Matchday LIVE: Real Madrid defeat Liverpool in epic Champions League final clash

Real Madrid are European champions for a 14th time, with the Blancos getting their hands on a famous trophy once again.

So that's it for another continental campaign and we will leave you with the trophy lift from the 2022 winners.

GOAL will be back for more next season, so make sure you join us then.

It's a habit 🏆

FOURTEEN times they've lifted this trophy! Insane! 👏#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/GwSROB6RS7

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 28, 2022

CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE FOR THE FOURTEENTH TIME. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/fVtkjGsH9M

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 28, 2022

It happened again 💔 pic.twitter.com/IRfbAHMHGq

— GOAL (@goal) May 28, 2022

Number 14 🖊️#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/xAKk0LKqlP

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 28, 2022

0 - Despite winning the League Cup and the FA Cup, Liverpool failed to score a single goal in five-and-a-half hours of football in major finals this season. Halted. #LIVRMA #UCLfinal https://t.co/yOijyI5mTD

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 28, 2022

6 - Mohamed Salah's six shots on target tonight is the most on record (since 2003-04) of any player in a single #UCLfinal. Denied. #LIVRMA pic.twitter.com/KBFao7r4sT

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 28, 2022

Carlo Ancelotti has won more European Cups as a manager than any other, and he is revelling in that fact after Real Madrid’s victory over Liverpool.

The Italian has told BT Sport: "I can't believe it. We had a fantastic season. We did really well. It was a difficult game and we suffered a lot, more so in the first half. In the end I think we deserved to win this competition.

"We're really happy. What can I say? I can't say more.

"I am a record man. I had luck to come here last year and have a fantastic season. A fantastic club, a really good squad with a lot of quality and mental character.

"The season was top.

"I think we passed through really difficult games. The supporters helped us a lot in the last game. They helped us tonight. We're happy and they're happy."

Carlo Ancelotti is the first manager to win FOUR Champions League titles 🏆 pic.twitter.com/bHzS7EUvtr

— GOAL (@goal) May 28, 2022

Vinicius Jr may have got Real Madrid’s goal, but Thibaut Courtois was a colossus between the sticks. He claims he deserves more respect, telling BT Sport: "Yesterday in the press conference I said that when Madrid plays finals they win. I was on the good side of history.

"I saw a lot of tweets coming my way that I would get humbled today it was the other way round.

"Today I needed to win a final for my career, for all the hard work to put respect on my name as I don't think I get enough respect, especially in England. I saw a lot of criticism even after a great season.

"I am really proud of the team. We stuck to it and when I needed to be there I was there for the team. We beat some the best clubs of the world. City and Liverpool were unbelievable this season. They fought to the end in the Premier League, Liverpool won two cups and they were really strong.

"We played a great game today. We had one chance and scored it."

(C)Getty Images

THE PLAN. IT WORKED #CHAMP14NS pic.twitter.com/f6fOndh4uA

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 28, 2022

Thibaut Courtois just dropped the greatest goalkeeping performance in Champions League final history 🐐 pic.twitter.com/6hkkLObcBJ

— GOAL (@goal) May 28, 2022

Here is the moment that Real Madrid were crowned the kings of Europe...

🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

Real Madrid have done it in the Champions League once again!

The Kings of Europe! 👑#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/SlSLTNV5sk

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 28, 2022

The moment Real Madrid clinched their FOURTEENTH European title. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/Hytfip4FSM

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 28, 2022

4 - Carlo #Ancelotti became the manager to have won the UEFA Champions League the most times: four (for AC Milan in 2002/03 and 2006/07, for Real Madrid in 2013/14 and in 2021/22). Myth. #LiverpoolVsRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/LCJ7d163be

— OptaPaolo 🏆 (@OptaPaolo) May 28, 2022

👑 KINGS OF EUROPE 👑#CHAMP14NS pic.twitter.com/fQBtjjb9BG

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 28, 2022

REAL MADRID ARE CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE YET AGAIN 👑 pic.twitter.com/xUZbKKmjth

— GOAL (@goal) May 28, 2022

The Blancos claim their 14th European crown courtesy of a solitary strike from Vinicius Jr.

Liverpool will feel hard done by, with Courtois producing a stunning performance in goal for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

The Reds have to settle for two trophies in 2021-22 and need to take positives from what has still been a remarkable campaign.

