5 reasons why Liverpool are favourites to win the Champions League

So it is set. The most successful English club in Europe are going to lock horns with the most successful club in Europe at Kiev on May 26th, 2018. The journey of the two teams in the competition has been contrasting, to say the least.

While Liverpool’s journey to the final was relatively easy, with only Manchester City being a strong opponent, Real Madrid had it much, much harder. They had to play and beat the best team in France, Italy and Germany to reach the final.

But even then, they don’t seem like the favourites. In fact, it is Liverpool that seem like the better team and here are 5 reasons why…

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#5 Liverpool are a more cohesive side

It is called a football 'team' and NOT football individuals. Real Madrid are exactly the latter while Liverpool are the former. Real might have a better midfield but their defence is just as bad as Liverpool's due to their full-backs leaving spaces and there is no question about whose attack is better.

Real Madrid have more star power. But what is the point, really? Would you prefer a Fiat that runs smoothly or a Lambhorgini that has a faulty engine and could explode at any given moment?

Like mentioned earlier, it is called a football team - and as a team, Liverpool are far superior because their 11 players are function as one on the pitch.

#4 Real lack identity

Madrid lack cohesion

Apropos to the point earlier, Real have no identity. It is really hard to decipher how Real Madrid – despite playing without any set tactical system – are in the finals of the Champions League this season.

One could argue that after Chelsea in 2012, Real are the worst finalists in the CL this decade. Neither can they counter like Mourinho's team, nor can they play swift vertical football like Ancelotti's.

Heck, even last season the Blancos had a nice blend of possession football with emphasis on quick vertical attack, but this season they just put the ball on the wings and then put it in the box.

There are only a very few instances this season when the Galacticos played through the middle to create a crafty team goal, which is actually a testament to their glaring problems.

#3 Liverpool have the best attack in Europe

Liverpool's fabled trio

Liverpool’s attack is as brutally efficient as they come. Liverpool might have a terrible defence and a midfield bereft of star names but their attack is fabulously cohesive, as we have seen all through the season.

Roberto Firmino rarely ever has a bad game and he alone is enough to ruin the Galaticos’ defence. He is partnered with the imperial Mohamed Salah and the uncanny Sadio Mane, who are both incredibly pacy and are always goal-scoring threats.

The Brazilian’s presence in the middle, however, is the most important one as he connects the two beautifully with his playmaking abilities. On top of that, he is also a great scorer.

In total, the trio have scored 89 goals so far this season and it could very well reach three figures by the end of the season.

#2 Madrid’s shaky defence

Madrid's main man in defence

In the league this season, so far, the Galaticos have conceded 37 goals – which is the highest among the top four teams in the division. Even city rivals Getafe have conceded fewer goals than the Blancos.

In the Champions League, they have conceded in every single game except for three – and two of them were against APOEL. It just goes to show the glaring crevices in Real Madrid’s defence.

And given how Liverpool’s fabled trio are scoring and assisting for fun, Sergio Ramos and co. will have a really tough time against Firmino and co.

#1 No pressure on Liverpool

Liverpool are under no pressure

And perhaps the most important point. Real Madrid outweigh Liverpool by a long margin when it comes to playing in the highest stage that the Champions League final is.

The Galacticos have played three finals in the last four seasons and know what it takes to play there. Liverpool, meanwhile, are playing in their first Champions League final since 2007.

Even then, however, the pressure is on Real Madrid. At the beginning of the season, many expected the Blancos to win the treble with the squad that they had. But now, after being dumped by Leganes at home in the Copa Del Rey and being trumped by Barcelona for the league, the Champions League is all that is left to salvage some pride.

In short, Madrid have everything to lose.

Liverpool, however, have a different scenario. Nobody expected them to come this far. They have already achieved more than what they had expected – which is why they have nothing to lose and can play without pressure.

And when a team like Liverpool play without pressure, they are going to be the favourites 8 times out 10.