Liverpool took on Real Madrid in Kyiv for the Champions League Final and the Reds were up against the odd as they were facing the reigning Champions. However, they started on the ascendancy and looked the better side for the first 20-25 minutes. The Reds suffered a huge blow when Mohamed Salah was subbed off after what seemed like a shoulder injury which occurred due to an awkward fall involving Sergio Ramos. Benzema found the net from a rebound effort but the goal was flagged offside and it was all even at halftime.
The second half started off with a howler of a mistake from Karius where he literally gifted Benzema the ball to score. Liverpool did get one back through Sadio Mane and that brought some hopes of a revival. However, Zidane’s substitution and wild card came onto the scene and changed the game as Gareth Bale scored a brilliant back volley. He managed to get his brace after Karius failed to parry away his long range attempt which was shot straight at him. In the end, it was a comfortable win for Real Madrid. Liverpool were defensively solid for most parts of the game and were undone by Karius’s mistake and a moment of genius from Gareth Bale.
This is how Liverpool players fared in the final.
Lloris Karius 1
Can’t really say whether he even deserves that one mark as his 2 fatal errors in a game of this magnitude dashed Liverpool’s hopes. However, one can sympathize with him and hopefully this will be a huge learning curve for him.
Andrew Robertson 6
The left-back was his usual dogged self and made some brilliant interceptions and tackles. Was found out of position sometimes.
Virgil Van Dijk 7
The big centre-back had a decent game and commanded his box well. Won quite a few aerial duels and kept his team in the game
Dejan Lovren 7
Like his partner, the Croatian too had a solid game and Madrid wasn’t able to cut open the Liverpool defence barring the last few minutes when they were flogging forward looking for an equaliser.
Alexander Arnold 6.5
had the big task of keeping the likes of Marcelo and Ronaldo quiet and the youngster was up to the task most often than not.
Jordan Henderson 6
The captain did all the nitty gritty job in the middle of the park well.
Gini Wijnaldum 5
The Dutchman was expected to offer more on the creative front.
James Milner 6
Like usual, worked his socks off and was pretty much everywhere on the pitch. can’t really fault him much for his performance.
Mohamed Salah: 5
Looked sharp at the beginning but his big night was cut short after an awkward fall with Ramos.
Sadio Mane 7
The brightest of all Liverpool as he seemed like the only attacking threat. Scored the equaliser and even came close the second time as well when his shot hit the post.
Roberto Firmino 5
Worked hard but couldn’t offer much as there was no runner around him after Salah’s substitution.
Substitutes
Adam Lallana 4
The Englishman was thrusted in the big final out of nowhere after Salah’s injury. With not much game time behind him, Lallana was found wanting for the most part of the game.
Emre can- N/A
