Well, we are finally here. This Saturday, at 3:00 PM EST, the soccer world is blessed to see the Champions League Final. The matchup features two clubs that have been part of European Royalty for some time now: Liverpool vs Real Madrid. From Salah, van Dijk, and Mané for the reds, to Benzema, Modrić, and Vinicius for the galacticos, there are stars all over the field. This is a rematch from the great 2018 Final where Salah was famously taken down maliciously by Sergio Ramos. Four years later, Salah has not forgotten saying he is out for revenge. 

We have a score to settle. pic.twitter.com/MWxfhIIW78

— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) May 4, 2022

These teams have genuine bad blood towards one another. They are not afraid to make it well known. Salah’s comments did not go over well in the Madrid camp, showing time and time again not to disrespect them.

I can’t wait for this matchup and I haven’t even mentioned the best part yet; the Champions League Final betting value is unlike any other sport. Soccer is unique as it offers three money lines and also includes ties. This makes the individual money line odds for both teams very juicy and eliminates the stress of thinking about a spread. When I saw the Champions League Final odds this week I was licking my chops. The odds were Liverpool +105, Real Madrid +240, and Draw +270.

Liverpool’s Cupcake Schedule Versus Madrid’s Gauntlet of European Giants

Many consider Liverpool odds to be a little too favorable due to their path to the final which many viewed as a “cupcake schedule” compared to Madrid. Madrid had to beat PSG (was in the Final two years ago), Chelsea (won it all last year), and Manchester City (Final last year). One of if not the most difficult path in the last couple of years. Compare that to Liverpool and you can see why many believe their odds to be inflated as the reds played Inter Milan, Benfica, and Villarreal. Vastly different paths and now they face off again in the Final.

Regardless of how they got there all of that is now thrown out of the equation. They both have one game to claim their prize and cement their legacy in Champions League history. Even for the casual soccer fan, I think it is going to be an incredible game to watch.

The Snooziest Champions League Final Ever?

I mean anything will be better than Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Manchester City last year. I can’t stand Manchester City. They are a joke of a club that has only now become relevant because of oil money. Manchester City is just a community of people that started following soccer because of FIFA 11 and could not name a single player from their early 2000s teams. Just a bunch of bandwagoners that do not deserve to see their team win all the trophies that they have been so fortunate to see. Truthfully, I have nothing against the Manchester City players. They are all world-class and how they dismantle teams is truly fascinating. Am I a little upset that they ruined my bet from last year’s Final? Maybe, but we rub some dirt in our wounds and move on. 

Let the Champions League Final Betting Extravaganza Begin!

We are onto the 2022 Champions League Final and it is time to find some locks to put some food on the table. Before I present you with my locks, I am first going to give you a little tale of the tape. Now let’s get started. As the greatest soccer Journalist in the world, Fabrizio Romano would say, “HERE WE GO!”

Liverpool’s Red Wall

Over the course of the Premier League season, Liverpool had the cleanest sheets in the league, letting up a grand total of 26 goals. They are led by central defender, Virgil van Dijk and have two of the most electrifying players as their outside backs: Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold. You would think that with their high line, teams would be able to take advantage. However, just when you think you’ve gotten by them, there is Virgil van Dijk right on your tail. Their defense is about as indestructible as the Death Star and has minimal holes. 

They have been together since the 2018 season and have the experience and talent to keep even the greatest forwards in their pockets. Not to mention Liverpool arguably has the best goalie in the world, Alisson. The best part about their defense, to me, has to be their ability to make an impact on set pieces. As the great Alexi Lalas says time and time again, “Set pieces, set pieces, set pieces.” The outside backs have perfected whipping in crosses and picking targets out in the middle. They have great overlapping runs with their wingers and it sets up a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.

When people say the phrase, “A strong defense is a good offense,” truly epitomizes Liverpool, as their outside backs finished with more than ten assists each. They are truly redefining the way teams play the game and many teams across Europe are trying to replicate Liverpool’s defensive formula.

A Changing of The Guard

No disrespect to Madrid, they do have a strong defense. However, in my opinion, Liverpool is lightyears ahead. They don’t just do the bare minimum of staying in front of their man and letting the opponent keep possession. Instead, they go for tackles, press hard, and try to get counter-attacking opportunities to start from their own backline. This is not the same Real Madrid defense from the past, led by greats like Ramos and Marcelo. So in my opinion, I would give the edge to Liverpool here. 

Madrid’s Magicians in The Midfield

Madrid’s trio of Modrić, Kroos, and Casemiro is without a doubt the best midfield we have seen in the last decade. They have been here before, winning the competition four times in a five-year period. The Trio pair with each other perfectly and in my eyes, they are the core reason they were able to beat the likes of PSG, Chelsea, and Manchester City. They have been battle-tested by some of the best midfielders in the world and like a fine wine, they get better with age.

I still can’t get the ball Modrić played versus Chelsea out of my head. He did this to get the game into extra time. Here is the clip if you happened to miss it but what an incredible ball he plays with such ease. 

