Match report as Vinicius Junior’s goal secures victory for Real Madrid over Liverpool in the Champions League final; the game was delayed by more than half an hour after long delays and chaotic scenes for Liverpool fans entering the Stade de France.
Liverpool suffered Champions League heartbreak on a chaotic night in Paris as Vinicius Junior’s second-half goal clinched the trophy for Real Madrid for the 14th time in their history.
Jurgen Klopp’s side were hoping to avenge their 2018 Champions League final defeat to the Spanish giants in Kyiv but they could not find a leveller after going down 1-0 when Vinicius ghosted in at the far post to convert Federico Valverde’s low cross (59).
The game’s kick-off time had earlier been delayed by more than half an hour as organisational problems outside the Stade de France caused long delays and dangerous overcrowding for Liverpool supporters attempting to enter the ground.
Liverpool lost none of their focus despite the chaotic circumstances, creating a succession of chances and having 24 shots to Madrid’s four, but they could not find a way past the outstanding Thibaut Courtois, who tipped a Sadio Mane effort onto the inside of the post in the first half and made a string of other excellent saves.
