ASI!!!! ASI!!!! GANA EL MADRID!!! ASI!!!! ASI!!!! GANA EL MADRID!!!
Real Madrid has won the European Cup for the 14th time after a remarkable run to the final culminates in a classic counterattacking victory over Liverpool.
Nevertheless, the Spanish champions now hold the double after a brilliant display of defensive fortitude.
And clinical quality when it mattered in the final third – Vinicius claiming the decisive goal.
However, it may instead be remembered as the ‘Courtois final’ after the Madrid goalkeeper made several outstanding saves to keep his side in the game.
While their beaten opponents will rue many missed opportunities – particularly in the first half.
Starting lineup:
LIVERPOOL (4-3-3): Alisson;
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Andrew Robertson;
Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago;
Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Luis Diaz.
REAL MADRID (4-3-3): Thibaut Courtois;
Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy;
Luka Modric, Casemiro, Toni Kroos;
Federico Valverde, Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior.
Goal:
REAL MADRID LEAD! Sneaking in behind Alexander-Arnold, the ever-alert Vinicius fires home at the back post to give Madrid a 1-0 lead just before the hour mark. Meanwhile, Excellent work from Valverde down the right was rewarded by the Brazilian’s well-timed run and an excellent finish from the left side of the six-yard box.
Goal Creator:
Valverde sprinted clear down the right before splitting the Liverpool defence with a low cross to pick out Vinicius’ far-post run.
So, what’s next?
Carlo Ancelotti, coach of Real Madrid, gains the honour of being the most successful European manager with his fourth Champions League victory – passing both Zinedine Zidane and Bob Paisley in the pecking order.
In addition, Spanish clubs have now won their past 17 European finals against non-Spanish sides.
However, Real continues an eight-game winning streak in Champions League finals.
Real Madrid enjoys a glorious conclusion to perhaps the finest Champions League campaign in their long history.
