It is more or less a make or break moment for Zinedine Zidane whose side endured disappointing spells in La Liga and the Copa Del Rey. Their impressive campaign in the UEFA Champions has somewhat made up for their substandard showings in the two domestic competitions.
On Saturday, Real Madrid will have the opportunity to end the season on a high by winning a third successive UEFA Champions League – a feat yet to be achieved by any club since the rebranding of the European competition. Retrospectively glancing at the Spanish side's build-up to the finale, Zidane's genius sprinkled a small pinch of luck has served up some great results for the 12-time European champions.
But how should they line-up coming against a Liverpool side that has managed to bag 40 goals in their quest to the final? Let's take a look:
Formation: 4-3-1-2
Why? It is surely not Real Madrid's traditional line-up but in a game of this magnitude, winning the battle in the middle is really pivotal. The last time the formation was utilized by Los Blancos, they enjoyed a 3-0 win over a Juventus side which boasts one of the best midfielders in Europe.
Starting Lineup
How can Real Madrid benefit from this formation?
It will be a battle of willing, strength and pace when Los Blancos encounter their counterparts from England. For that matter, the Spanish side should aim to narrow the field of play as much as possible as Liverpool will most likely be aiming to utilize the pace of Salah and Mane on the flanks.
With Kroos and Modric providing the double pivot and Casemiro being the anchor in front of the back four, Isco's presence behind the front two can aid the quick transition into attack. This will be hugely beneficial in keeping Liverpool's frail defense on their toes as Ronaldo and Benzema will be waiting to make use of the service.
Should the Reds also press, which they inevitably will, Real's numbers in the middle should be able to contain them. At a point in the game, Isco can be replaced with either Bale or Asensio who are equally capable of executing the role to near perfection.
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