The game’s very best
Our staff ranked the top 30 players in this match, and No. 1 was pretty easy. You can read the entire story herebut here’s how we ranked the top three:
3. Virgil van Dijk, center back, Liverpool
After coming back from an ACL injury in his right knee that forced him to miss the entire 2020-21 season, he’s now fully back at the center of the Liverpool’s defense and he will have the most difficult task of the night to contain Karim Benzema. This is probably the most important duel on the pitch and will likely determine the final result. – Francesco Porzio
2. Mohamed Salah, right winger, Liverpool
Even amid his recent struggles for form, Salah’s class shines through and he ended the 2021-22 Premier League season as the winner of the scoring and assisting titles. Having shaken off a minor injury from the FA Cup final, expect to see the Egyptian burst out of the blocks in a bid to get revenge for the injury and defeat that Madrid inflicted on him four years ago. — James Benge
1. Karim Benzema, center forward, Real Madrid
Three goals and an assist across two thrilling semifinal legs against Manchester City further underlined the French superstar’s Ballon d’Or credentials. The 34-year-old now stands to seal what could be his fifth Champions League crown with Los Blancos — a truly incredible feat made all the more impressive by his tournament-leading overall tally of 15 goals with two more assists. Benzema has dragged this Real side, single handedly at times, to be on the cusp of what would be their 14th competition success. Not to mention that this one could be won in his homeland. — Jonathan Johnson