Liverpool have been unable to beat Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois: “No one would stand in my way today,” he said.
Real Madrid became European champions for the 14th time, with an extension of the record, after beating Liverpool 1-0 in a Champions League final that started 37 minutes late due to some disturbing audience problems outside the Stade de France, near Paris.
Brazilian winger Vinícius Júnior scored from close range in the 59th minute after a ball from Federico Valverde to Liverpool’s goal, a victory on Saturday that gave Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti a fourth World Cup record. ‘Europe.
While Madrid completed a Champions League-La Liga double, Liverpool finished a promising season. One week ago, an unprecedented quadruple of big trophies was played, with the two national cups in England.
The English team could not beat the Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who deflected Sadio Mané’s shot in the first half and made an even better stop to deflect Mohamed Salah’s effort in the 81st minute.
“No one would stand in my way today,” Courtois said.
“I was going to win a Champions League no matter what.”
Vinicius sank to his knees and covered his face full time. Many of his teammates sprinted across the field to celebrate in front of the Madrid fans at one end of the stadium.
Marcelo, the winner of the Madrid trophy series who did not play a minute of the final on Saturday, was honored to lift the trophy on a fireworks display and tape.
King of European football
Madrid has consolidated its status as king of European football, as the Spanish giant has twice as many European cups as the second on the list, AC Milan. Liverpool were six.
However, pre-match crowding problems marred this final and will surely be the focus of an investigation by UEFA and the authorities in the coming days.
With 45 minutes to go, there were still long lines of Liverpool fans waiting to be allowed to enter the stadium. There were also sporadic cases of fans breaking security and sprinting into the lobby.
The situation began to get out of hand when riot police fired tear gas at Liverpool fans on the lines, while some fans were seen climbing the fences.
Officers with batons and riot shields ran from door to door to prevent fans’ pockets from being forced into the stadium without showing tickets.