LUKA MODRIC VS CHELSEA:

120 Minutes
89 Touches
89% Pass Completion
65 Completed Passes
1 Key Pass
1 Big Chance Created
5 Accurate Long Ball
7 Duels Won
2 Fouls Drawn
1 Shot Blocked
2 Interceptions
4 Tackles
1 Assist pic.twitter.com/4An9xzzwvz

— financeprivilege (@financeprivile1) April 12, 2022

They know exactly what one another’s next move will be you would almost think that they have some form of telepathic abilities. They keep the ball on their feet like it’s on a string and the accuracy of their passes is godlike. Their experience, talent, and mental toughness make them the most dangerous midfield in the world and if you take your eyes off them for a second it’s already too late.

They don’t get the credit for goal scorers but this midfield is the reason that Madrid still has a pulse in this competition. Personally, I think that this is the biggest gap between Liverpool and Madrid. Liverpool has some good midfielders with Thiago, Hendo, and Fabinho, but the longevity and pure skill of Madrid’s midfield should strike fear into the hearts of the Liverpool faithful. I give the advantage here to the Madridistas and expect them to play the biggest difference of any position group in this game.

Benzema vs Salah? Pick Your Poison

This is where it gets juicy. For all the casual soccer watchers that say, “Oh soccer is boring there are no goals” well get ready to eat your words. Both offenses are like sports cars that are sexy, have elite performance, and that second gear that always seems to get them over the finish line.

Speed Kills

Liverpool’s offense led by Salah has the best counterattacking offense in the world. In addition to Salah, they have a plethora of attacking options to choose from with Mané, Díaz, Firmino, and Jota. They have two Ballon d’Or favorites with Mané and Salah who have been picking defenses apart for several years now. They score at will and have the offensive firepower that keeps defenders up at night. Their high press is special with everyone working as hard as they can to earn possession back. Opposing defenders have to be on their toes or else risk embarrassment as Liverpool will pick-pocket the ball and leave no room for error in front of the net.

Liverpool in all competitions has three players over 20+ goals and they have fewer losses in all competitions than Real Madrid does in the UCL. Liverpool has ironically not scored a single goal in their two domestic cup finals this season. I believe this changes on Saturday and we see at least three goals from this offensive juggernaut.

The Final Test For Benzema’s Ballon d’Or Quest

Now looking at Real Madrid the first name that comes to mind is Benzema. He has ten goals in six knockout stage games including two hat tricks versus PSG and Chelsea. The craziest part is that he got the hat tricks in the second leg of both matchups. Benzema has been the best player in the world this year and is a man on a mission. No longer is he in the shadow of Ronaldo and if he gets Madrid over the finish line in this competition I do believe he will end up winning the Ballon d’Or.

Benzema is not the only offensive force upfront, as they have two Brazilian star boys Vinicius Júnior and Rodrygo. Vinicius is a generational talent and has been the Robin to Benzema’s Batman all year. This year he has eclipsed all career highs in goals and assists and has truly taken that next leap towards superstar status. The partnership he has created with Benzema has turned into one of if not the most powerful striking forces in all of Europe.

💯 up for Benzema + Vinícius Jr this season 🤯#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/3boU4pZtW9

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 18, 2022

Rodrygo does not get the accolades and shine of the other two but they would not be here without his clutch performances versus Chelsea and Manchester City where he got three goals past the 80th-minute mark. Without Rodrygo Madrid’s Champions League hopes would’ve been long gone. 

SANTIAGO BERNABEU, WHERE THE UNIMAGINABLE HAPPENS!

RODRYGO THE HERO!🦸‍♂️

🇪🇸 Real Madrid 2-1 Manchester City 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿#UCLpic.twitter.com/68cQ9TFx6s
via: @CBSSportsGolazo

— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) May 4, 2022

Why Not Both?

Real Madrid is not afraid of the big moment and they have been clutch throughout the competition. Overall I would say that Benzema is the man I most fear as a defender in this matchup due to his ability to score in any position at any point. However, the offensive squad depth of Liverpool will leave Madrid players with hands on their hips and panting uncontrollably like a labrador retriever getting baked by the hot sun. Both offenses are world-class and I am going to view this as a wash. On their day both offenses can dismantle opponents making this the hardest position group to give an advantage to a specific side. As the girl from the Old El Paso Taco commercial used to say, “Why not both?” Now it is time to get into the good part. The Complete Champions League Final betting card presented by yours truly.

The Final Champions League Betting Locks From The Doc

Here are my conclusive Champions League Final betting picks based on my thoughts above. I am really heavy on Liverpool, expect a very physical game with hard challenges, and goals galore. All these bets are available on Bovada.com as well as most books in states where gambling is legal. Whether you fade or follow me I hope you enjoyed this deep dive I gave for this matchup. Good luck to all of you… mainly the ones who are riding with me into battle. Enjoy your Memorial Day Weekend!

Liverpool ML +105 4 units

Over 2.5 Goals -134 1.5 units

Over 3.5 Cards -148 2 units

Casemiro Card +160 1.5 units

Benzema Any Time Goal +130 1.5 units

Vinicius Jr. Any Time Goal +245 1.5 units

Salah Any Time Goal +130 1.5 units

Mané Any Time Goal +200 1.5 units

Both Teams to Score -160 1.5 units

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