Real Madrid have won their 14th Champions League title in front of a sell-out crowd at the Stade de France in Paris thanks to a single goal by Vinicius Junior (59′).
The game was delayed by 36 minutes as Liverpool fans were unable to access the stadium on time due to organizational problems. Images of fans being pepper-sprayed by police and being held in bottlenecks outside the stadium dominated social media ahead of the game and throughout the first half.
Once the game did get underway, Liverpool quickly took control creating the best chances throughout the first half. Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah both came close but both times Thibaut Courtois was there to keep the ball out. Then just before halftime, Karim Benzema scored for Real Madrid but the goal was called back after a lengthy VAR check.
Finally, in the 59th minute, the deadlock was broken when a fantastic cross by Fede Valverde found Vinicius Junior inside the box. The Brazilian benefitted from the fact that Trent Alexander-Arnold had lost the winger in his back allowing him to easily tap the ball across the line.
Liverpool pressed for an equalizer but Courtois had an outstanding game keeping the Reds off the scoreboard. The Belgium goalkeeper was easily the best player on the pitch guiding his club to a historic 14th title in the competition.