By Tim Stannard

Countdown begins on Real Madrid v Liverpool final fiesta

Twas the night before the Champions League final and all through Kiev not a creature was stirring…aside from tens of thousands of Real Madrid and Liverpool fans who have sold everything they own to both travel to and stay in the Ukrainian city.  

Heck, even a lucky dozen supporters or so from each team have actual tickets to the final, graciously given by the gods of UEFA to nestle alongside the suits of the corporate sponsors of the competition.

And they will be watching an intriguing battle on Saturday against an imperious Real Madrid team that is looking for a third Champions League title win in a row under Coach Zizou and a Liverpool side that is far from the top of the tree in England but has somehow powered its way through to the final thanks to the formidable forward line of Salah, Mane and Firmino.

Friday will see both coaches talking to the press ahead of the game and keeping cards close to their chests – especially in the case of the Real Madrid manager who is likely to be probed thoroughly on who will be partnering Cristiano Ronaldo up front, whether it be Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Isco or Lucas Vazquez.

The Locker Room at 7:30PM ET / 4:30PM PT is your go-to spot for the best build-up ahead of the final.

Could Isco go to Man City? Again?

Immediately turning tail back to Coach Zizou and the Frenchman’s decision on whether to leave Isco on the bench for the Champions League final could have quite the bearing not just on the game but also the future of the Spanish midfielder.

According to Barcelona-based Mundo Deportivo, Pep Guardiola is looking to collect yet more attacking midfielders at Manchester City by bringing in the Real Madrid man who has felt that he is not given a full enough role at the Bernabeu outfit. Whether that would happen at Man City is another matter.

The Gianluigi Buffon transfer to PSG has moved from ‘maybe’ to definitely with the footballer’s agent, Silvino Martina, telling Le Parisien that “we’d be happy if Gigi went to Paris next season.” The former Juve man has reportedly been offered a four-year deal with the Ligue Un outfit.

To wrap up, yet more Manchester United rumors. With the Old Trafford club doubling down in the good-money-after-bad stakes to hand Jose Mourinho $300 million to spend this summer on a whole new group of players with whom to fall out, the Portuguese boss is now reportedly pursuing Bayern Munich winger, Douglas Costa, after his loan spell with Juventus ends.

Head to the XTRA at 7PM ET / 4PM PT for all the best transfer news and made-up stuff.

Lawyer complains after one year in prison for former Barca boss

Here’s a story that is a blast from the past.

Remember Sandro Rosell? Until very recently, he used to be the manager of Barcelona. But over the past year, the former Cule king has been very quiet. Largely because he has been in prison.

A stint that was expected to last a few days due to accusations of money laundering and other financial misdemeanors related to the organization of Brazilian friendly matches has lasted twelve months. And this is far too harsh says Rosell’s lawyer. “It’s shameful, inhuman and outrageous," complained Pau Molins, who has made 11 attempts to remove his client from custody ahead of his trial and says that the concerns of Rosell being a flight risk are bogus.

Houston strong for Rockets and Dynamo

To wrap things up, are you looking for a bit of a football get things going for the weekend?

Then MLS has you covered with two whoppers set up for Friday night. A strangely struggling Toronto FC – just three wins in ten – is taking on FC Dallas, while the Houston Dynamo can continue a happy high for the city with a victory over NYCFC to partner the Rockets causing quite the upset by taking a 3-2 series lead against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday.

And staying on a basketball theme, North American sport could continue to deliver the shocks over the past few week – looking at you with admiration, hockey – with the Boston Celtics able to reach the NBA play-off finals with a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

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