After a disaster performance in the Champions League Final, Karius's Liverpool future is in doubt
It was a night to forget for Liverpool keeper Loris Karius. Delivering impressive performances for Liverpool all season, he failed when it mattered the most, on the Champions League Final night against Real Madrid. Not one, but 2 ridiculous blunders were made by the German keeper. So ridiculous in fact, it was hard to believe that something like that was happening right before our eyes.
A dejected Karius apologizes to Liverpool fans after Champions League Final defeat
The game started off well, with both sides fighting hard to open the scoring. Despite Salah being sent off after 30 minutes due to a highly controversial challenge by Sergio Ramos, Liverpool appeared unfazed, and tried to fill the gap left by the Egyptian forward.
No one could foresee what the second half was about to bring. It was expected that both teams will now up their ante, and try to go forward. It all started to go wrong for Liverpool after Karius's first fail - an attempt to throw the ball to the feet of Andrew Robertson miraculously found Karim Benzema's outstretched toes instead, and it ricocheted off into the bottom right corner before anyone could comprehend what just happened. This wasn't the first time Benzema had taken advantage of a goalkeeper blunder. Bayern Munich's Sven Ulreich slipped after a failed back pass by Corentin Tolisso, and Benzema, present at the right place at the right time, coolly nudged the ball to score the goal that would ensure Real a spot in the Finals.
Sadio Mane equalised some time later to make the score 1:1. But Gareth Bale came on as a substitute and scored a breathtaking overhead kick to put the Galacticos ahead once more. Even under such circumstances, Liverpool maintained unbelievable composure. It looked like Liverpool could equalise once again any time. However, all Liverpool dreams were extinguished when a shot from Bale, which looked to land safely in the hands of Karius, fatally slipped right out of his gloves and Madrid were leading by 2 goals, with 9 minutes left to end of regular time. In the end, it was the side from Spain who won.
A Gareth Bale shot slipped off Karius's hands to extend Madrid's lead by 2 goals
Though Salah's early departure did have an impact on the morale of the Liverpool side, it was Karius's blunders who were solely responsible for giving away such a cheap victory to the powerful Real Madrid. To err is human. We all make mistakes. Some, however tend to leave a mark on us for the rest of our lives. Karius will surely feel the chills whenever this horrible night will come to his mind.
Following the defeat, loads of incensed Liverpool fans have sent death threats to Karius on social media. Karius took all the blame of the defeat on himself. As they landed on the John Lennon Airport in Liverpool,Karius stepped out with his hands on his face out of embarrassment. Yes, to err is human, but so is to forgive. Karius needs all the love and support he can get to get over this incident. All things said, a doubt can be definitely cast over his Liverpool future. Liverpool are a club with high expectations, and a performance like that on such a big night will definitely go down well. According to sources, Liverpool are once again in pursuit of Roma goalkeeper Allison, who has been outstanding this season.
What do you think about Karius? Should he stay or should he leave? Tell us in the comments section below!
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