Champions League

UCL Fantasy final tips: Liverpool v Real Madrid

In our final UEFA Champions League Fantasy article of the season, Louis (aka FPLReactions) looks at some difference-makers for managers in the Liverpool v Real Madrid final.

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We all know who the obvious selections are in tonight’s Champions League final.

Mohamed Salah, Karim Benzema, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Vinicius Jnr will all be widely backed in Madrid, with Benzema the safe captaincy play if you’re defending a lead or consolidating a rank.

But what about if you’re trying to peg back a rival or boost your overall position?

Firstly, to clarify, differentials can be structural (a formation not owned by the template), single players not widely owned, a combination of the two, or a differential captain.

Singular differentials

Rodrygo
  • Price: 8.1m
  • 4% owned
  • 5 goals and 2 assists in 10 matches in the UCL so far (he only started 4)
  • 7 goals and 2 assists in his last 10 matches in all competitions

A differential because most will go for a Liverpool striker with Benzema + Vinicius. He’s among the substitutes again, which will put prospective owners off, but his super-sub tag is well earned and we’ve seen so many UCL finals settled and sealed with late goals.

Ferland Mendy
  • Price: 5.8m
  • 5% owned
  • 3 assists and 3 clean sheets in his 9 UCL matches
  • 3 clean sheets, 1 goal and 2 assists in his last 10 matches for Real Madrid in all competitions

Most will go for Thibault Courtois as their representative from the Madrid defence, so Mendy could be a great differential.

Diogo Jota
  • Price: 8.5m
  • 11% owned
  • 1 goal, 1 assist, 1 penalty won in 8 UCL matches
  • 3 assists in his last 10 matches for Liverpool

Even though Luis Diaz starts as expected, Jota often shares minutes with the winger. With there being up to five substitutions allowed, the Portuguese will surely get on the field at some point – and this is a tight-looking game that could be settled late on.

Differential captain

Sadio Mane
  • 10.6m
  • 14% owned
  • 5 goals in his 12 UCL matches so far
  • 7 goals and 1 assist in his last 10 matches in all competitions

Salah and Vinicius, despite being widely owned, will be differentials of sorts for the armband as Benzema will be the go-to captain.

But with eight goal contributions in his last 10 matches, Sadio Mane is worth a shout.

The Senegal international is Liverpool’s most in-form attacker and this is potentially his last match for the club, with an announcement on his future coming after tonight’s final.

Differential combinations

The template will definitely be 4-3-3 so going with five in midfield would be a structural differential to the template.

Backing against the most popular personnel at the rear is also a make-or-break move. Three Liverpool defenders and one Real asset will be a popular play so choosing to opt for a Real Madrid majority backline and one/no Liverpool defender will be a difference-maker either way.

Alternatively, going for five members of the Liverpool defence (including a goalkeeper) would also be a differential combination.

CHASING POINTS DEFICITS

  • Chasing 4 points: Pick a singular differential like Rodrygo ahead of Diaz
  • Chasing 4-8 points: Pick a structural differential like a back five or even an all-Real Madrid defence
  • Chasing 8+ points: Back against Benzema with a different captain like Mane or Vinicius
316 Comments Post a Comment
  1. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    Come on Liverpool.

    Stick it up them plastic United armchair fans

    1. WALOR
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      Hey, I'm a plastic United armchair fan, but I hate Madrid just as much, so in these situations, I support the English side.

    2. SEXY SOLO SAUCE FOR THE LAS…
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      Now they can’t eclipse our treble I’m all for supporting the reds tonight!

    3. Grande Tubarão
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      As a Utd and Madrid fan this game is extremely important to me.

      1. NorCal Villan
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 2 days ago

        Neutral says what?

        1. Grande Tubarão
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 2 days ago

          😆

      2. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 days ago

        How can you support 2 teams?

        1. Grande Tubarão
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 2 days ago

          I don’t, I’m just kidding. Granted, it wasn’t very funny but I got to amuse myself at least somehow now we have no fpl

          1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE FOR THE LAS…
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 2 days ago

            Not long to wait 🙂

            1. Grande Tubarão
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 2 Years
              2 years, 2 days ago

              Can’t come soon enough!

  2. SEXY SOLO SAUCE FOR THE LAS…
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    Scorecast?

    Gonna go 0-0 and 1-0 to Real in ET, Rodrygo winner

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      3-2 Real, ET

    2. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      2-2 Liverpool aet

    3. el polako
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      3-1 Real.

    4. nolard
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      2-1 Liverpool

    5. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      Diaz, shootout penalty winner after 3-3.

    6. Grande Tubarão
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      1-0 Liverpool, Mane winner

  3. Sailboats
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    Liverpool 1-0

    1. Grande Tubarão
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      I agree with this

    2. el polako
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      No chance.

  4. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    Goalfest CL final

    fun bet 3:3 4:4

  5. bso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    Who to captain in this final?

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      Benzema. Form

      1. bso
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 2 days ago

        Have it on him but considering a differential. Thanks mate

        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 2 days ago

          Should be a cracker of a game. Vinicius v TAA, Benzema v Konate and Van Dijk, Pool front three v Alaba and Militao. Can't see it being overly-defensive 🙂

    2. nolard
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      Mane

    3. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      Torn between Benz and Mane, might just play it safe with Karim

  6. lilmessipran
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    That Madrid bench is ridiculously crazy.

  7. el polako
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    Steven "slip up when it matters" Gerrard & Michael "Peak before it matters" Owen.

  8. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    For the free YouTube coverage, do you have to be signed up to something?

    Am overseas with no subscription to any provider, can I still watch it on YouTube?

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      Just go on YouTube and search Champions League. Select the BT page.

