At the Stade de France in Paris, two of the world’s most decorated teams clashed for the biggest prize in club football, with Liverpool gunning for a seventh Champions League trophy and Real Madrid setting their sights on a record 14th title. A second half strike from Vinicius Junior settled the score in the favor of Spanish champions who solidified their claim as the ultimate kings of European football.
Starting Lineups
Jurgen Klopp started with his best 4-3-3 lineup featuring the terrifying attacking force of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Luis Diaz. Captain Jordan Henderson joined Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara in the middle of the park, while Virgil van Dijk led a star-studded backline that included Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson.
Here's how we line up for the #UCLfinal
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— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 28, 2022
For his part, Ancelotti started with 4-3-3 lineup of his own, spearheaded by Karim Benzema. The French bomber was supported in attack by Federico Valverde and Vinicius. In midfield, Casemiro lined up between the legendary Luka Modric and Tony Kroos while the defense was composed from Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, David Alaba and Ferland Mendy.
Liverpool Closing-on
In the first 15 minutes, the Reds had the upper hand but without being able to create genuine scoring chances, until Alexander-Arnold managed to pick up Salah in front of goal. The former Roma man directed it towards goal with a cheeky flick but Thibaut Courtois pulled off a great reaction save.
At the 20th minute, Mane rounded his marker before launching a low drive towards the near post. But Courtois made just enough contact to see the ball crash off the post much to the dismay of the English faithful.
VAR Controversy
Following a flurry of Liverpool chances, Madrid thought they broke the deadlock through Benzema after pouncing on a debacle inside the penalty box. Nonetheless the linesman raised the flag and following a lengthy VAR review, the offside call was confirmed, ending the first half in a stalemate.
?✅ Our #UCLfinal ???????? ??! #APorLa14 pic.twitter.com/uj9fib8ZoZ
— Real Madrid C.F. ???? (@realmadriden) May 28, 2022
Madrid in the Lead
Following a slow start to the second period, Los Blancos shocked the Premier League giants with an opening goal courtesy of Vinicius. Valverde stormed into the box and appeared to be aiming towards Alisson’s goal, but his cross-shot drifted away, only to find the young Brazilian who sneaked past Alexander-Arnold at the far post and made no mistake from close range.
Desperate Times for Liverpool
In the final stretch of the match, Klopp is playing all of his attacking cards, switching to a 4-2-4 formation with Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota joining Mane and Salah in attack. The latter found himself in front of goal at the 80th minute, but Courtois once again came out on top.
Nevertheless, Liverpool appeared to run out of steam in the final minutes, creating fewer chances while allowing Madrid to threaten on the counter attacks.
Historic Madrid, Legendary Ancelotti
At the end of the day, Vinicius’ goal was all she wrote, with Real Madrid consolidating their crown as the ultimate kings of the Old Continent as they lifted the Champions League trophy for a record 14th time.
For his part, Ancelotti wrote history himself as he earned his fourth personal medal as manager in club football’s elite competition to become the sole record holder.
⚪️ Vinícius Júnior wins it as Madrid are crowned champions of Europe again! #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/c5c6rnp9NB
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 28, 2022