Danny Murphy and Craig Bellamy back Liverpool to beat 'vulnerable' Real Madrid

Posted Thursday, May 03, 2018 by Skysports.com

Danny Murphy and Craig Bellamy both think Liverpool will go on to win the Champions League as Real Madrid are "vulnerable".

Liverpool booked a date with Real Madrid in the Champions League final on May 26, despite losing 4-2 in Roma, going through 7-6 on aggregate.

Despite a late rally from Roma to make the scoreline close, the visitors saw out a freakishly high-scoring tie to make their first Champions League final since 2007.

Between them, Liverpool and Real Madrid have got their hands on Europe's big prize 17 times, with the La Liga side the current Champions League holders after winning the trophy in each of the last two seasons.

However, despite their lack of experience, former Liverpool star Murphy sees huge hope for Liverpool in Kiev later this month.

"I'm trying to underplay it, but they've got a hell of a chance," Murphy said on The Debate.

"I don't see Real Madrid play and not concede lots of chances. They might score but Liverpool will create so many chances in the game. I think if Liverpool could have chosen Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, they'd have chosen Madrid.

"I think it's meant to be. There's something about this Liverpool side and the way they play. Madrid's performance at Tottenham keeps sticking in my head. They couldn't handle the energy that Spurs played at - the strength of their runners."

Bellamy agreed strongly with Murphy about the weaknesses in Zinedine Zidane's side.

"I watched them against Juventus and tactically they are so vulnerable," Bellamy said.

"The way Madrid play will suit Liverpool. They don't track runners - you can run off the back of them. Experience will be important but this Madrid team aren't as good as the Madrid teams of the last two, three years. This is a very good opportunity for Liverpool.

"Liverpool will have a lot of confidence about beating this Real Madrid side. My concern is the experience edge Madrid have.

"I fancy Liverpool, I really do. I'm not a betting man, but if I was, I'd put my money on Liverpool."