Their fans will share 33,226 tickets for the final, which takes place in the 68,000-capacity Wanda Metropolitano stadium, although many more will travel in the hope of finding a ticket, or just to soak up the occasion.

The Reds, who lost to Real Madrid in last year’s final, finished two places and 26 points above Spurs in the Premier League.

What was clear, behind the smiles and the occasional knockabout moments, was the very obvious and huge respect these two formidable managers have for each other, feelings shared by their players.      Phil McNulty

Their style of play has been much praised this season, and their 97 points and one defeat are English records for a team finishing runners-up in the top flight.

ut they have not won anything since manager Jurgen Klopp’s arrival in 2015 – and the German has lost his last six finals, including the Champions League final in 2013 with Borussia Dortmund and last year with Liverpool.