Real Madrid won the Champions League 2022 after Vinícius Júnior’s second-half strike secured a 1-0 win over Liverpool in Paris.

The Brazilian met Federico Valverde’s low cross at the far post and swept the ball beyond Alisson just before the hour. The goal proved enough to earn Real Madrid their 14th European Cup as Liverpool failed to find a way past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who produced an inspired display.

Liverpool fans cover their mouths and noses, amid reports that French police used tear gas on supporters waiting to enter the ground.

The kick-off in Paris was delayed by 35 minutes amid chaotic scenes outside the Stade de France, with many Liverpool fans unable to get into the ground in time for the scheduled kick-off. The players came out for a second warm-up due to the delay, before the game began in a subdued fashion.

The first big chance came Liverpool’s way, Courtois tipping Sadio Mané’s shot on to the post after 21 minutes. Mohamed Salah steered his header straight at Courtois soon after that, with Real Madrid failing to threaten until just before halftime. Karim Benzema swept the ball in after it ricocheted off Fabinho, but the goal was disallowed – a decision confirmed by the VAR after a long delay.

After Vinícius had opened the scoring against the run of play, Courtois denied Salah twice – once at his near post, and then with a spectacular close-range save as time ran out for Jürgen Klopp’s side.

Source: The Guardian

BDST: 0340 HRS, May 29, 2022
MSK