Real Madrid defeated Liverpool 1-0 on Saturday in the Champions League final to cap a storybook season manager Carlo Ancelotti dubbed "unbelievable" and secure their record 14th European title.
After VAR denied Karim Benzema at the end of the first half, Vinicius Junior put his side ahead in the 59th minute when he slid a low cross from Federico Valverde beyond Alisson. Later, Thibaut Courtois made an important save on Mohamed Salah to preserve the narrow advantage.
To win the tournament, Real Madrid toppled Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City in the knockout rounds before besting the Reds in the final.
How did Real Madrid react to the victory?
"I can't believe it," said manager Carlo Ancelotti to BT Sport. "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 was lucky enough 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."
🍾 It's time.#CHAMP14NS | @David_Alaba pic.twitter.com/08nphI2xbN
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 28, 2022
So much love for Carlo!#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/JlGPGeor5B
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 29, 2022
We hear you, @Benzema.
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 28, 2022
FIVE TIMES 🙌#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/aESNShv4l4
Agony & ecstasy. #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/sWpx7kHcSx
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 28, 2022
Courtois speaks after massive effort
Courtois was a leading story after his strong performance, which included a diving stop on Sadio Mane in addition to the late Salah save.
He said he had felt disrespected ahead of the match and was happy to prove his quality.
"Yesterday in the press conference I said that when Madrid plays finals they win," Courtois told BT Sport. "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."
Ancelotti was in shock after the display from his starting shot-stopper.
"Wow," he said. "Unbelievable. I can't believe it."
Ancelotti sets UCL record
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