As we reach the conclusion of the European season, football fans are gearing up for the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid on May 28th. Originally scheduled to take place in Russia, their invasion of Ukraine has meant the final has been moved to Paris, with the Stade de France hosting the showpiece event.
There’s certainly history on both sides, with Los Blancos getting the better of the Reds in the 2018 final, but a vastly experienced Liverpool head to France as slight favourites this year’s Champions League final betting, and the Reds have already beat Madrid in the City of Light before — with Alan Kennedy’s late strike proving the difference in the 1981 final.
With so much hype for the meeting between Carlo Ancelotti and Jürgen Klopp, it’s easy to overlook the earlier stages of the competition, which have been filled with so much drama. Many were bemused when the away goal rule was scrapped but it has led to some of the most exciting knockout games for years. And with fans back in stadiums it’s been one of the most entertaining Champions League campaigns to date. As usual though, not every player gets the credit they deserve, so read on, as we look at some of the most underrated players of this season’s Champions League.
Rodrygo – Real Madrid
Although he might not be a regular starter, the turn of the year has seen Rodrygo write his name in Madrid folklore for his dramatic goals, especially in the semi-final. Having started just four games in Europe for Carlo Ancelotti in his second spell at the club, the Brazilian has stepped up from his substitute role, scoring a crucial goal against Chelsea before his brace against Manchester City ensured Los Blancos would be heading to Paris, with his second goal forcing extra time before Karim Benzema won them the game with a penalty for his 44th of the season. Rodrygo could well earn his first winners medal if Madrid do make it a 14th Champions League title in Paris.
Darwin Núñez – Benfica
While his team failed to make the semi-finals, Darwin Núñez certainly gave a good account of himself individually for Benfica this season. The Uruguayan is surely due a move to a more competitive club in the summer, with English sides Arsenal and Manchester United both interested in the 22-year-old’s signature. Erik ten Haag will be in the dugout for United next season and the Dutch manager was clearly impressed with Núñez as Benfica knocked out his Ajax side in the round of 16. With six goals in 10 games in Europe this season, and still some way off his prime, a move for Núñez would certainly be a coup for whoever lands his signature.
Raúl Albiol – Villarreal
With so many goals going in this season, the role of the defender has certainly gone overlooked, but Raúl Albiol has been instrumental to Villarreal’s unlikely success this campaign. They might have missed out on the final, coming agonizingly close to Paris after clawing themselves back into the tie with Liverpool, but while they might have lost Unai Emery’s team was a nightmare to play against, particularly down to their defensive organization.
The low block was well orchestrated in Emery’s band of Premier League misfits and La Liga veterans, with 36-year-old Albiol forming a great partnership with Pau Torres, who looks destined for a career away from the Yellow Submarine come the summer, and the former Real Madrid man, while used sparingly in the league now due to his age, came alive midweek — heading everything in his path and barking instructions at his colleagues as Villarreal overcame Juventus and Bayern Munich to reach the final four.
