Thursday 3 May 2018 17:13, UK
Phil Thompson thinks Liverpool can "surprise" Real Madrid in the Champions League final, and expects the midfield battle to be key in deciding the match.
Liverpool reached the final with a 7-6 aggregate win over Roma while Real beat Bayern Munich 4-3 on aggregate.
Thompson captained Liverpool when they beat Real Madrid 1-0 in the European Cup final in 1981. And he told Sky Sports why he thinks the Reds can win the competition for a sixth time in Kiev on May 26.
"Before the semi-finals you think who would you rather have and it was always Real Madrid. The way they attack with abandon suits Liverpool. Real Madrid can only play that way.
"For them to have won it two years in a row and going for a third and the history of Real Madrid in the competition you have to make them favourites. But I would rather it was that way because I think they will be in for a big surprise, because this Liverpool team can hurt anybody.
"Madrid are better than what they have been in the semi-finals, but you look over recent matches in the league and they have been very fortunate in a lot of games. A few of their players are ageing and Liverpool have more energy in the side around the pitch, particularly in midfield. I think that area, rather than the two forward lines, might be the telling point."
Liverpool's final step to the final was far from serene as they survived a late scare to edge past Roma after losing the second leg 4-2 at the Stadio Olimpico.
"My emotions were all over the place," said Thompson.
"The last 15 minutes were particularly nerve-wracking, but it's part of what you come to expect with Liverpool and the way Jurgen [Klopp] likes to play. There is no reason why we shouldn't enjoy what he has given us.
"We all thought he would have put the blocks on at Anfield and we end up losing 2-0. You always have great faith with Jurgen's side, and was anybody surprised that Liverpool scored first?
"This has been an extraordinary season. I think we have a fantastic chance and we will be full of confidence. We will win."
Liverpool have received 16,626 tickets for the final in Kiev's Olympic Stadium - which holds a capacity of 63,000.
