Madrid Defeats Liverpool Once Again To Lift Champions League Trophy

Liverpool faced off against Real Madrid for a repeat of the 2018 Champions League final. Liverpool lost 4-1 four years ago, but they were determined to get their revenge this year and complete the treble. Real Madrid looked to defeat Liverpool once again to win their first Champions League trophy without Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos. 

As if the anticipation wasn’t already enough, some trouble between Liverpool fans and French police outside the stadium delayed the start of the match for a further half an hour. Real Madrid announced their starting lineup three hours before kick-off. Vinícius Júnior, Karim Benzema, and Federico Valverde led the attack for the injury-free Galácticos. On the other hand, Liverpool had doubts about starting Thiago Alcântara due to his injury attained in Liverpool’s last Premier League game. Luckily he was able to play for Liverpool, by the side of Jordon Henderson and Fabinho in Liverpool’s midfield.

Liverpool kept their usual tactics in the first half. The high pressure on Madrid’s defense did not allow them to make passes comfortably. The first half was dominated by Liverpool as they had 10 shots, hitting the target five times. Sadio Mané was the closest for Liverpool as he dribbled past three Real Madrid players and took a shot at the near post. Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was able to palm the ball onto the post, barely keeping the ball outside of the net.

Thibaut Courtois’ touch on Sadio Mané’s shot was just enough to push it onto the post and keep the ball out.

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Neither team scored but the ball did hit the back of the net once in the first half. Benzema received a long pass and was through on goal, but Liverpool goalkeeper Alison Becker was able to block off Benzema before he got the shot off. Benzema tapped the ball into the center of the box and caused a fumble. Valverde, Fabinho, and Ibrahima Konaté collided and the ball went back to Benzema to slot it into the goal. However, Video Assistant Referee deemed Benzema to be offside after Valverde’s touch and disallowed the goal. To the Galácticos’ dismay, the last touch of the ball was from Fabinho. Therefore, the legitimacy of the offside call was questioned. The first half was ended on a controversial note.

Courtois saves Salah’s point-blank shot using his leg to keep his clean sheet.

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The second half started with Liverpool and Real Madrid having similar possession percentages. Liverpool had 51.7 percent and Real Madrid had 48.3 percent. Real Madrid slowly got into rhythm and regained possession. Liverpool had more opportunities but Courtois was not letting anything go past him. The deadlock was broken after 59 minutes. Dani Carvajal picked up the ball and was able to pass it off to Valverde. Valverde broke inside of the box on the right flank and put a ground cross to the left to find Vinícius. The ball was easily put into the back of the open goal by Vinícius, giving Madrid the lead in the Champions League final. 

Vinícius receives Valverde’s cross to put Madrid ahead in the 59th minute.

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Liverpool hoped to equal the scoreline, but their attempts were once and once again saved by Courtois. Two separate close attempts by Mohammed Salah and another deflected attempt from Jota were closest to a Liverpool equalizer. Yet they were all blocked by brilliant saves from Courtois. As the clock ran down, Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp sent Diogo Jota, Naby Keïta, and Roberto Firmino into the game, attempting to provide extra attacking power. At the same time, Liverpool’s attacks were getting less organized as players’ frustration became more visible. There were increasingly more misplaced or overhit passes from Liverpool. In the dying minutes of the game, Liverpool threw everything at Madrid, even center back Virgil van Dijk was playing in an attacking position. Unfortunately for Liverpool, the clock ran out eventually, and they failed to find the equalizing goal.

Salah looks on as his shot was once again deflected away from the goal by Courtois.

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As the final whistle blew, Real Madrid once again defeated Liverpool to win their 14th Champions League Trophy. The team which has won it the most has done it once again. Just like most of their previous games in the tournament, Liverpool has significantly more shots than their opponents. This time, they had 21 more shots than Real Madrid but they failed to convert due to Courtois's heroics. Courtois had nine saves in the final and there was no doubt that his contribution was the most important for Real Madrid. Real Madrid was the better team at the end of the day and they deserved the win, but Liverpool also put in a valiant effort.

Real Madrid Captain Marcel Vieira lifts his 25th and last trophy with the club after his last game with the Galácticos.

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Real Madrid’s captain and the club’s most decorated player, Marcelo Vieira, added his twenty-fifth trophy with the club to his cabinet. As Marcelo Vieira leaves the club this summer after 15 years, this is a perfect farewell for the Madrid Veteran. Benzema also ended with 15 goals in the tournament, an impressive personal record. After winning the Champions League, Benzema is very likely to also win the Ballon d'Or for the best player of the season.

Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp waves at Liverpool fans to express his gratitude for their support over the tournment.

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After this final, Liverpool lost two trophies within two weeks. They barely missed out on the Premier League trophy by one point, and they lost the Champions League final just by one goal. This must be disheartening for Liverpool, but a few things sorting out immediately. Including the contract of their top scorer and assist provider this season, Mohammed Salah. Other than Salah, they are also at risk of losing Sadio Mané to German giants Bayern Munich. Liverpool has no time to drown in their sorrows, they will need to get up and start preparing for next season. I believe that with Klopp’s leadership, Liverpool will only come back stronger.