Liverpool reached the Champions League final after beating As Roma with 7-6 on aggregate in the semi-final. Now they face Real Madrid in the final of this tournament. Real Madrid is titleholder since the summer of 2016 when they beat Atletico Madrid in the final. If they win this final they complete their hat-trick and win their 13th Champions League, which is an absolute record. Liverpool however has a good run against Spanish teams in European final. The battle Liverpool versus Spanish sides in finals is currently 2-1 for the Reds.
Liverpool versus Spanish sides in finals
1980-1981 Europa Cup final
The first time Liverpool faced a Spanish side in an European final was in 1981. They played the Europa Cup final against Real Madrid. So an exact copy of this years’ final. The 1981 final was played in Paris and it was Alan Kennedy who scored the only goal of the match. This goal made Liverpool’s manager Bob Paisley the first manager to win the Europa Cup three times.
2000-2001 UEFA Cup final
Liverpool’s second European Cup final against a Spanish side was the one in 2001. This was by far the most exciting final against Spanish sides. Liverpool played this final against Deportivo Alaves. Both teams scored eight goals in the regular time of this match. Liverpool won this match in extra time by the golden goal. It was an own goal by Delfi Geli in the 116th minute that decided this match.
2015-2016 Europa League final
The third time Liverpool played an final against a Spanish side, is the first time they lost one. Although they led with 1-0 by half-time, it was Sevilla with three goals in the second half that took the cup that year. It was Sevilla’s third consecutive Europa League trophy.
Liverpool versus Spanish sides is currently 2-1. Is the final against Real Madrid going to make it 3-1 or 2-2?