Packed Liverpool pubs fell silent when a teary-eyed Mohamed Salah had to be carried off the field with a dislocated shoulder as an unabashed Sergio Ramos looked on, four years back in Kyiv. The final scorecard read 3-1, which flanked a usual sight of the Los Blancos spraying champagne and bathing in confetti, gearing to lift their 13th European title. Although Liverpool would eventually go on to win the league the following year, the wound was still fresh for the Merseyside Reds. For maestros Klopp and Ancelotti, it’s an untamed desire, a wild urge to keep scripting a story for years to come. All roads leading to Paris this year, the two giants of the game meet again in what would be a shot at redemption for Liverpool, while it is kingdom come for Madrid led by Marcelo, in his final season, seeking their 14th crown. With Camila Cabello set to sashay to the sizzle at the Stade de France, it is a clash of two teams steeped in enviable legacy, riding on a glorious high, that would make it a night of grandeur to drink in. As the camps gear up, The Telegraph looks at few tussles which will paint the UEFA Champions League final with its familiar palette of passion.

Karim Benzema vs Virgil Van Dijk

It’s been King Karim’s year. With 44 goals already to his name this season, no opponent strategy seemed to have been able to contain the Galactico. Leading his team through the tastiest comebacks and to the La Liga title, the UCL glory is all but beckoning. His signature bandaged wrist pumped in ecstasy, Karim Benzema will certainly be Madrid’s biggest weapon. Scoring a hat-trick against PSG and the winning penalty against Manchester City, no force can seemingly stop Benzema at this point. However, if someone can, it has to the big man — Virgil van Dijk. A Liverpool starting XI without van Dijk has always been jittery. There is a renewed vigour every time he steps onto the pitch with the backline looking more confident than ever. Swift, confident, and undaunted, Virgil fears no talisman and Klopp will certainly pin his hopes on the big man to pocket this season’s best forward.

Luka Modric and Thiago

Luka Modric vs Thiago

It’s a battle of craft and vision, when it comes to two of the most creative midfielders in the world. Both of them nestled in their deep-seated playmaking roles, if there are two names who define pristine ball distribution, retention and positioning off the ball, Thiago and Modric would certainly be crowning the list. Still going strong at 36, Luka Modric, already a legend in his own comfortable right, has bossed the midfield this season with familiar elan. With an almost flawless dynamic that Modric shares with the Real forward line comprising Benzema and Vinicius, Ancelotti knows it has to be Modric who will be able to lob in the absolutely perfect ball, when it is most needed. While for Thiago, after a nervy first few weeks with Liverpool and injuries which ensued, the last few months have shown why Klopp knew he was the man needed to inject some much-needed composure into the midfield. An artiste with the ball, and an absolute workhorse off it, all it can take Thiago is a couple of minutes to turn the game around.

Vinicius Junior and Trent Alexander Arnold

Vinicius Junior vs Trent Alexander Arnold (TAA)

For the diminutive genius, Vinicius, the graph has gone from disproving his critics to establishing himself as one of the most feared wingers in the world right now. Utilising his pace and nimble footwork, Vinicius’ ability to dart along the lines and launch diagonal balls can prove to be instrumental for Ancelotti’s men. But when it comes to pace, TAA does not fall far behind. Perhaps the best right back in the world at the moment, his ability to assist with crosses, fall back and operate within limited spaces gives him a wonderful edge to shuttle between offence and defence. Vinicius and TAA will be an interesting tussle that might work magic for either side.

David Alaba and Mohamed Salah

David Alaba vs Mohamed Salah

David Alaba is one of the most versatile fullbacks among the current crop and his relentless pursuit for the ball, almost unbeatable pace, and launching perfect through balls make it more evident with every game. The way Alaba adjusted to the new Madrid apparatus was lauded by the entire camp and Ancelotti’s decision to play him often in a central role has proved his flexibility and professional ease in adjusting to systems. Along with Mendy’s support, Alaba will look to secure the left flank that has probably been Liverpool’s strongest zone. And how could it not be? One slip would make a certain Mohamed Salah drill through the defence line from the right, the ball stuck to his leg, tricking everybody that comes in his way. Salah is a phenomenon, and there are no two ways about it, but what defines him every time is his consistency and drive to keep slotting it home. Fresh off winning the EPL golden boot, the only thing on Salah’s mind will probably be redemption. Warding off the blues of losing out on the EPL crown to a single point and certainly, the painful memory of the 2018 final, Salah’s eyes are fixated on the trophy. And it is bad news for the opponent, when Salah starts waltzing with the ball.

Courtois and Alisson

Courtois vs Alisson

Golden gloves in their respective leagues, these two are at the top of their games at the moment. Both of them are sure to not let anything slip, in a clash that will probably settle the season’s best debate. With 49 clean sheets between them this season, it will be a statement to make, a trophy to lift, and a legacy to maintain for both goalies. With equally intimidating attack lines, a lot will rest on both Courtois and Alisson to carry their teams past the line, with years of experience behind them.

Eder Militaõ and Sadio Mane

Eder Militaõ vs Sadio Mane

Eder Militaõ has been the heart of the Madrid defence through this campaign. His physicality and interceptions have turned a number of games to Madrid’s favour this season. He has been the only constant in a season marred by injuries for Ancelotti’s men. The Brazilian’s ability to dispossess, control the ball and advance have been harnessed by Ancelotti to absolute perfection. However, it will certainly be an uphill task for Eder to contain the talismanic scorer Sadio Mane. Mane has not had a bad season since he joined Liverpool, and being Klopp’s most trusted general, his ability to lead and boost the team’s morale, fused with his unparalleled ability to find the winning ticket in the raffle, every time Liverpool find themselves in a tricky spot. Nobody knows the goal better than Mané, and it will be upon Militaõ to mark one of the best in the business.