The Champions League final is fast-approaching as Liverpool and Real Madrid go head-to-head for the third time at this stage to be crowned the champions of Europe. Both teams have had extraordinary seasons, with Liverpool winning two domestic trophies while Real Madrid won La Liga. Both clubs are have a rich history in Europe, having won the competition six and 13 times respectively.
Across those combined 19 seasons there have been some iconic kits. The Sportsman has teamed up with Classic Football Shirts to pick out three of each club's most classic kits when lifting Europe's most prestigious trophy.
Liverpool
1984
This iconic strip made a twist on the usual all-red strip that Liverpool would famously wear and added white pinstripes which gave the kit a lot more personality - Umbro made a gem with this one. What adds to the story of this popular kit is of course it saw European glory and also because of the club legends that wore it. You had Phil Neal, Alan Hansen, Graeme Souness, Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush. These are some of Liverpool's greatest players and their triumph in Rome helped them achieve that status.
2005
Everyone remembers the miracle of Istanbul. The Reds were 3-0 down to AC Milan and completed the comeback of all comebacks to make the score 3-3, forcing extra-time before winning on penalties thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek who denied Andriy Shevchenko to win Liverpool their fifth title. This game was the pinnacle of Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard's career. He may not have been able to win a Premier League with his boyhood club but he won Europe's grandest prize with them and it was his header that started the comeback in the final. This strip is a reminder of that incredible game and why it is so popular among fans.
2019
Second time's the charm. Having been beaten by Real Madrid in the final of 2018, Liverpool dusted themselves off and went again as they famously have done during Jurgen Klopp's reign. They continued to dazzle on the European stage and overcame their heartbreak by winning the Champions League the following year after beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0. It may have been a relatively tame final but it was the one that clinched the Reds title number six and was at that point the peak of Klopp's tenure. Worn by Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Virgil van Dijk - this collared shirt was smart and a popular strip with the fan base.
Real Madrid
1998
This was the strip when Real Madrid won their first European crown of the Champions League era against Juventus. Predrag Mijatović was the match-winner in Amsterdam for Jupp Heynckes' side to seal Los Blancos' seventh European title. This strip was also worn by Raul, Clarence Seedorf, Roberto Carlos and Fernando Hierro. What is special about this kit is that it took a different approach from the classic all-white shirt and the touches of purple, including on the collar make it look smart.
2000
After getting a taste of success in the new era of the Champions League, it didn't take long for Real Madrid to win again as they ran out as 3-0 winners against Valencia at the Stade de France. Fernando Morientes, Steve McManaman and Raul were the goalscorers to land title number eight. This smart black and gold away strip added class to a team that was already full of it, the kit just made them look even better while besting the best teams Europe had to offer.
2018
The final that Liverpool fans will want to forget but Real Madrid fans will always remember as it was the game that secured them a record third consecutive Champions League title under Zinedine Zidane. The game is remembered for the impact substitute Gareth Bale had as the Welshman scored twice from the bench to seal the win, including his stunning bicycle kick within minutes of coming on. The white strip with a light blue contrast was another different approach when designing a Los Blancos home kit but it helps this historic triumph stand out even more.