Heavy security in Paris as French capital prepares for Champions League final

Security personnel were stationed across Paris as the French capital geared up for the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid on Saturday.

Around 7,000 police will be on duty during the final where as many as 40,000 ticketless Liverpool supporters are expected.

The title clash between Liverpool and Real Madrid was originally set to be played in St. Petersburg but Uefa awarded the match to the French capital after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Only around 20,000 supporters each from Liverpool and Real will be allowed to watch the match at the Stade de France.

Authorities have prepared a vast fan zone for up to 45,000 Liverpool supporters along the Cours de Vincennes 10 kilometres from the stadium.

A second fan park in the northern suburb of Saint-Denis where the Stade de France is located is reserved for Real Madrid supporters with tickets ahead of the game.

History will be on Real's side when they enter the Stade de France tonight. The Los Blancos were too strong when the sides meet in the 2018 Champions League final in Kyiv, winning 3-1, but Klopp's men bounced back to become European champions a year later and are now in their third final under the German.

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, left, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, right, and Roberto Firmino during a training session at the Stade de France on Friday, May 27, 2022, ahead of the Champions League final against Real Madrid in Paris. AP

Liverpool will join AC Milan as the second most successful club in European Cup history with seven titles if they lift the title.

Real are well out in front as the kings of Europe with 13 titles.

Meanwhile, Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara has a good chance of being fit for the final. The playmaker appeared a major