between two famous teams after 124 matches, 379 goals, and uncountable wonderful moments. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET at the Stade de France, and we'll have all the Champions League final coverage you need before, during, and after the game.
Our most recent narratives are listed below, along with instructions on how to watch them.
How to watch and odds
Time: 3 p.m. ET | Date: Saturday, May 28 CBS and Paramount+ are on TV and streaming live.
The Stade de France is located in Paris, France.
Kate Abdo, Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher, and Micah Richards provide studio coverage.
Clive Tyldesley and Rob Green are the commentators.
Peter Schmeichel, Jules Breach, Jenny Chiu, and Guillem Balagué were on the scene as reporters.
Christina Unkel is a rule expert.
Liverpool is +105, the draw is +270, and Real Madrid is +240. (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Storylines
Liverpool:Mohamed Salah summed it up well on Twitter after Liverpool defeated Villarreal in the semifinals on May 4. In a tweet, he said, "We have a score to settle." Make no mistake: Liverpool is out for vengeance. They want nothing more than to see Real Madrid on their knees in tears at the final whistle after the 2018 final. As you may recall, Sergio Ramos went all "Macho Man" Randy Savage on Salah in that match, dislocating his shoulder, stopping his run to the final and putting his World Cup participation in jeopardy. Loris Karius, meanwhile, had a nightmarish performance in goal.He not only gave Karim Benzema the opening goal, but he also gave Gareth Bale a bicycle kick and then made a gaffe on a late chance from a good 35 yards out. Since then, Liverpool has won European silverware by defeating Tottenham in the 2019 final, so the Reds understand how great it feels. It might feel even better if you do it against this Real Madrid team.
Real Madrid: Few expected this Real Madrid team to make it this far. Remember, they lost in the group stage at home to little Sheriff Tiraspol. But, since then, they've been on a run, led by the world's most in-form player, Karim Benzema. They came back against PSG in the round of 16, did it again against Chelsea in the quarterfinals, and then had the Madrid miracle against Manchester City with two goals from Rodrygo after the 90th minute to force extra time and Benzema's winning penalty kick. They'll go into this match with complete confidence, but they won't be concerned if they lose early.They've proven time and time again that they're never out of a game, and they're the actual monarchs of this competition's history. Although Liverpool has the superior players overall, don't rule out a Carlo Ancelotti-led team. He has a 3-1 record in UCL finals.
News from the team
Liverpool: The midfield is where Liverpool has the most problems right now. Thiago Alcantara is the latest player to suffer an injury, coming off at halftime against Wolves on Sunday with an Achilles injury. Fabinho has been suffering with a thigh ailment but is expected to be healthy for the game. His status for the final is unknown, but if he can't play, he'll be a major loss for the team's general creativity in possession. Without Thiago, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, and Naby Keita would most likely be in charge of the midfield.
Real Madrid's only injury concern at the moment is David Alaba. He was sidelined for the La Liga champions' final match of the domestic season against Real Betis due to a minor leg injury. He'll be available, with Ancelotti simply taking precautions with the Austrian defender ahead of the season's most important match. Real, on the other hand, appears to be in good shape heading into Sunday match in Paris.
Prediction
With a good effort in goal and Salah scoring the winner on a penalty kick, the Reds win their seventh UCL title, avenging their defeat in the 2018 final. Liverpool 2, Real Madrid 1 is my pick.