    2. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      Do I need to VPN to watch the BT Sports version on YouTube, anyone know?

      1. gooberman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 days ago

        Why would you need a VPN?

  9. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    Kick off delayed

    1. el polako
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      Brits on tour....?

  10. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    Captain Diaz(c)

  11. Stamford B
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    Liverpool fans misbehaving. There’s a first 😳

    1. BeaversWithAttitude
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      I think it's a wise move by UEFA if fans are having trouble getting in. You don't want to risk a surge in the crowds outside. Best delay and make sure there is not rush to enter.

  12. Nanook
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    If my maths are correct a Champion’s League win tonight for Liverpool would tie them for 2nd most all time with AC Milan at 7. Behind only Real’s unreal 13.

    It would also tie them with Man U for most all time trophies by an English club at 66?!

  13. Jonesfromthere
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    Just got home why is it delayed?

    1. el polako
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      Scousers had too many Stella's

    2. NorCal Villan
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      Football fans causing “unpleasant scenes”

      Also known as a day that ends in “Y”

  14. SEXY SOLO SAUCE FOR THE LAS…
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    Is it 21:30 kick off UK time?

    1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE FOR THE LAS…
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      Oh screen visio must have been wrong - everywhere else saying 20:30

    2. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      21:30 Paris time

      1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE FOR THE LAS…
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 2 days ago

        Thanks mate

  15. Stamford B
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    Haven’t seen a delay like this since Heysal

    1. OLD Rafiki
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      why the delay though?

      1. OverTinker
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 2 days ago

        Many Fans couldn't get inside still

        1. Zimo
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 2 days ago

          And apparently tear gas was used

      2. Stamford B
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 2 days ago

        Trouble outside the ground. Ticketless fans trying to force entry in hearing.

        1. Marvin of all he surveys
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 2 days ago

          Don't let the facts get in the way of being a ***** will you.

          1. Stamford B
            • 2 Years
            2 years, 2 days ago

            Explain that if you will

            1. Stamford B
              • 2 Years
              2 years, 2 days ago

              Hee we can’t lol

              1. Wild Rover
                • 13 Years
                2 years, 2 days ago

                It doesn’t need explanation.

              2. Grande Tubarão
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 2 Years
                2 years, 2 days ago

                You know they’re tear gassing kids and families right mate? What do you think kids and families are doing to warrant being tear gassed?

                1. Stamford B
                  • 2 Years
                  2 years, 2 days ago

                  Nothing obviously. Tbh it’s more a reflection on society as a whole. Up and down this land, whether you live in a city town or village every weekend you see these scum bags. And the scum bags gotta go.

    2. el polako
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      I wonder, whats the commo denominatior ?

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 2 days ago

        Cheap security and poor event planners.

        1. NorCal Villan
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 2 days ago

          Only seems to happen with this one sport that we all love

          1. Grande Tubarão
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 2 Years
            2 years, 2 days ago

            Yep! You don’t get this at the cricket!

  16. Zimo
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    Lol 8:36pm kickoff time. That's a first

  17. el polako
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    Ronaldo, the greatest ever !

    1. OLD Rafiki
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      this

    2. Grande Tubarão
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      So much better looking than Messi isn’t he

      1. el polako
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 days ago

        Ronaldo's 1st season in Serie A is something out of this world, considering that at the time all the best defenders played in Italy.
        El Fenomeno !
        Hands down best player, ever.

        1. Grande Tubarão
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 2 days ago

          Oh you’re talking about that Ronaldo! My favourite player to watch growing up - never seen anyone else make defenders panic like he did

  18. NorCal Villan
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    This musical performance is a crime against humanity

    1. el polako
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      Tribute to playback and ticktock generation.

      1. NorCal Villan
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 2 days ago

        If I want tribute I’ll turn to Tenacious D

  19. DGW blindness is for Kinnea…
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    Liverpool to win 4-0

  20. DGW blindness is for Kinnea…
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    Anyone else standing up for the national anthem?

    1. DGW blindness is for Kinnea…
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      *CL anthem

    2. NorCal Villan
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      Taking a knee

      1. Hulk Smash
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 2 days ago

        For your wife's boyfriend?

        1. NorCal Villan
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 2 days ago

          Do better

    3. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      Not this lot. They’re Scouse not English. Apart fro the face mist have never set foot in Merseyside

  21. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    Starts at 21:36...hmm interesting :35 or :30 would be to soon

  22. Hulk Smash
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    I can't think of many games with a higher potential than this one. Here's hoping the game lives up to it.

  23. Stamford B
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    Even in my local pub. Kids in the garden etc. They’ve had to eject a few ‘fans’. Never been to a game in their life but the occasion brings them all out to cast a shadow over the city.

  24. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    Absolutely awful camera angle. Low and miles away from the players.

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      Was about to say this. Also occasionally zooming in but way too far and at weird times.

      1. gooberman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 days ago

        It honestly does my head in! Zoom in closer for christ sake!

    2. SEXY SOLO SAUCE FOR THE LAS…
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      Which channel you watching on?

      1. gooberman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 days ago

        BT sport youtube channel

  25. SEXY SOLO SAUCE FOR THE LAS…
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    Looking like a 0-0!

    1. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      Funny that it’s looking like a 0-0 when it’s 0-0

      Is that you Michael Owen?

  26. Bow Locks
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    Anyone know the commentator for dazn coverage tonight?

    1. BeaversWithAttitude
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 days ago

      Steve Bower and Jonathan Woodgate

  27. The Ilfordian
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    Courtois on 1 save point

  28. SEXY SOLO SAUCE FOR THE LAS…
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    Mane nearly with the fairytale ending!

  29. Cilly Bonnolly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 2 days ago

    What a save Courtois.