REAL MADRID could tonight be crowned the champions of Europe for a 13th time tonight.
Zinedine Zidane would become the first ever coach to win the competition three times in a row.
The club from the Spanish capital should be remembered as the dominant team of this part of the century.
But are they considered as a great team? Not really. Real’s players are aware of this and it clearly annoys the hell out of them.
Zidane’s side are certainly not considered in the same stratosphere as the great Barcelona side which kept every football fan on the edge of their seats just a few years ago.
This team, still jam-packed full of stars, is currently famous for finding a way to win games, like they did against Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.
Many supporters, particularly those around Merseyside, believe Real’s defence could be exposed by Liverpool’s pacy attack in Kiev tonight.
Real Madrid are seen as beatable. Barca always appeared unstoppable. Asked whether the team has been hurt with a lack of recognition, captain Sergio Ramos gave an honest answer.
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The centre-half, 32, said: “We have felt a bit hurt that is inevitable. But when your rivals are being highlighted, your victory is worth more. We have to be realistic.
“We have beaten Juventus, PSG, Bayern Munich. It has been a hard road but we have to get to the finish line. Liverpool never throw in the towel. It is a unique opportunity.
“It’s not a problem when people do not value us. Praise gets your mind off the ball. Our team has always been in a good frame of mind. We’ve hunger and ambition. We want to succeed.
“You cannot have player power in the locker room. We have won a lot of titles and have a very clear objective.
“When you find yourself in a place like this we are highly motivated. There is great spirit and pride in our team. It motivates you to continue to want to win.
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“It’s a privilege to be in this final. We want to make history. That is very positive for us.”
Ramos knows he will face a busy evening against Liverpool’s three-pronged strike force but he will be at a stadium where he has fond memories from Euro 2012.
He added: “We hit the reset button every year and look forward. We don’t look behind us. It is our moment. Another final. This place brings back great memories. Spain became champions of Europe here.”
And asked if Mo Salah, 25, is as good as Ronaldo or Lionel Messi, Ramos scoffed.
He said: “Cris and Messi are in another orbit. Some players are in fashion, some disappear, Salah is an enormous player — to be compared with those players is very favourable.
“He has a very good opportunity to continue like this for many years but we will see what happens.”
Ronaldo, meanwhile, reckons he is incomparable with Salah as he attempts to win a fifth Champions League trophy.
All eyes will be on Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo and Liverpool striker Salah in the Ukraine capital.
Ronaldo, 33, said: “People want to compare me with other players but I’m different to everyone. Salah is different to everyone, so we are different.
“He plays with his left foot, I play with my right. He is a little bit shorter, I play with my head, so we are completely different. I have to say he has had a fantastic season but on Saturday . . . let’s see.”
The pair have both scored 44 goals this season and Reds ace Salah said: “Everyone around me is very excited to win the Champions League.
“I cannot put more pressure on myself. I have to play it as a normal game. Of course, it’s the Champions League final but the best way is to take it easy, relax and enjoy the game.
“The final is not between Mohamed Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo. Of course I know a lot about him. He is a top-level player, as he said, he plays with his right foot, I play with my left.
“We are both focused on a good game in the final and to win it for our clubs. All I can do is play well.”
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Ronaldo continues to smash a string of scoring records having won his first Champions League a decade ago with Manchester United.
The Portuguese, who has 121 goals in this tournament to his name, said: “It’s a special competition, in terms of me as an individual, I love to play in the Champions League.
“It will be a dream if we, and I personally, win my fifth Champions League. It will be unbelievable. I just want to be focused on Saturday and try to win this amazing trophy.”
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