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10 - Vinícius Júnior (4 goals, 6 assists) is the first South American player to be directly involved in 10+ goals in a single UEFA Champions League campaign while aged 21 or under since Lionel Messi in 2008-09 (14 – 9 goals, 5 assists). Talent. #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/3xEzXmes4h

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 28, 2022

Thibaut Courtois though 🤯 pic.twitter.com/BiC2xiGf4e

— GOAL (@goal) May 28, 2022

Incredible save Courtois from Salah

— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) May 28, 2022

Statement from Liverpool on the scenes involving access problems for Reds supporters that led to a delayed kick-off: "We are hugely disappointed at the stadium entry issues and breakdown of the security perimeter that Liverpool fans faced this evening at Stade de France.

"This is the greatest match in European football and supporters should not have to experience the scenes we have witnessed tonight.

"We have officially requested a formal investigation into the causes of these unacceptable issues."

Getty Images

🇫🇷🤍🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/HrdQ9ogXy0

— GOAL (@goal) May 28, 2022

Courtois again, readjusting to save after Jota diverted Salah's shot

— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) May 28, 2022

🏟️🤩 THE BERNABÉU IS BOUNCING TOO#APorLa14 | #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/kqEtMgEyDk

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 28, 2022

Keita and Firmino for Henderson and Thiago

— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) May 28, 2022

⚪️ Courtois yet again 🛑#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/JPH4TEr5oR

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 28, 2022

5 - Vinícius Jr (21y 320d) is the fifth youngest player to score in an #UCLfinal after Marco Asensio (21y 133d in 2017), Lars Ricken (20y 322d in 1997), Carlos Alberto (19y 167d in 2004) and Patrick Kluivert (18y 327d in 1995). Samba. pic.twitter.com/8FKqnZbzLg

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) May 28, 2022

Huge save Courtois again from Salah

— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) May 28, 2022

He is how Vinicius Jr broke the deadlock for Real Madrid...

REAL MADRID LEAD! 🔥

Vinícius Júnior steals in at the back post to tap home from close range ⚽️#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/owgAzrA75V

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 28, 2022

VINICIUS JR. BREAKTHROUGH FOR REAL MADRID. 💥 pic.twitter.com/GVzH0BsgvZ

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 28, 2022

Salah denied at full stretch by Courtois

— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) May 28, 2022

VINICIUS JUNIOR IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL 🥶 pic.twitter.com/X5MvI7ISXD

— GOAL (@goal) May 28, 2022

Breakthrough in Paris, and it comes from Vinicius Jr.

Valverde drills over a low cross from the right, with Real's Brazilian winger stealing in behind Alexander-Arnold to bundle home.

Close offside call, which goes in the Blancos' favour.

⚽ 59' | 0-1 | GOOOOOAAAAALLLLLLLL GOOOOOAAAAAL GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALL by @vinijr!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #UCLfinal | #APorLa14 | #FIFA22 pic.twitter.com/63ZCUXBlpZ

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 28, 2022

Courtois beats away a dangerous, fired cross from Alexander-Arnold, which Thiago very nearly diverted home. Liverpool started the second half slowly, but have picked up last few mins.

— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) May 28, 2022

10 - Only Bayern München against Chelsea in 2012 (16) made more shots in the first half of an #UCLfinal than Liverpool tonight against Real Madrid (10, as many as the German team against Inter in 2010 and Barcelona against Man. Utd in 2011). Siege. pic.twitter.com/0uv2qUKXtR

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) May 28, 2022

The second half is up and running at Stade de France.

Will we get a winner inside 90 minutes or is this game going to go the distance?

#UCLfinal nights ❤️ pic.twitter.com/aN2J3Ayt2D

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 28, 2022

5 - Liverpool had as many shots on target in the first half tonight (5) as they did in their previous two UEFA Champions League finals combined (2 in 2018 & 3 in 2019). Probing. #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/ZLk2DRM273

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 28, 2022

Chaos 😅 pic.twitter.com/REIvfvPzXs

— GOAL (@goal) May 28, 2022

Here is the effort from Benzema that was ruled out for offside. Right call?

Karim Benzema’s opener is ruled out for offside! ❌

What do you make of this decision? 🤔#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/dnez8spmJA

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 28, 2022

BENZEMA WITH THE BALL IN THE NET. ...But he's ruled offside. 😲 pic.twitter.com/obMLUwCQBF

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 28, 2022

After a delayed start to proceedings, we are still waiting on the fuse to be lit.

Liverpool have seen more possession, with Courtois producing a couple of outstanding saves.

Real have had the ball in the net, but Benzema’s efforts was ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR review.

Still all to play for in the second 45.

Getty

Benzema has the ball in the net, following a scramble inside the Liverpool box, but the flag goes up.

Alisson flapped at the ball at one stage, with the Reds all over the place, while Real's No.9 took a first touch when he could have shot first time.

