Real Madrid star Karim Benzema believes his side know what to expect against Liverpool in the Champions League final and insisted the Reds ‘haven’t changed much over the years’.
The LaLiga champions take on Jurgen Klopp’s side in a mouthwatering contest to crown the champions of Europe at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday. Liverpool will be looking to inflict revenge for the painful defeat in the 2018 Champions League final in Kiev and last season’s quarter-final loss to Los Blancos.
Benzema is having one of the best seasons of his decorated career and has been influential in Madrid’s run to the final. He has scored 15 goals in 11 Champions League games including 10 in his last five matches in the competition. His team's run has included memorable comeback wins over Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Man City.
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He will come out against a vastly different Liverpool side in Paris with only eight of Liverpool’s 18 man squad from the 2018 final still at the club. Similarly, in last year’s quarter-final, an injury-hit Liverpool lined up with Ozan Kabak and Nat Philips in defence in both legs.
Despite this, Benzema is still full of confidence and outlined how Madrid will deal with Liverpool’s threats. “They’re very good,” he explained. “They haven't changed much for the last four or five years. They have a good coach [Klopp]. But we have to focus on our own game.
"We played against PSG, Chelsea and City, who were the favourites. We're full of confidence heading to Paris. Anything can happen in a final. You're away from home, they really press you. We have to be able to dig in and play on the break, or retain the ball, depending on how they play".
Real Madrid’s team is littered with Champions League winners like Benzema and their experience will be crucial on Saturday. However, one player who hasn’t tasted success in the competition is Thibaut Courtois. And the Belgian international shared Benzema’s sentiments.
He said: “Each game is different. Playing against them [Liverpool] is always fascinating. Anything can happen. It's a dream to play for Madrid and even more so to be able to add something to the history of this club. What we've experienced this season with the fans has been incredible.
"It's a great team, very intense, that plays with high pressure. We'll have to defend well. They throw the line very high and we'll have to take advantage of it."
