Mohamed Salah of Liverpool has stated that he prefers to face Real Madrid in the Champions League final rather than Manchester City, as the Egyptian forward seeks vengeance for his team's 2018 defeat by the Spanish club.

Salah left the pitch in tears four years ago after collapsing under a Sergio Ramos challenge in Liverpool's 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the final of Europe's best club competition.

Liverpool defeated Villarreal 5-2 on aggregate in their semi-final on Tuesday and will learn their opponent for the May 28 final later on Wednesday when City meets Real.

Salah told BT Sport: "I want to play Madrid," "City is an extremely tough team; we've faced them several times this season." I prefer Madrid.

When asked if he desired vengeance against the Spanish side, Salah responded, "We lost in the final against them, so I want to play against them and hopefully win it from them as well."

Liverpool fell behind 2-0 to Villarreal in the first half, but three goals in 12 minutes after the break helped them reach their third Champions League final in five seasons.

Salah lauded Liverpool's character as they pursued a record quadruple of trophies this season.

"It was tough in the first half but then we went to the dressing room, the gaffer (Juergen Klopp) started talking and we talked to each other as well," Salah explained.

"That character and personality in the dressing room shows that we are a top team, so that's why we can strike back after losing 2-0 in the first half playing away."