The best photos as Liverpool train in Madrid ahead of the Champions League final

May 31, 2019
Joanna Durkan

Liverpool had their first look at the Wanda Metropolitano as they trained in front of the media on Friday, one day out from the Champions League final.

The Reds descended on the Wanda Metropolitano on the eve of the European Cup final as they put the finishing touches on their preparations.

Jurgen Klopp and his 23-man squad flew out to Madrid earlier in the day, where Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson fronted the media alongside the manager before one of their final training sessions.

With 12 substitutes allowed to be named in the matchday squad, Liverpool’s travelling 23-man side will all find themselves involved from the off or at the very least on the bench.

As expected Naby Keita was left out of the final squad, and Klopp again refused to be drawn into committing to a response as to whether Roberto Firmino will start against Spurs, but insisted he is “completely fine.”

The extended bench, however, has provided an invaluable opportunity for youngsters Rhian Brewster and third-choice goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher to be involved.

It is a position Joe Gomez is also likely to take up as he continues to find himself behind Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip in the pecking order.

And there was a mix of smiles and serious game-faces for the Reds at the home of Atletico Madrid as they went through a series of drills in the scorching Spanish temperatures.

As the hours until kickoff dwindle the significance of the occasion grows, something which was not lost on Robertson when speaking at the pre-match press conference.

“We don’t just do it for us and our family, we do it for the manager, coaches and everyone behind the scenes at Melwood,” he told reporters.

This is a sentiment which was echoed by Alexander-Arnold when talking about the Liverpool faithful, as he promised: “All the lads are prepared to put everything on the line for the fans.”

The wait is now almost over for Liverpool’s fans and players alike.

But the final touches of the Reds’ preparations for their shot at European glory are set to take place at Real Madrid’s training ground on Saturday morning, before coming face-to-face with Tottenham in the evening.