Tale of the tape: How Liverpool, Tottenham stack up

For the first time in more than a decade, two English clubs will go head-to-head for the right to be crowned champions of Europe.

Liverpool return to the Champions League final with an opportunity for redemption after a disappointing loss to Real Madrid in last year’s title decider, and a win would give the historic club a sixth European crown.

It’s unchartered waters for Tottenham, as Spurs attempt to solidify their place on the continental stage with their first Champions League triumph.

Here’s how the Premier League clubs stack up ahead of Saturday’s final in Madrid:

Goalkeepers

There will be no shortage of experience between the sticks when Hugo Lloris and Alisson attempt to lead their respective sides to victory.

Spurs fans will likely be confident that Lloris won’t crack under the pressure of a major European final, as the 32-year-old has appeared in many big matches with France. However, the ‘keeper has developed somewhat of a reputation for committing blunders when the spotlight is on and will be eager to avoid costly mistakes at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

Meanwhile, goalkeeping mishaps haunted Liverpool and their fans throughout the summer after Loris Karius’ blunders played a major role in Real Madrid capturing their third straight Champions League trophy.

That performance inspired Liverpool to break the bank by bringing in Alisson from Roma, and while it came with a hefty price tag, the club boasts one of the best defensive records in Europe this season and enters the final with peace of mind that its goalkeeping woes are in the past.

Advantage: Although Alisson’s debut season has been solid and he will undoubtedly produce a better performance than Karius did, it’s difficult to go against Lloris, who’s well aware of what’s at stake in a major final after competing in consecutive championship deciders on the international stage.

Defense

Neither defensive unit will be remembered for its performance in the semifinals, considering both clubs had to mount comebacks after falling behind in their respective first legs.

Yet, both Tottenham and Liverpool have defenses comprised of some of the best talents in football.

Tottenham will rely on their center-backs for an edge, as Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen will be tasked with attempting to contain Liverpool’s potent attack.

But it’s Liverpool who have the edge going into the final thanks to the presence of PFA Player of the Year Virgil van Dijk, as well as two of the game’s brightest full-backs in Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.

Advantage: Liverpool are the clear-cut favorites in this department.

Midfield

There’s not much separating these two in the middle of the park, but Tottenham’s collection of midfielders could give Spurs the edge in Madrid.

Christian Eriksen is arguably the most gifted midfielder who will feature Saturday. The Dane’s subtle playmaking ability and threat on goal will cause problems for Liverpool, while Dele Alli will also be relied on heavily to help Spurs control the pitch. Lucas Moura can pose a threat in the penalty area and Moussa Sissoko should provide a calming presence in front of Tottenham’s back line.

For Liverpool, captain Jordan Henderson has been invaluable to his club’s cause this term and will once again lead the charge, while Fabinho is sure to clog up the middle of the park with his physical play and make life difficult for those Tottenham playmakers.

Advantage: There won’t be much separating them, but Tottenham should have the edge in midfield.

Forwards

The Champions League final won’t feature the two highest-scoring sides of the tournament, but, nevertheless, Liverpool and Tottenham are spoiled for attacking options.

Despite questions over Roberto Firmino’s fitness, the Brazilian is expected to suit up alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane to form one of the most unstoppable scoring units in the world.

Concern over Harry Kane’s availability has dominated the conversation in the buildup to the encounter, but the English forward allayed fears when he declared himself fit for the final. Tottenham will like their chances of mounting solid scoring opportunities with Kane and Heung-Min Son in the fold.

Advantage: This is where the gap between the two sides is the biggest, as Liverpool’s triumvirate has the advantage going into the contest.

Manager

Third time’s a charm for Jurgen Klopp, as the German manager attempts to lift the trophy that’s eluded him at both Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund.

While he gets plenty of attention for his emotional antics on the touchline, Klopp’s tactical mastery has not gone unnoticed as he’s helped Liverpool evolve from a club that struggled annually to secure a spot in the Champions League to one that’s legitimately back to competing for trophies, both domestic and abroad.

It’s a similar scenario for Mauricio Pochettino, as the Argentine has been influential in transforming Spurs into a Premier League contender and finalist for the most coveted trophy in club football.

Advantage: Experience is a major factor as we give Klopp the edge over Pochettino, who will undoubtedly benefit and evolve into a better manager regardless of Saturday’s outcome.