Real Madrid clinched a record 14th in the European Cup as they beat Liverpool 1-0 in the Champions League final that was delayed by more than half an hour after police tried to stop people trying to enter the Stade de France. on Saturday.
Vinicius Junior scored an hour before Real’s first attempt and their goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made some brilliant saves to deny Liverpool, who finished the season with two domestic cups. You can’t win the Premier League either.
In the battle with European heavyweights, Jurgen Klopp’s men had more opportunities but lacked the sharpness when it was important that Carlo Ancelotti became the first coach to win the Champions League double. League when two clubs were crowned AC Milan.
Champions League Final Highlights Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Vincius goal sends Los Blancos to 14th title
It was the fourth LaLiga title that helped Real win the Champions League in seven years as they improved on their impressive record in the competition with their eighth win in as many finals.
The match started after a 36-minute delay following an incident outside the stadium when fans were torn apart by riot police as people without tickets tried to squeeze in.
A fan climbs the fence in front of the Stade de France before the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid. – AP
Liverpool had won the previous European Cup final, which both teams had played in Paris, winning 1–0 at the Parc des Princes in 1981, which was Real’s last defeat in a final.
This time meant a different result with the more highly rated Liverpool but they beat the Merseyside club for the second time in Paris following a 3-1 win in 2018.
Liverpool Press
Liverpool ramped up their attack to quickly attack the full-backs and the pressure quickly became enormous on Real’s half.
Mo Salah was crossed by Trent Alexander-Arnold in the penalty area but Courtois stretched to deny the Egyptian player.
After another effort from Liverpool’s Thiago Alcantara, Sadio Mane got much closer as he edged past Eder Militao and Casemiro inside the box before his fierce effort was stunnered by the brilliant Courtois into the post in the 21st minute. .
Real were still waiting for their first shot after half an hour as Virgil van Dijk dominated the Reds defence.
Liverpool, however, were not sharp enough in attack and Salah had another attempt with a header but it went straight to Courtois 10 minutes before halftime.
Real’s only chance in the first half terrified Liverpool but Karim Benzema’s effort was ruled out after the assistant referee deemed him offside, being sent on by Federico Valverde despite Fabinho clearing the ball.
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Liverpool came back early in the second half but Real increased the pressure until they attacked in the 59th minute.
It started when Luka Modric turned his back on Andrew Robertson to create space and ended with Valverde’s precise pass towards the far post which was switched over by Vinicius.
Courtois then dived to head off Salah’s superb effort to give Real the lead.
READ: Courtois sets Champions League record in final win
The Belgian keeper was perfect once again in denying Salah 10 minutes before his teammates happily jumped into his arms to show their gratitude as the final whistle blew.
