Kiev, Ukraine-- For the third time in as many years, Real Madrid CF are Champions League winners after defeating Liverpool FC by a score of 3-1.
But this year was more emotional than usual. It started out great for Liverpool FC, who entered the game as the clear underdog; not one member of the Premier League side had played in a Champions League final before.
In the first 15 minutes, Liverpool completely dictated the game. They made Real Madrid, who have made four out of the past five Champions League finals, look incredibly uncomfortable. It was awesome to watch.
The fun for Liverpool would not last. In the 25th minute, Real Madrid centre back Sergio Ramos gave Mohamed Salah--arguably the best player in the world in the past 10 months--a slight tug, but it was enough to make the fall for Salah uncomfortable, and the Premier League Player of the Season landed violently on his left shoulder. Right away, it looked like something was wrong.
However, after a couple minutes of medical attention, Salah was back on the field. Soccer fans rejoiced, but this jubilance would not last for long. Three minutes later, following a Liverpool corner kick, Mohamed Salah fell to the ground in agonizing pain--he could not play on.
Tears began to fill the eyes not only of Salah, but also those of many soccer fans across the globe. Without Salah, both Liverpool and Premier League Player of the Season, the underdogs looked defeated, and Real Madrid capitalized.
By half time, Real Madrid were completely dominating in terms of possession and chances created. While the scoreline still read 0-0, Real Madrid were knocking on the door.
Things only got better for Real Madrid. After starting off the second half flying, it was obvious that Real Madrid were bound to find the back of the net.
But no one expected a goal like this.
After collecting a wayward through ball played by the Real Madrid midfield, Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius began to sprint towards the center of his box, looking as if he was trying to throw the ball out to Dejan Lovren, one of Liverpool’s center backs.
But then, something went terribly wrong.
Once the ball left Karius’ hands, Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema--who was a little closer to the ball than Karius may have thought--stuck his foot out to try and block the throw. Soon later, the ball was in the back of the net.
It was the worst possible mistake that the German goalkeeper could make on the biggest stage in soccer.
Real Madrid 1, Liverpool 0.
Liverpool didn’t give up. In the 55th minute, a Liverpool corner came into the box, only to be met by the head of Dejan Lovren, who directed the ball toward the goal. Suddenly, before Real Madrid keeper Keylor Navas could collect the header, Liverpool winger Sadio Mané jumped in front of the ball and tapped it out of the air, tying up the score at 1-1. Game on.
Despite a sudden surge in momentum, the fun for Liverpool, once again, would not last long.
In the 61st minute, Real Madrid left back Marcelo received the ball high up on the left side of the field. After creating space, the Brazilian fullback crossed the ball into the Liverpool box.
And then, magic.
15 yards out from goal, Real Madrid substitute Gareth Bale jumped up into the air and attempted to meet the ball with his overhead foot--it was a bicycle kick, one of the most challenging ways to score in soccer. But it was Real Madrid’s night.
A well-timed jump by Bale perfectly met the path of the ball sent in by Marcelo, and the ball soared into the left corner of the net. Three minutes into the game and on his fifth touch for Real Madrid, Gareth Bale was a hero.
By now, the talented and experienced Real Madrid team seemed to be totally in control. Without Salah, Liverpool looked incomplete and unmotivated.
But just before you thought things couldn’t get worse for Liverpool--or frankly goalkeeper Loris Karius--they did. After a deft cut inside from the right wing, Gareth Bale took a few touches and proceeded to hit a strike towards goal, just inside 30 yards. It was a beautifully struck ball that looked to be on target, but nothing that would trouble Karius.
But after poorly judging the flight of the ball, the German international misplaced his hands and didn’t get them in front of the ball like he had hoped. The ball brushed past his outstretched fingers and into the back of the net.
“First [mistake] caused the second one. It’s really difficult to get rid of [those] bad thoughts in your mind,” said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. “It’s a shame. I really feel for him." (via Onefootball)
Real Madrid 3, Liverpool 1.
It was only a matter of time before the final whistle blew, and soon Real Madrid were champions of the world again--for the fourth time in five years. Ronaldo got to hoist his fifth Champions League trophy (second most all-time), and Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane set a new record for consecutive Champions League trophies as a manager (3).
But if this game taught us one thing, it’s that we are all human. We make mistakes, we learn from them, and we move on.
Our thoughts are with you, Karius. Come back next season stronger than than ever.
(Stats by foxsports.com)
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