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Mohamed Salah says that he would rather Liverpool played Real Madrid than Manchester City in the Champions League final later this month.

The Reds booked their place in the Paris showpiece after showing resilience and character to finish Villarreal off. Liverpool took a 2-0 lead to Spain following the first leg. However, they were undone in the first half of Tuesday’s second leg.

Indeed, Boulaye Dia and Francis Coquelin made it 2-0 to Villarreal and 2-2 on aggregate.

But, Liverpool midfielder Fabinho struck the all-important first goal of the second half to put the visitors back in front. And from there, substitute Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane finished Villarreal off.

As a result, Jurgen Klopp’s men will play either Real Madrid or Manchester City in the final at the Stade de France.

Madrid fought back from 3-1 down to lose 4-3 at the Etihad last Tuesday, ahead of Wednesday’s second leg. And Salah has insisted that he would rather play the Spaniards.

“I want to play Madrid, I have to be honest,” the Egyptian told BT Sport.

“City is a really tough team, we played against them a few times this season.

“I think personally, I would prefer Madrid. We lost in the final to them so I want to play against them and hopefully win it.”

Liverpool and Madrid have recent history in the Champions League following the 2018 final between the teams.

Salah came off in the first half due to a shoulder injury,