Liverpool vs. Real Madrid player duels: Alisson or Thibaut Courtois?

It is the third time the two famous clubs have met in a European Cup final - a record for a single fixture - with the past two split one apiece, Liverpool winning in Paris in 1981 before Real Madrid lifted the trophy in 2018.

Ahead of the blockbuster fixture between two of Europe's most decorated teams, the Sports Mole team have compared every player likely to start the match for both sides in Paris.

Here, we discuss whether Liverpool's Alisson Becker or Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois is the better goalkeeper.

Barney Corkhill, Editor

VERDICT: Alisson

When these two sides last met in a Champions League final, it was an utter horror-show from Liverpool's goalkeeper which effectively decided matters, and ultimately forced Jurgen Klopp to go out and sign Alisson.

The Brazilian has since established himself as one of the very best goalkeepers in world football and, while he is prone to the odd hair-raising or heart-stopping moment, Liverpool simply would not have enjoyed the same success as they have done in recent years without him between the sticks.

That said, Thibaut Courtois firmly slots into the 'world class' category too, and in many areas is a match for Alisson. Indeed, the Belgian boasts more saves, a better percentage of shots on target saved, and the difference between his expected goals allowed and his actual goals conceded is +6.6 compared to +1.8 for Alisson.

However, the Liverpool man fares better than his opposite number when it comes to most other important goalkeeping categories; he has kept a clean sheet in over half of his appearances this term, has conceded fewer goals in total and has also been a much more effective sweeper-keeper than Courtois this season.

Add to this his ability with the ball at his feet - an impressive 55.2% of his long passes have found their target this season, compared to 35.4% for Courtois - and the Brazilian wins this duel for me.

On a related note, it will be particularly interesting if this match goes to penalties, with Courtois having saved three of the five spot kicks he has faced this season and Alisson having a major say in Liverpool's shootout success in the FA Cup final.

Matt Law, Football Editor

VERDICT: Thibaut Courtois

Two of the finest goalkeepers on the planet will be in action this weekend; Alisson has again been vital for Liverpool, making 52 appearances in all competitions, and he might have to make a number of big saves to help his side win this weekend.

Courtois is rarely mentioned when it comes to the discussion for the top two or three goalkeepers in the world, but the Belgium international has also had an excellent season, keeping 21 clean sheets in 50 appearances.

The 30-year-old has had to make some big saves for his side throughout this season's Champions League, but the same can also be said for Alisson, who is such a commanding presence between the sticks.

It would not be a surprise to see the final go all the way to penalties, so one of those players could be the hero when all is said and done on Saturday night, and for me, Courtois is just ahead here.

Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter

VERDICT: Alisson

Thibaut Courtois may not be the most revered number one in the world, but he is still a phenomenal and sometimes under-appreciated goalkeeper - 21 clean sheets in all competitions is evidence of that.

The Belgian joined Real after their most recent CL success in 2018 and would dearly love to end the season with a European medal around his neck, but he is coming up against some stiff Brazilian opposition.

Recording 27 shut-outs in all tournaments this season, a second Premier League Golden Glove came the way of Alisson, who normally bails his side out on the rare occasions that their defence is breached and is calmness personified with the ball at his feet, so he gets the nod for me.

SPORTS MOLE VERDICT: ALISSON