Liverpool have been defeated in the Champions League final after a 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid in Paris.
The Reds dominated much of the first half with Thibault Courtois of Real Madrid making stops, but it was the Spanish champions who came closest to breaking the deadlock with a goal by Karim Benzema canceled out after a long delay for a VAR control.
Brazilian winger Jose Vinicius Junior put Real Madrid ahead in the 59th minute, on the scoreboard after a cross from Federico Valverde.
Liverpool had chances to equalize after the goal, but Courtois was able to keep them out.
It was enough to secure the Spanish giant’s 15th Champions League title.
But the start of the match was marred by long delays as Liverpool fans were unable to enter the stadium, some up to halfway through, and tear gas was used for the crowd trying to enter the stadium. party.
“When Real Madrid play the final, they win it”
Real Madrid goalkeeper Courtois told BT Sport after the game: “Yesterday I told my friends that when Real Madrid play the final they win it. I’m on the bright side of history.
“Today I needed to win a final of my career, for all the hard work to respect my name because I think I don’t have enough respect, especially in England.”
Image: Jose Vinicius Junior scored the goal of the match
He added: “I saw a lot of criticism even after a great season, which was not good enough or whatever.
“I’m very happy and proud of the team’s performance. We stayed there and when I needed to be there, I was there for the team.
“I think we have won the best clubs in the world; (Manchester) City and Liverpool were amazing this season.
“They fought until the end in the Premier League and Liverpool won two cups. Today they have been very strong.
“I played a great game, that was the difference today because we had a great opportunity and we scored.”
“I’m the man of memory”
Image: Carlo Ancelotti and his men celebrate victory
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has celebrated his team’s victory as he became the first coach to win the Champions League for the fourth time.
“I can’t believe it. We’ve had a fantastic season,” he said.
“We suffered a lot in the first half but in the end we deserved to win this competition.
“I am the man of memory. I was lucky enough to come here last year and as always I found a fantastic club with a very good squad, with a lot of quality and mental character.
“The season was the best.”
‘Let’s go again’
Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp has vowed to recover and “return” next season.
“These guys had an exceptional season,” said Klopp, whose ensemble will go to a Liverpool parade on Sunday.
“We couldn’t win both competitions, we didn’t do them by the smallest possible margin: one point, 1-0.
“City during the season, it has been a better point and tonight Madrid has been a better goal. That says nothing about us.
“The difference between 2018 and now is that I see us coming again.”
“A Master Class of Absolute Defense”
Image: Vinicius Junior in action with Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who lifted the trophy in 2005, said Real Madrid’s performance had been “phenomenal”.
“Today they have done an absolute defensive master class,” the Aston Villa boss said.
“Yes, the goalkeeper got the man of the match, but if we look at the detail of the defense in front of a man all over the field, his distances, his form and his calm under pressure.
“Yes, they were beaten for 40 minutes, but for 90 minutes … yes, their goalkeeper rescued them sometimes, but they defended a man on the other side very well.”