A heroic performance from substitute Gareth Bale saw the Galacticos lift the Champions League trophy for a record 13th time
What appeared to be an equally tough fight between 2 extremely talented sides in the beginning turned out to be a one man show off in the end. Both Liverpool and Real Madrid had an excellent start, with Liverpool enjoying more chances and more possession till the first 30 minutes. After a challenge from Real captain Sergio Ramos saw Liverpool star man Mohamed Salah go down clutching his arm, a horror show began for the Liverpool players and fans alike. In the end. the Reds just lost steam and allowed Los Blancos to fully dominate the game, ensuring European glory.
Real Madrid lift the Champions League for a 3rd consecutive year
As it happened
Both teams had formidable starting lineups. All eyes were going to be on Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah, to see whether the star men could deliver for their clubs on the night it mattered the most. The first 30 minutes into the match saw some interesting tactics applied by both the teams. It looked as if Liverpool wanted to open the scoring really bad, and Real Madrid had dropped back, stopping all attempts, and looking to counter through their left back Marcelo. Karim Benzema almost opened the scoring for Real, but the earlier shot from Ronaldo was from an offside postion, so Benzema's shot didn't count. Sadio Mane's attempt to score for Liverpool rattled against the post, causing no harm. In the 32nd minute, Mohamed Salah was brought down by Sergio Ramos. Salah looked to be in serious pain, but continued anyways. But soon during a Real Corner, Salah got caught up the mix and went down again, this time, for the remainder of the match. Salah was whisked away with a suspected dislocated shoulder, and all the Liverpool fans became silent. Salah left the pitch tears streaming out of his eyes.
Salah leaving the pitch in tears
Salah being subbed early was just the beginning of all problems for Liverpool. Soon, a difference could be easily noticed in the game. The absence of Salah had understandably disturbed Liverpool's game, and they began to get caught by Real counters. The scoreboard was silent at the end of first half. Within the first 5 minutes of the second half, an expensive mistake by Liverpool keeper Karius allowed Benzema to score the opening goal for Real Madrid. Liverpool soon equalised through a James Milner corner, which bounced off Lovren and was delicately tapped in by Mane. Madrid, who were much more experienced in handling stressful situations, turned on the heat, and a surgical cross from Marcelo lead to substitute Gareth Bale banging in the second for Real Madrid through a stunning overhead kick.
Gareth Bale's overhead kick in the Champions League Final
Another costly mistake from Karius in the 82nd minute saw a Gareth Bale attempt slip off his hands into the back of the net, making the score 1:3 to Real. All hope was lost now for Liverpool. The remaining 8 minutes saw no serious attempts made by the Reds, and after the 3 added minutes were over, the whistle was blown, signaling that the Spanish side had won European glory, and their dominance was not going to be stopped yet. Shouts of cheers echoed the NSC Olimpiskiy from the Real Madrid fans, and the Liverpool fans applauded their club's efforts, the air of dejection quite clear on their faces.
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