Champions League Final: Salah’s Ramadan prayers answered

On Tuesday night, minutes after full time whistle was blown, Liverpool’s forward Mohamed Salah was all smiles in post-match interview addressed to him by BT Sports.

His team had just qualified for the Champions League final; the first team to do so ahead of Wednesday’s alternative fixture. For one, people would think his smiles were solely on the fact that Liverpool had qualified for the Champions League final a 3^rd time under Jurgen Klopp within 5 seasons, but somehow, we feel Salah may have foreseen his prayers being answered.

When quizzed by the media on who he would rather prefer as the opponent against his team between Real Madrid and Man City, the Egyptian without being political chose the Spanish side. Some may argue that he had held a grudge against Madrid for 5 years and had prayed and waited patiently for this moment, others would argue he was scared of a tougher opponent in City.

But be what may, his prayers had been answered, and Madrid pulled off the biggest shock of the night by sending out Man City crashing out of the tournament to book a place ahead of them in the Paris final.

Salah, who has put in incredible numbers for his team this season, had a run in with Real Madrid in same final with things not going down well on his end, likewise for his team as he had picked up a dislocated arm while in a challenge with then Madrid defender Sergio Ramos. Many would look at that moment as one he would want redemption for.

But as redemption arcs go, he did have an opportunity a year later in same final but against another opponent. And seeing how persistent Salah was on a final against Real Madrid, it stands to reason the La Liga giant have been if not in his prayers, rather in his thoughts.

As things look now, this year’s Champions League final looks to be an exciting one as it is personal. Only one team comes out on top. Will it be Salah’s? Or the Los Blancos? Time will tell.