The most important match of the European club season was riddled with problems in the lead up to the start. Several Liverpool fans had trouble entering the stadium, which caused a 36-minute delay.
Once it did kick off, it was a to-and-fro affair right from the start. Both teams were going forward when the opportunity presented itself. Liverpool were getting the better chances, Mo Salah drawing a sharp low save from Thibaut Courtois. Seconds later, it was Salah again, testing the palms of Courtois.
Courtois. Another level 🔥#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/5lwdBw0LkH
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 28, 2022
Sadio Mane had the best chance, his fierce shot forcing Courtois to dive to his left and push the ball onto the post. Mane was causing problems, getting into dangerous areas with Eder Militao needing to put the block in. Madrid were hardly moving forward, with Karim Benzema being starved of service. But not for long.
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Stunning from Courtois. #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/RjaHIAX4o8
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 28, 2022
A long ball over the top found the French striker in behind Liverpool’s defence. Having got into box, Benzema delayed his shot before a goalmouth scramble saw him eventually score. However, the offside flag went up as there was only one player behind Benzema. VAR eventually upheld the call after a lengthy ball. Therefore, the score remained goalless at halftime.
Liverpool were again on the front foot after the break, Dani Carvajal clearing away a dangerous cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, it was Madrid who took the lead just before the hour mark. A fantastic low cross from from Fede Valverde was turned home by Vinicius Jr. Salah tried to cancel the goal out immediately, but his curling shot was pushed away by Courtois.
A moment Vini Jr. will never forget 🎯#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/KOE3R5ggju
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 28, 2022
Salah was thwarted once again by…
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