Real Madrid beats Liverpool 1-0 to win UEFA Champions League 2022
Real Madrid has done it. They have defeated Liverpool in the final of Champions League to win a record 14th European title.
A solitary goal by Vinicius Junior seals the deal for the Spanish giants who will be relief to see the end of it. And thoroughly jocund of the fact that they won the tournament.
They had been comeback kings in this year’s tournament. Ever since the knockout stages of the tournament, they made comebacks one after the other to claim victory. First it was against Chelsea in the Round of 16. Then they repeated the same against PSG in the quarter finals. And defeating Manchester City in the injury time of second half, they reached the final.
These performances gave them the tag of “lucky ones.” They came into the game as underdogs. Because they had managed to turn the game on it’s almost in the dying moments. And pundits all around the world were claiming that at some point their luck will end.
Liverpool on the other hand was stronger favorite and they started the game in that manner. For the better part of the first half, they had all the possession in the game. They were running the show virtually, stretching Madrid’s defence thin. However, the Courtois stood as a wall between Liverpool players and the goal. He produced some very good saves to see the half out for his team.
Towards the end of the first half there was some drama as Benzema netted a goal for Madrid. Only for it to be later ruled out as offside. The first half came to an end with both the side tied in a deadlock.
With players tiring, the second half was more open and saw both the teams making progress. Although, Liverpool was still dominating and bossing the game, Madrid turned out to be the team to break the deadlock.
It all started with a defensive error on the part of Andy Robertson, who was caught up field. With the left wing exposed, Madrid made the most of it. Although it was another defensive error by Alexander-Arnold, that allowed Vinicius to put in the first goal.
This 59th minute goal by the Brazilian helped Madrid get their noses in front.
Liverpool kept coming hard at Madrid, but every time they were faced by Courtois, who stood like a brick wall. Denying every Liverpool player, the chance of making it equal.
The final whistle of the referee was the sewatest music for the Madrid players and fans, who had put their everything on the line to procure this victory.
One has to feel bad for Liverpool though. They came close to scoring on several occasions. And missed not by much. However, that takes nothing away from Madrid defenders anc Courtois in general who kept them out.
Liverpool has now lost 2 out of three finals in four years. And everything they have been on the losing end, it has been Real Madrid, who had won the trophy.