Offside call, after a VAR review, is very tight and the final touch through to Benzema came off a Liverpool player.

Henderson catches hold of a 25-yard volley after a corner is cleared, but it's well wide.

— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) May 28, 2022

Two of the greats 🧠 pic.twitter.com/e5nzojnAHy

— GOAL (@goal) May 28, 2022

Salah heads Alexander-Arnold's cross straight at Courtois after Konate stepped out of defence superbly to start the attack

— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) May 28, 2022

The Reds remain in control of the contest, but haven’t forced a breakthrough.

That means that Real remain a threat on the counter, with the Blancos happy to soak up spells of pressure before breaking forward. Mere glimpses so far of what they are capable of.

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Here, with the aid of the upright, is how Courtois prevented Mane from giving Liverpool the lead...

Thibaut Courtois with an outrageous save to deny Sadio Mané! 🤯#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/RjMFEVyra9

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 28, 2022

Thibaut Courtois coming up huge again! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/wk0RXP5gIP

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 28, 2022

Mane does brilliantly to beat two and work a shot. Courtois down to his right to turn against the post. Liverpool are all over Real.

— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) May 28, 2022

Mohamed Salah pokes the ball towards goal, as he stretches six yards out, with Courtois producing a smart low stop.

Liverpool have been dominating possession, forcing the Blancos back.

Getty

Vinicus' first dangerous foray forward is stopped in some style by Konate.

— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) May 28, 2022

No holding back in a game of this magnitude, with Mane catching a full-blooded challenge early on.

He has been holding his thigh, but appears to be okay.

Getty

THE REDS ❤#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/m6BF7d1XrO

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 28, 2022

The 2022 Champions League final is up and running.

So much at stake, with both sides well versed in what it takes to win this competition, but who will come out on top?

⚪️ 🏆 🔴

What colour will they be at full time?#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/86gGn20u5c

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 28, 2022

Boos for the Champions League anthem. #LFC 🔴 #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/4onrLQJTGs

— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) May 28, 2022

Thiago starts, by the way.#LFC

— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) May 28, 2022

The #UCLfinal is the best day of the year 😍 pic.twitter.com/FmW78WHVP3

— GOAL (@goal) May 28, 2022

This isn't how the Champions League final should go. pic.twitter.com/Nts1LJ0pYP

— GOAL (@goal) May 28, 2022

The guy knows a thing or two about Champions League finals 👋#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/pfRXq2XJHk

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 28, 2022

⚽️🔥 Nice touch, guys.#APorLa14 | #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/ljI3RS610Y

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 28, 2022

3 - Jordan Henderson is starting a European Cup/Champions League final as captain for the third time, more than any other Englishman in the history of the competition. Skip. #UCLfinal #LIVRMA pic.twitter.com/9dML61XrOJ

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 28, 2022

Kick off now set for 8.30pm GMT.#LFC #UCLfinal

— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) May 28, 2022

Liverpool are back out for another warm up.#LFC

— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) May 28, 2022

Trent Alexander-Arnold is the youngest player ever to start three Champions League finals (23 years 233 days) 👏 pic.twitter.com/bAQ7nLabHN

— GOAL (@goal) May 28, 2022

You can still see loads of empty seats in the Liverpool section.

Reports from outside the stadium sound horrendous. Listen to those who are there experiencing it, not those who will inevitably look to deflect the blame away from their own incompetence.#LFC 🔴 pic.twitter.com/v9tK4oI5Ty

— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) May 28, 2022

While kick-off has been pushed back, Camila Cabello will be delivering the pre-match show.

Here is all you need to know about the Cuban-American singer and actress.

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UEFA say the kick off has been delayed because of "the late arrival of fans."

They're not telling the truth.#LFC #UCLfinal

— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) May 28, 2022

The kick off has been delayed due to crowd congestion outside the stadium.

Further update in 15 minutes.#LFC

— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) May 28, 2022

Thiago has just given Keita a hug that seems to suggest Keita is starting this game.#LFC

— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) May 28, 2022

3 - Liverpool and Real Madrid will meet for a third time in the final of the European Cup/UEFA Champions League, the most between two clubs across the history of the two competitions. Liverpool won the first final back in 1981, before Madrid beat Klopp’s side in 2018. Revenge? pic.twitter.com/b2uNmTZ3LY

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 28, 2022

4 - Tonight will be the fourth UEFA Champions League final between two managers who have already previously won the competition, after 2007 (Ancelotti v Benítez), 2010 (Mourinho v Van Gaal) and 2011 (Guardiola v Ferguson). Formula. #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/QcklJEnTCV

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 28, 2022

Thiago is not doing the warm up with the Liverpool starters. Keita is.

