Liverpool are set to face Real Madrid in the Champions League final for the second time in four years, and it’s fair to say a lot has changed for the two clubs since that point.
Liverpool have transformed from being mere contenders to arguably the best team in the world, while Real Madrid have waved goodbye to some of their greatest icons in recent years.
However, perhaps the biggest indicator of the changes at both clubs are the players who were on the bench that day in Kyiv, and with that in mind, we’re going to have a look at where those players are now.
Real Madrid substitutes
Kiko Casilla – Elche, on loan from Leeds United
Kiko Casilla was on the bench for a Champions League final just four years ago, but one year on from this game, he was playing Championship football with Leeds United.
The Spaniard has been underwhelming for Leeds, and he’s currently out on loan at Elche back in La Liga.
Nacho Fernandez – Real Madrid
Nacho Fernandez remains a Real Madrid player, and his star has certainly risen in recent years.
He’s now a rock at the back for Los Blancos and a stalwart in the Spanish national team.
Theo Hernandez – AC Milan
Theo Hernandez is on course to be a Serie A champion this season with AC Milan.
The French full-back never really got much of a chance at the Bernabeu, but he’s since established himself as one of Europe’s premier left-backs over in Milan.
Marco Asensio – Real Madrid
Marco Asensio was seen as one of the brightest young talents in Europe back in 2018, and while he’s not quite lived up to his billing, he’s still carved out a fantastic career for himself.
The Spaniard remains a regular for Madrid and he could feature against Liverpool in Paris.
Mateo Kovacic – Chelsea
A player Premier League fans will know very well, Mateo Kovacic has established himself as a true star at Chelsea.
The Croatian is one of Thomas Tuchel’s most important players, and he won another Champions League last season with the Blues.
Gareth Bale – Real Madrid
The Man of the Match in this game, somehow, Gareth Bale remains on Real Madrid’s books.
The Welshman is, sadly, massively out of favour in the Spanish capital. The fans dislike him and his heart just isn’t in it anymore.
Out of contract in the summer, Bale could play his final game for Madrid in Paris.
Lucas Vazquez – Real Madrid
Yet another player who remains at Madrid. Lucas Vazquez has quietly had an unbelievable career.
A three-time Champions League winner and a key player for years at Madrid, the winger stroke wing-back is one of the most reliable players in Europe.
Liverpool substitutes
Simon Mignolet – Club Brugge
In hindsight, Liverpool probably should have started Simon Mignolet in this game.
Indeed, it’s hard to imagine Mignolet having as poor a performance as Loris Karius on the night, and perhaps the Reds would have won this final if the Belgian had started.
Mignolet is back in his home country with Club Brugge while he remains a regular in the Belgium set-up.
Nathaniel Clyne – Crystal Palace
A star for Liverpool before injuries set in. The right-back is now back at Crystal Palace.
Luckily, Clyne has stayed clear of serious injury for a little while now, but sadly, the damage has been done and he’s not a regular for Palace these days.
Ragnar Klavan – Paide Linnameeskond
Now 36 years old, Ragnar Klavan is still going strong over in Estonia with Paide Linnameeskond.
Paide Linnameeskond are currently fourth in the Estonian top-flight, while Klavan remains something of a cult hero amongst Liverpool supporters.
Alberto Moreno – Villarreal
Alberto Moreno’s Villarreal were within touching distance of this season’s Champions League final, but the Spanish outfit were halted by Moreno’s old side.
Moreno still absolutely loves Liverpool, and we’re sure he will be cheering the Reds on against Madrid later this month.
Adam Lallana – Brighton
Another talented Englishman blighted by injuries, Adam Lallana came off the bench to replace Mohamed Salah in this game.
Luckily, Liverpool have more depth these days and would be able to call on either Diogo Jota or Luis Diaz if history repeats itself and Salah picks up another Champions League final injury.
Now 33, Lallana is currently plying his trade for Brighton.
Emre Can – Borussia Dortmund
The 2018 Champions League final was Emre Can’s final game for Liverpool before he left for Juventus on a free transfer.
Since then, the German has headed back to his home country where he’s currently a regular for Borussia Dortmund.
Dominic Solanke – Bournemouth
A star in the Championship this season, Dominic Solanke has helped Bournemouth back to the Premier League this term.
The Champions League final may feel a long way away for Solanke, but now more mature, the England international will get another shot at the top-flight next season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
