"Big clash" - Xabi Alonso gives his opinion on the Champions League final

Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has previewed the upcoming Champions League final.

The Reds will compete against Real Madrid in Paris for the biggest trophy in club football. Both sides secured solid victories in the semi-finals.

Liverpool overcome Villarreal 5-2 on aggregate to progress to the final. Real Madrid on the other hand defeated Manchester City 6-5 on aggregate to book their trip to Paris.

Alonso believes that the upcoming clash will be enjoyable to watch because of the quality of both sides.

"I love when Jurgen (Klopp) says they (Liverpool) are 'mentality monsters', because what they are doing is not easy, it's not just this year," he told BT Sport, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo.

"It's what they have been doing for the last few years and they have that mentality.

"But another thing is the final. The final is a big one and when you need to show that mentality. Because the other one - Madrid - they are (the) other mentality monsters. So (it will be) a big, big clash that we are going to enjoy."

Anfield Watch Verdict

We can't wait for the final. There is nothing better than seeing your team win the European Cup.

We completely agree with Alonso that the match should be decent viewing. Liverpool are currently one of the best teams in the world and Real Madrid possess some very good players.

However, the one footballer that we are concerned about is Karim Benzema. The Real Madrid striker has found the back of the net 44 times and registered 15 assists in 45 appearances this season.

So, if Liverpool are to defeat the La Liga side, they will need to keep Benzema very quiet.

He is the type of player that could beat the Reds all by himself.