Madrid are reaching their fifth final in nine seasons after a series of incredible comeback victories in the previous three rounds of relegation.
The wards of Carlo Ancelotti were 178 minutes behind in the semi-final with Manchester City and lost 5-3 in the last minute of regular time in response, but still advanced 6-5 overall.
It was based on Karim Benzema’s inspired comeback against Paris Saint-Germain in the 1/8 finals and an equally impressive recovery effort to hold Chelsea in the quarter-finals.
Indeed, Los Blancos are 243 minutes behind in games this season – 21 percent of the minutes played – compared to 105 minutes behind Liverpool.
Liverpool are not used to digging deep, they have already won two domestic cups in this period with penalties, and Klopp wants his players to focus on themselves.
“If you look at the history of clubs and how Madrid celebrates these comebacks, I would say they are,” Klopp said when asked who he considered a favorite.
“It’s because of experience. I want us to be on the same level in such things. I want us to be completely on our own in this game.
“When we’re at the top of our game, it’s hard for us to play. My main task is to be ourselves and be confident.”
Klopp spoke at a pre-match press conference at the Stade de France on the eve of Liverpool’s 63rd and final game in a grueling campaign.
Sunday’s (AEST) competition will be the third time Liverpool will meet Madrid in the final of the European Champions Cup or the UEFA Champions League, which is the highest number between the two clubs in the competition.
Liverpool won 1-0 when the parties met in Paris 41 years ago and it is still the last of the major European defeats in the final.
The Spanish side came out on top in the last meeting between the clubs in the exposition thanks to a 3-1 victory in Kiev four years ago.
It was Klopp’s third final defeat in a row as Liverpool manager, but his team has since won five major finals in a row, including the 2019 UEFA Champions League against another Premier League club, Tottenham Hotspur.
Many consider the loss to Madrid in the Ukrainian capital a turning point in his tenure, although, according to Klopp, it was not as important as 12 months later, when Spurs won.
“We played that night against Madrid [in 2018] and circumstances struck us, “said Klopp.” We could not react and came on three wheels.
“It has to happen. We have to learn to win. The guys have developed a lot over the last few years. We are part of a big club.
“Guys are the players for this club. People saw it differently when I came. 2018 was important, but 2019 was more important.”
The Stade de France is a suitable place for such a high-profile match, but the game was originally planned to be held in St. Petersburg.
UEFA changed venues in February after Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, and Klopp said his side sought to address the people in a war-torn country.
“Until you ask me now, I’m just focused on the game. I’m happy that the game is here for a thousand reasons, and it’s amazing,” he said after a pause to gather his thoughts.
“The war is still going on, and we need to think about it. Not in St. Petersburg – this is the right message that Russia should receive. Life goes on, even if you try to destroy it.”
“We are playing this final for all the people of Ukraine. I hope there are people who can watch it and we are also doing it for you.”
https://www.beinsports.com/au/uefa-champions-league/news/klopp-labels-madrid-favourite-ahead-of-ucl-fi/1890051
