Image Credit: Liverpool FC
By Lee Clow 01 June 2019 | Champions League
Liverpool were crowned European champions for the sixth time after beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in Madrid.
Liverpool erased the disappointment of last season's UEFA Champions League final loss by claiming the trophy this time around after goals from Mohammed Salah and Divock Origi secured the win over Tottenham.
After two block buster semi finals that resulted in a Premier League showpiece, the final disappointed many. Despite this, a penalty was awarded only 2 minutes into the game after VAR controversially intervened punishing Moussa Sissoko for handball. Mo Salah took the responsibility from the spot and coolly slotted home past Lloris to give Liverpool the lead in the Champions League final.
Despite the early disappointment for Spurs, they responded well and settled into the game. Throughout the match Spurs had the upper hand but they could not find a way past Liverpool keeper, Allison. The only clear-cut chances that came for Liverpool in the first half came from both full backs, Trent Alexander Arnold and Andrew Robertson.
After the break, the pattern of play opened up when both sides began taking more risks to try and score. Substitute James Milner came close to doubling Liverpool’s lead when his low drive missed Lloris' right-hand post by a whisker following fine work from Mane. Tottenham’s first shot on target came in the 73rd minute and this summed up the side’s lacklustre final product in the game.
As the final reached its closing stages, the game looked all but won for Liverpool and this was soon confirmed when Divock Origi fired low past Hugo Lloris to set the score 2-0 to the Reds.
When the whistle was blown, the Liverpool players, management and fans celebrated in huge delight as they secured their 6th Champions League trophy. The final victory was Liverpool’s first piece of silverware since 2012 and the first trophy won under Jurgen Klopp who joined the club in 2015.
The winning manager, Jurgen Klopp spoke in huge joy after the game hailing the victory as the best night of his side’s professional lives. "Did you ever see a team like this, fighting with no fuel in the tank? And we have a 'keeper who makes difficult things look easy…It is the best night of our professional lives. It took a while, it is important for our development and improvement, this little mark helps a lot, now we can carry on. The owners never put pressure on us…Normally 20 minutes after the game I am half drunk, but now I have only had water!"
Spurs boss, Pochettino, had no regrets in starting Harry Kane ahead of Lucas Moura. Pochettino said: "This wasn't a drama, it was a decision. For me Harry Kane, after one month and a half, he finished the game fresh. He didn't score but my decision I promise was very analytical, with all the information. I have no regrets."
Despite it not matching up to its semi-finals and everyone’s expectations, the 2019 Champions League final will certainly be included in the history books and be remembered well by the red side of Merseyside.
What’s next?
With the Champions League final being the last competitive game of the 2018/19 season, both these sides will not be seen again until August. Most of these players will be off on their holidays to earn their deserved break before the start of the next season. Some players however will be involved with their national teams as the Copa America finals begin.
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