Klopp was able to rely on former Bayern professional Thiago from the start. The midfield artist had briefly interrupted the warm-up, but the key player was on the pitch when the game kicked off at 9:36 p.m. Six Liverpool professionals in the starting XI completed their third premier class final for the Reds.
Real with a restrained beginning
The expected intense game developed with world-class individual players and nominally offensive systems on both sides. Liverpool initially determined the initial phase, Real started much more cautiously. Mohamed Salah was the first to test Liverpool goalkeeper Courtois, who was able to parry and was also there seconds later against Thiago (16′).
Klopp followed his Reds’ power play tensely on the sidelines. Sadio Mané, who was allegedly being courted by Bayern, forced Courtois to make another save, and the Belgian just steered the ball to the inside of the post (21′). At this point, Madrid had at most come close to the Liverpool goal.
The star ensemble around Kroos had big problems taking control of the game themselves. Ancelotti was visibly unhappy with his Spanish champions’ performance in the first half. In contrast to Liverpool, the final phase of the season was much less demanding for Real. A supposed goal by Karim Benzema from offside didn’t count after a long review using video evidence (44′). “A right decision,” commented long-time FIFA referee Manuel Graefe on ZDF.
Liverpool despite game control without yield
Liverpool actually retained control of the game afterwards. Salah kept causing unrest in the Madrid penalty area. But the Reds didn’t score. Real needed a quick attack for that after the hour: Daniel Carvajal brought the ball sharply into the penalty area, Vinícius Júnior was spot on and scored for the lucky lead. Klopp seemed visibly served.
Liverpool reacted angrily to being behind. Salah found his master in Courtois several times (64th and 68th). The Reds ran – and Courtois saved again against the Egyptian star player Salah (82nd).