Cup King

Some said Real Madrid and Liverpool were the two most glorious teams in the Champions League.

Over the past eleven years, the two teams had won six Champions League titles between them. Real Madrid had claimed three in five years around the turn of the century, while Liverpool had won two in the past four years and were currently pushing toward three in five.

Historically, Real Madrid had won nine Champions League titles in total, while Liverpool had six. They were the two most successful teams in Champions League history, with only AC Milan's six titles matching Liverpool's tally.

Real Madrid were aiming for their tenth Champions League title, while Liverpool were likewise chasing three titles in five years.

In the league, Liverpool were leading the Premier League. They had almost led the table from the very start of the season, but the Red Devils Manchester United were relentlessly pursuing them. In La Liga, however, Guardiola's Barcelona played Liverpool's role, while Real Madrid were the pursuing side in the role of the Red Devils Manchester United.

After Juande Ramos's team had put together a nine-game winning streak, Real Madrid had rapidly cut Barcelona's lead from twelve points to seven. The people of Madrid could once again see hope of winning the league.

At the same time, Real Madrid also hoped to break through in the Champions League knockout rounds. They had failed to advance past the Round of 16 since 2004, something everyone at Real Madrid regarded as a disgrace.

It could be said that these two traditional giants, at the height of their Champions League glory, were approaching this match with an absolute determination to win.

Juande Ramos and Benitez were both hailed as Cup Kings.

The former had twice led Sevilla to UEFA Cup triumphs and had