Real Madrid has the best defence in the world - Fernando Sanz

Former Real Madrid defender Fernando Sanz has claimed that the Los Blancos have the best defence ahead of the Champions League final against Liverpool on Saturday. 

Both Liverpool and Real Madrid have seen critics take aim at their defences for being inconsistent throughout the season. But both teams now stand on the verge of European glory and ahead of the marquee clash, Sanz felt that Real Madrid's defence has the edge over Liverpool's. 

"Real Madrid has the best defence, we cannot even compare (with Liverpool)," he told Goal. "Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Raphael Varane and Dani Carvajal, they are the best players in their position." 

Sanz also went on to praise Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane for guiding the Los Blancos to their third successive Champions League final. 

"He showed signs as coach (during his playing years). It is marvellous to see how he does it. As a player, and then as a coach he has shown desire to succeed in this position. And he’s had a fantastic start to his career in managing one of the top clubs in the world." 

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The 44-year-old, who was part of Real Madrid's Champions League winning team in 1997-98, went on to state that while both teams deserved to reach the final, Real Madrid's experience makes them the favourites. 

"The truth is that Real Madrid has more experience but it's a final and both teams are in a very nice shape. Anything can happen. Liverpool have had a great season and done very well to reach the final," he said. 

"Of course, Real Madrid have won the tournament for the last two seasons. They have experience playing the finals but Liverpool have also won this competition five times and they deserve to be there.

"As I said before, Real Madrid has more titles and due to this experience, they are the favourites. Real Madrid have a stunning history in this competition. To have won it 12 times is spectacular and it has come against some of the greatest teams in the world." 

Sanz, who has also served as the President of Spanish outfit Malaga, felt that the dominance of Spanish teams in Europe showcases the superiority of LaLiga. 

"It’s not just this year. In the last couple of years, La Liga has had the best winning teams and the best players due to which we are the best league in the world. We have dominated European competition for the last 15 or so years. The Champions League and Europa League are important to our clubs, much like having success in La Liga," he concluded.