Champions League excitement hots up in Kiev

Basked in sunshine, Champions League excitement is heating up in Kiev ahead of this weekend’s big showdown.

Real Madrid and Liverpool will lock horns at the NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium on Saturday evening and the Ukraine capital is almost set for the big occasion.

The Champions League emblem has been emblazoned around the city, with flower beds donning the instantly recognisable ball.  

A giant replica of the European trophy has been placed in front of St. Sophia Cathedral

The UEFA branding has been put in place around the NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium

And a massive replica of the European trophy has also been rolled into the centre, taking its place in front of St. Sophia Cathedral. 

The finishing touches were being made to the fan park, which will be open from Thursday onwards as fans from across the globe begin to flock to the eastern European country ahead of kick off.

While the heat may be turning up in the Kiev, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has warned his side not to expect their opponents to melt under the pressure. 

A street musician in a sombrero performs while a worker puts finishing touches to the fan park

The fan zone has been covered with banners promoting the final between Liverpool and Real

He told journalists this week: ‘They are cool as ice.

‘You have a chance against them and they are not bothered. It doesn’t affect them. 

‘Have you seen them even one time, panicking because someone had a chance against them? Ice.’

Liverpool’s emblem shines in the sun at one end of the stadium in the Ukraine capital

The replica trophy is part of a number of features added to the city ahead of the weekend

Banners have been draped around the side of the NSC Olimpiyskiy stadium ahead of the final