We are a matter of hours away from the final of the 2019 Champions League and who would have thought after trailing Ajax in the semi-finals with 45 minutes to go Tottenham would be contesting this season’s final?
After conquering Manchester City in the quarter-finals, demolishing Liverpool should be a piece of cake! Right?
Well no, however, there are some stats that work in Tottenham’s favour when compared to their rivals Liverpool ahead of the epic Madrid clash.
Total attempts on target – 65
Although Spurs have only scored 20-goals in the tournament so far (joint 5th) their total attempts on target stands at 65 which is the third highest in the competition and more importantly is 11 more than Liverpool.
Admittedly the Reds have converted a higher percentage of their chances compared to the Lilywhites having netted 22-goals but it at least shows Tottenham have the ability to create the chances required.
Harry Kane/Lucas Moura goals scored – 5
Despite missing a large bulk of the end of the campaign, Harry Kane has still scored more goals in his eight games than any other Liverpool player in the Champions League with 5.
In fact, after netting a stunning hat trick against Ajax, Lucas Moura has netted the same number as Kane in his 11 games which is one more than Mo Salah has managed in his 11 Champions League games.
10-4 win for the Lilywhites then!
Fouls committed – 162
Apologies about ending on a sour note but one area of concern is Tottenham’s ability to commit a foul.
Only Ajax have given away more fouls in the competition this season than the Lilywhites with 164 whilst surprisingly Manchester United sit third in the fouls table with 155.
Liverpool have committed eleven fouls fewer than Spurs meaning either Tottenham are really clever with tactical fouls or just a little dirtier than the Reds.
I’ll let you decide which.
In case you have forgotten (unlikely I know) kick off is at 8pm from Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
C’mon you Spurs!