Liverpool were beaten in the Champions League final following a 0-1 loss to Real Madrid in Paris.
The Reds dominated for most of the first half with Real Madrid’s Thibault Courtois making saves, but it was the Spanish champions who were closest to breaking the deadlock with a failed goal. permission from Karim Benzema after a long VAR check.
Brazilian winger Jose Vinicius Junior put Real Madrid ahead in the 59th minute, scoring after a Federico Valverde cross.
Liverpool had the opportunity to equalize after the goal but Courtois promptly saved.
That was enough to secure the Spanish giants’ 15th Champions League title.
But the beginning of the game was ruined by big delay as Liverpool fans were unable to enter the stadium, some until half-time, and tear gas was used on crowds trying to get into the match.
‘When Real Madrid play the final, they will win’
Real Madrid goalkeeper Courtois told BT Sport after the game: “I told my friends yesterday that when Real Madrid play the final they will win. I’m on the good side of the schedule. history.
“Today I need to win a final for my career, for all the hard work putting respect on my name because I don’t think I have enough respect, especially especially in England.”
He added: “I’ve seen a lot of criticism even after a great season, that I’m not good enough or anything.
“I’m really happy and proud of the team’s performance. We gave our best and when I needed to, I was there for the team.
“I think we’ve beaten the best clubs in the world; Manchester City and Liverpool have been unbelievable this season.
“They fought to the end in the Premier League and Liverpool won two trophies. They were really strong today.
“I played a great game, that was the difference today because we had an important chance and we scored it.”
‘Absolute Defense High Class’
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who lifted the trophy in 2005, told BT Sport that Real Madrid’s performance was “phenomenal”.
“They put an absolute class on defense today,” said the Aston Villa boss.
“Yes, the goalkeeper is the man of the game, but if you look at the detail of defending a man all over the pitch, their distance, their form and their composure under pressure.
“Yes, they were played for 40 minutes, but for 90 minutes… yes, their goalkeeper saves them sometimes, but with a man across the pitch they defended very well.”
Former Reds striker Michael Owen added on BT Sport: “No one can say they (Madrid) don’t deserve it.
“Their route to the final was extremely difficult, they beat the best English teams: Chelsea, Manchester City and now Liverpool.
“Yes, Liverpool played well for 40 minutes, but those boys (Real Madrid) did it again, with that experience, that experience and that know-how – that’s so important in football. and they have that in abundance.”
