Congratulations to Real Madrid
Real Madrid ended Liverpool’s hopes of winning a famous treble as they secured their 14th Champions League title on Saturday night.
Kick off to the game was delayed after large numbers of Liverpool supporters were denied entry to the ground and were subjected to heavy-handed tactics from French authorities which included being ‘tear gassed’.
Jurgen Klopp’s side started the strongest in the opening 20 minutes as star talisman Mohamed Salah had two efforts on goal but both were comfortable for ‘keeper Thibaut Courtois to deal with.
Sadio Mane came closest in the first half after great footwork saw him jinx past Eder Militao before unleashing a fierce effort which was tipped onto the post by Courtois.
Karim Benzema thought he had put Madrid ahead just before half time after some abysmal defending in the Liverpool box but following a lengthy VAR check, the goal was ruled out despite replays showing the ball had come off Fabinho.
It might not matter in the end, but this is why Benzema's goal was ruled out in the first half https://t.co/hGwacpsHhB
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) May 28, 2022
After a slow start to the second half it was Los Blancos who drew first blood as Vinicius Jr was on hand to tap home from close range to give Madrid the lead.
A drilled ball from Federico Valverde into the box found the Brazilian free at the back post who timed his run to perfection and remained composed to strike the ball home shortly before the hour mark.
REAL MADRID LEAD IN PARIS
Liverpool made to pay for not taking their first half chances pic.twitter.com/KBjLswTNyP
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) May 28, 2022
Salah looked to find an almost-instant response with a curling effort from the edge of the box but his shot was equalled by yet another strong save from the hands of Courtois.
Liverpool continued to ramp up the pressure as they went in search of an equaliser, but Carlo Ancelotti’s men remained resilient at the back as Courtois continued to keep any efforts on goal out in a Man of the Match display from the Belgian.
Related links:
- Why Karim Benzema’s goal against Liverpool was ruled out for offside
- Fans react to ‘bizarre’ camera angle for Champions League final in Paris
- Supporters ‘tear gassed’ and denied entry to Champions League final in Paris
