Mohamed Salah is adamant that Liverpool’s Champions League final against Real Madrid is the perfect chance to exact revenge for their 2018 defeat in Kyiv.
The Reds booked their place in this month’s Paris showpiece after overcoming Villarreal 5-2 on aggregate. Jurgen Klopp’s side went into the second leg in complete control, two goals to the good, but were given a fright after that advantage was wiped away during a chastening opening 45 minutes.
But the 2019 European champions regained their foothold in proceedings and ultimately ran out 3-2 winners over this season’s surprise package. They were then able to sit back and watch the second semi-final as Real Madrid and Manchester City went toe-to-toe in an instant classic.
After a pulsating first encounter, which City won 4-3, they put one foot in the final by taking the lead at the Bernabeu. But with minutes remaining, Rodrygo scored a 90-second brace to take the game to extra time, with Karim Benzema scoring the decider from the penalty spot.
That sets up a rematch between the two European giants who share 19 European Cups between them. The two faced off in the Ukrainian capital four years ago, with Real running out 3-1 winners in a game remembered for a pair of Loris Karius gaffes.
It’s also recalled for the injury Salah suffered in the first half, when Sergio Ramos fell to the floor, arms locked with the Egyptian forward. The Reds talisman was forced off with a shoulder injury with Klopp’s men left empty-handed.
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And in contrast to the diplomacy usually shown by footballers, Salah has made no secret that the chance to get one over on Madrid is an appealing one. Moments after the full-time whistle was blown in the Spanish capital, he tweeted: “We have a score to settle,” before claiming it was an “easy answer” when asked who he wanted to play at the Stade de France.
"If you ask everybody [at Liverpool ], everyone wanted that game," Salah told Sky Sports. "I don't know why we're not allowed to talk about it but I'm ok to talk about it - I wanted that game! I wanted to play Real Madrid before that game [against Manchester City].
"Of course, I'm not giving too much credit to them. They're an unbelievable team with a great coach, great players. When they asked me who I wanted, I said Madrid. It's an easy answer."
Madrid have already knocked out Paris-Saint Germain, holders Chelsea and favourites Man City on their way to the final. And while Salah appreciates it will be a difficult game, he is excited for the challenge that lays ahead.
“I’m so excited, for the team as well, I am so excited,” he said after picking up the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year award. “I said before the game that I wanted to play Madrid and we’ve got them.
“I’m sure it’s going to be a very tough game, they beat a lot of good teams so we need to focus on the game. First of all we still have a few games in the Premier League that we have to finish in the best way possible.”
Pressed on whether it was truly a revenge mission, he quickly added: “Yes…we lost in the final. It was a sad day for all of us and now it’s revenge time.”
