- Liverpool will meet Real Madrid in the May 26 Champions League final in Kiev
- Mohamed Salah has enjoyed superb season for Liverpool, scoring 43 goals
- But Real captain Sergio Ramos says defending champions won’t fear Salah
- The Spanish side are aiming to win third Champions League in succession
Sergio Ramos says Real Madrid will not fear Liverpool star Mohamed Salah in the Champions League final, calling him ‘just one of 11 players.’
The Egyptian has enjoyed an exceptional debut season at Anfield, scoring 43 goals to propel Jurgen Klopp’s side to the May 26 final in Kiev.
They now face the daunting challenge of Real Madrid, who will be aiming for a third consecutive triumph in the competition and their 13th overall.
Mohamed Salah has been instrumental in Liverpool’s run to the Champions League final
Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos says they won’t fear Salah in the May 26 final in Kiev
And even though some are tipping Salah to challenge Real’s Cristiano Ronaldo for the next Ballon d’Or, Ramos was dismissive.
He told the Daily Mirror: ‘We have seen what Salah can do this season, but he will just be one of 11 players we face against Liverpool.
‘Throughout my career, I have faced the best forward players in the world – many of them who are considered among the greatest ever.
‘For me, there is never a fear. A respect, yes, but never a fear.’
With Barcelona streaking away with the La Liga title this season, Zinedine Zidane’s Real quickly turned their attentions to another European triumph – and that focus has paid off.
Ramos lifts the Champions League trophy after Real’s 4-1 win over Juventus in the 2017 final
Salah has enjoyed an excellent debut season at Liverpool, scoring 43 goals so far
They have overcome the champions of France, Italy and Germany – Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Bayern Munich respectively – in the knockout rounds to reach yet another final.
And captain Ramos is naturally confident they can make it three-in-a-row.
‘We can’t be arrogant but we can be confident. We know it is in the DNA of Real Madrid to win the Champions League,’ he said.
‘We are ready to defend our title for a second time – we won’t let it go easily.
‘With all respect, maybe at the start of the campaign Liverpool were not the team people thought would be in the final, but they are here because they deserve to be here.
‘We know as a team how to play finals – and we will be ready.’
Advertisement
