Two mistakes by Liverpool goalkeeper, Loris Karius, handed the Champions League trophy to Real Madrid on Saturday.
The 3-1 win last night in Kiev, Ukraine, meant Real Madrid became the first side in the Champions League era to win three titles back to back.
Substitute Gareth Bale proved to be the decisive player, scoring twice and turning the contest in favour of Los Blancos.
Prior to his introduction just after the hour mark, the game was finely poised at 1-1. However, a stunning overhead kick and a 40-yard strike which was palmed in by Reds keeper Loris Karius settled the tie for the now thirteen-time European cup winners.
Liverpool started the brighter in the first half, pushing Real back in the early exchanges. Alexander Arnold came close to rounding off a slick passing move, if not for the quick reactions of Navas. Up the other end, Ronaldo had a shot from a tight angle blaze over.
The tie changed on the 30-minute mark, as Sergio Ramos clashed with Mohamed Salah with the Egyptian winger injuring his shoulder.
In tears, the PFA player of the year departed the pitch, leaving Liverpool with a major problem.
Klopp’s side looked shell-shocked after the departure of their star man, and Real Madrid looked to press their advantage. Liverpool held out, and the first half ended finely poised at 0-0.
Five minutes into the second half and Real had their lead in fortuitous circumstances.
Chasing a lost cause, Benzema stuck his foot out as Karius attempted to throw the ball to Lovren, the ball came off his boot and trickled into the goal.
Despite Liverpool’s protests, the goal stood.
Klopp’s side kept their composure and levelled the contest four minutes later.
A towering header from Lovren was met by the boot of Sadio Mane. Liverpool were back in the contest.
The introduction of Bale proved pivotal.
Zidane’s side ramped up the pressure and took the lead with a stunning overhead kick from the Welsh winger, throwing a boot at a cross from Marcello. Somehow the ball found the back of the net, a truly stunning goal to settle a Champions League final.
Liverpool pushed, but lacked any cutting edge with Salah. Whilst a careless mistake from keeper Loris Karius gave Los Blancos a third on the night, a speculative shot from Bale squirmed through the hands of the German keeper.
