A historic night for both Liverpool and Madrid in Kiev with Real Madrid reaching their thirteenth UCL final win and Liverpool cracking when under pressure to let the title slip away from them. What happened to let Real Madrid comfortably win 3-1 over Liverpool and how did two players who had unsure futures at Madrid manage to score?
The game started evenly with both sides creating equal opportunities and chances. Under pressure Navas and Real Madrid's defence, in particular Varane and Ramos, did wonderfully to keep out Salah, Mane and Firmino. In the 31st minute Ramos challenged Salah and dislocated his shoulder cutting his UCL final debut short. Real Madrid were playing a defensive first half however knew that their chance would come.
In the second half Madrid took off. The pressure was on. Liverpool defence was stretched to the max. Then after a brilliant first half Karius' first mistake. A lobbed ball from Toni Kroos seemed safe as it flew over Benzema's head but a simple roll out turned into an easy goal for Madrid as Benzema intercepted the pass whilst tapping it in. Then, a corner for Liverpool. A beautifully placed cross went straight to the head of Lovren. Navas seemed to have it under control before Mane taps it the other way midway through Navas' dive. 1-1.
Bale was subbed in for Isco and changed the game. Bale calls to Marcelo minutes after being subbed on. Marcelo crosses and Bale takes flight. His first shot on target, a bicycle kick from the penalty spot, assisted by Marcelo has been dubbed "Best goal in a UCL final." and "Goal of his career." What a way to come off the bench. Then for a while it seemed that Liverpool would claw it back with Mane narrowly missing a second goal after Navas' diving save. Then once again Karius. A seemingly easy save for the German turned into a catastrophe. A ball from Bale was sent right to him before he hit the ball into the back of the net. He didn't catch. He didn't punch. He hit it in. Disaster for Liverpool. More history for Madrid and Bale and Benzema's careers saved.
In other news shortly after the match Bale said he would be open to a summer transfer and Ronaldo opened up about talks with different clubs. Read about it in my next post.
Let me know do you think Madrid deserved it? Did Navas restore his glory as number one for Madrid? And are Liverpool going to need a replacement for Karius.
Thanks for reading and leave an upvote :),
Angus Mclaughlin