A Vinicius Junior goal completes Real Madrid’s fairy tale run in the Champions League.
Real Madrid claimed the 2021-22 Champions League title after beating Liverpool 1-0 in the final. An incredible performance by Thibaut Courtois helped Real Madrid clinch their second title of the campaign.
Real Madrid are the Champions of Europe!
Liverpool started the game by dominating the possession while Real Madrid struggled to find their feet in the game. Courtois saved a close-range shot from Mohamed Salah, while Sadio Mane’s strike in the 21st minute deflected off the post.
Real Madrid managed to convert their first shot on target through Karim Benzema. However, the referee disallowed the goal after a lengthy review by VAR just before the interval.
Liverpool restarted their efforts to find the back of the net as soon as the second period started. But it was Real Madrid who broke the deadlock just before the hour mark.
An inch-perfect pass from Federico Valverde found Vinicius Junior, who nodded the ball home from close range. Liverpool had the chance to immediately get back into the game, but Courtois prevented Salah again with another excellent save.
Liverpool increased the pressure on Real Madrid’s backline in the last 20 minutes, with Jurgen Klopp making three changes to his lineup.
However, the Blancos managed to hold on to their lead, thanks to their well-organized defence and Courtois’ brilliant goalkeeping.
Player Ratings
Liverpool: Alisson (6); Alexander-Arnold (6), Konate (7), Van Dijk (5), Robertson (6); Henderson (6), Fabinho (7), Thiago (7); Salah (7), Mane (7), Diaz (6).
Bench: Keita (5), Firmino (6), Jota (6).
Real Madrid: Courtois (9); Carvajal (7), Militao (7), Alaba (7), Mendy (6); Kroos (7), Casemiro (8), Modric (6); Valverde (7), Benzema (6), Vinicius Jr (7).
Bench: Ceballos (-), Camavinga (6), Rodrygo (-).
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