Looks like Thiago is doing some final checks to see if he's ready.#LFC

— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) May 28, 2022

The noise from our end as the Reds came out to warm-up 😍#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/tkiEeZZ6cB

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 28, 2022

European royalty 🌟#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/1NXjFI1ZSV

— GOAL (@goal) May 28, 2022

Alisson out to warm up. It's the Real Madrid fans you can hear more at the moment, with big gaps in the Liverpool section amid reports of supporters stuck behind locked gates outside.#LFC 🔴 pic.twitter.com/tnMxSlWjhU

— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) May 28, 2022

Mohamed Salah was forced off early in the 2018 Champions League final after tangling with Sergio Ramos.

He has spoken of having a score to settle, but why is that the case for the Liverpool superstar and will he get his wish? GOAL mulls over those posers right here.

Getty/GOAL

Magic.#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/Vy4BXay5zf

— GOAL (@goal) May 28, 2022

5 – Toni Kroos will appear in his fifth #UCLfinal, with only Cristiano Ronaldo and Paolo Maldini appearing in the showpiece more often (six). Elite. #UCL #LIVRMA @realmadriden pic.twitter.com/FUg2QVjPm1

— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) May 28, 2022

9 - This will be the ninth meeting between Liverpool and Real Madrid in the European Cup/UEFA Champions League – after winning the first three between 1981 and 2009, the Reds are winless in the last five (D1 L4), including a defeat in the final in 2018. Reacquainted. #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/qZR5aRaP2R

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 28, 2022

🏳️🏟️🤍 The Bernabéu is ready too!#APorLa14 | #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/whJJZmTkND

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 28, 2022

Thiago and Fabinho start for the Reds, with welcome returns from injury being made by a key midfield duo.

Here's how we line up for the #UCLfinal

👊🔴

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 28, 2022

Time to go to work. pic.twitter.com/2Zmn6aJvg7

— GOAL (@goal) May 28, 2022

Vinicius Junior has emerged as a ken man for Real Madrid, providing the perfect foil from the flanks to prolific frontman Karim Benzema, and he is about to come into direct competition with buccaneering Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Could that be a key battle in a continental contest filled with plenty of them all over the field? GOAL takes a look here.

Getty/GOAL

Real Madrid have been famed for their ‘Galacticos’ recruitment model under Florentino Perez, with the likes of Ronaldo, Kaka, Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo acquired in the past.

They are now showing greater faith in youth, with the likes of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Eduardo Camavinga stepping up.

Here, GOAL casts an eye over the ‘Baby Galacticos’.

GOAL

57 - Jordan Henderson is set to make his 57th appearance of the season for Liverpool tonight; this would see him end 2021-22 as the player with the most games played for a club within Europe's big five leagues across all competitions. Leader. #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/nwo64OmT2M

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 28, 2022

You'll Never Walk Alone. Wow.#LFC 🔴 pic.twitter.com/32wav7kZZa

— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) May 28, 2022

4 - Real Madrid are the first team to field a starting XI for a UEFA Champions League final with as many as four players having made 100+ appearances in the competition (Benzema, Kroos, Modric and Alaba). DNA. #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/qj8mCmGpW6

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 28, 2022

The European Cup final.#LFC 🔴 pic.twitter.com/8tn7ap3rav

— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) May 28, 2022

Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane get the goals and Alisson helps to keep them out at the other end of the field, but is Virgil van Dijk the Reds’ most important player.

GOAL provides an answer to that question here.

Getty/GOAL

Liverpool and Real Madrid have shown themselves to be the cream of a European crop in 2021-22, with the Reds and Blancos showing that they boast the talent and mental toughness to overcome any challenge.

What sets them apart from the rest? GOAL takes a look right here.

Getty/GOAL

🇫🇷👋#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/ycL9qvilLG

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 28, 2022

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL DAY IS HERE 🏆#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/BpQES5OW7W

— GOAL (@goal) May 28, 2022

The Blancos like to name their side early, to avoid any more unwanted leaks, and today is no different.

No surprises in the starting XI, with Bale and Hazard among those hoping to be given an opportunity to make an impact off the bench.

📋✅ Our #UCLfinal 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗫𝗜! #APorLa14 pic.twitter.com/uj9fib8ZoZ

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 28, 2022

The day is finally here – the 2022 Champions League final is set to see Liverpool and Real Madrid lock horns for the right to be considered the best club side in Europe.

Who will prevail? Will the Reds get their hands on a seventh continental crown or will the Blancos savour triumph number 14?

We are about to find out and you can stay across the best of the build-up, action and reaction with GOAL’s rolling blog.