The 2022 Champions League Final between Liverpool and Real Madrid is almost here, and we’ve got all the information you need ahead of the game, including the UK start time.
The match is a re-run of the 2018 final between the two sides. On that occasion, Real emerged 3-1 winners thanks to two goals from substitute Gareth Bale.
Bale was named Man of the Match for his efforts, and one of his goals was scored from an unbelievable overhead kick.
Zinedine Zidane‘s side became the first team to win three back-to-back titles in the Champions League era.
Liverpool, meanwhile, were left deflated by an early injury to Mohamed Salah and two costly errors from goalkeeper Loris Karius, who it was later revealed had been playing through the game with a concussion.
Fast forward four years, and we could be in for a completely different final. Real Madrid have not come close to winning the Champions League since 2018.
Liverpool, meanwhile, bounced back from that disappointment to lift the trophy a year later. They defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in the 2019 final.
Jurgen Klopp‘s side are looking to complete the treble, having missed out on a potential quadruple after their second-placed finish in the Premier League was confirmed.
Real, meanwhile, are looking to clinch a treble of their own. They won the La Liga title this season and the Supercopa de Espana.
Here is all you need to know ahead of the 2022 Champions League Final, including the UK start time:
What is the UK start time of the 2022 Champions League Final?
The UK start time for the 2022 Champions League Final is 8pm BST on Saturday, May 28.
How can I watch the 2022 Champions League Final?
For UK viewers, BT Sport will have live coverage of the 2022 Champions League Final. Viewers can tune into BT Sport 1 (Sky channel 413/Virgin channel 527) or BT Sport Ultimate (Virgin channel 531) to watch all the action.
Alternatively, BT Sport will be providing free-to-view coverage of the Champions League Final via their official YouTube channel (you can access it below). It is also available to watch on the BT Sport App.
Coverage of the final on all three media platforms begins at 6pm BST. Presenters, pundits and commentators are yet to be confirmed.
Where will the 2022 Champions League Final be played?
The 2022 Champions League Final will be played at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France. Saint-Denis is a commune in the northern suburbs of Paris.
The stadium has hosted two previous finals, in 2000 and 2006. Spanish teams have good memories of the ground, with Real beating Valencia 3-0 in 2000 and Barcelona defeating Arsenal 2-1 in 2006.
This year’s final was due to be held in Saint Petersburg, Russia. However, UEFA stripped Russia of their hosting rights after the country invaded Ukraine in February.
2022 Champions League Final prediction
Predicting the outcome of a Champions League Final is never easy, and this year is no different.
Real Madrid have a knack for producing in times of crisis, and when the chips are down. Their three-goal comeback to defeat Manchester City would have been viewed as metaphorically impossible in the eyes of fans had it not been Real Madrid.
Even with just four minutes of injury time to play, and Ancelotti’s side two goals down, you couldn’t help but still believe. Because they have done it so many times before.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have arguably been the best team on the planet during this calendar year. They dropped just two Premier League points in 2022.
Klopp’s side, however, do have injury concerns, and the Reds’ chances will be boosted hugely if the recently injured quartet of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Thiago are all passed fit to play from the start.
Los Blancos, meanwhile, have a fully fit squad to choose from. Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema regularly strike fear into defenders across Europe, and will likely have a big part to play in any Real success on Saturday.
But our prediction goes the way of Liverpool. The Reds are a different side than the one that contested the 2018 final defeat to Real, and a victory on Saturday would underline the progress they have made under Jurgen Klopp.
Final score prediction – Liverpool 3-1 Real Madrid
Featured Image Credit: Getty