The Real Madrid footballers won the Champions League for the fourteenth time. The record holders of the elite competition in the final in Paris defeated Liverpool 1-0 with a goal of Vinícius Júnior in the 59th minute. The Spanish team was significantly supported by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
The “White Ballet” in the Champions League succeeded for the first time since 2018, when it also defeated Liverpool 3: 1 in the final. Today, a single shot on goal was enough for Real to win.
Carlo Ancelotti was the first coach in history to win the Champions League for the fourth time, before that he also managed with Real (2014) and twice with AC Milan (2003 and 2007). The Madrid team completed the “double” this season after winning the Spanish title.
“I can’t believe it. It was a tough match, we suffered in the first half, but I think we won this competition deservedly. Madrid is a fantastic club and a team with great quality and strong character,” Ancelotti, who told the Champions League he also dominated twice as a player with Milan.
The kick-off time was postponed by 36 minutes due to fan problems entering the stadium. The final, whose main delegate was the chairman of the Czech Football Association Petr Fousek, was originally supposed to be played in St. Petersburg, but due to the Russian military invasion of Ukraine, it was moved to Paris.
After an introductory more cautious quarter of an hour, Liverpool began to dominate. The Madrid team was rescued by Courtois, who first caught Salah and then pulled Mane’s shot to the post. Real’s first opportunity at the end of the opening half was used by Benzem, but Judge Turpin did not recognize the goal due to the offside of the French striker. The situation has long been studied by video judges.
Although Liverpool had control of the game after the change of direction, he opened the “White Ballet” score in the 59th minute. Valverde found Vinícius with a shot passing and he easily ended up in an open goal. The 21-year-old Brazilian striker has become the fifth youngest scorer in the Champions League final, improving 22 competitions this season.
The quick settlement was refused again by the great Courtois, who struck Salah’s blow. Later, the Belgian goalkeeper coped with the flow of Jota and in 82 minutes Courtois eliminated another big chance for Salah.
“I needed to win finals for my career to add respect to my name. I’m really happy and proud of the team’s performance. We beat the best clubs in the world. The City and Liverpool players were incredible this year. Liverpool played a great match, but we had one chance and they scored a goal, “said Courtois.
Real won the Champions League final for the eighth time in a row. He did not lose to Liverpool for the sixth time in a row, beating his English opponent for the fifth time.
Champions League final in Paris:
FC Liverpool – Real Madrid 0:1 (0:0)
Branka: 59. Vinícius Júnior. Judges: Turpin – Danos, Gringore – Brisard (video, all Fr.). ZK: Fabinho (Liverpool). Attendance: 75,000 (sold out).
Liverpool: Alisson – Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson – Henderson (77. Keita), Fabinho, Thiago (77. Firmino) – Salah, Mané, Díaz (65. Jota). Coach: Klopp.
Real: Courtois – Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy – Modrič (90. Ceballos), Casemiro, Kroos – Valverde (85. Camavinga), Benzema, Vinícius Júnior (90. + 3 Rodrygo). Coach: Ancelotti.
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