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Vinicius' goal decided the match at the Stade de France
Photo:
MOLLY DARLINGTON/ REUTERS
Real Madrid is the winner of the Champions League 2022. The Spaniards defeated Liverpool 1-0 (0-0) in the final.
Vinicius juniuor scored the goal of the evening in the 59th minute.
It is the 14th triumph of the Madrilenians in the premier class, for coach Carlo Ancelotti it is the fourth, for numerous players like Toni Kroos even the fifth win of the trophy.
Jürgen Klopp, on the other hand, lost a Champions League final for the third time in his fourth attempt.
There was excitement even before kick-off.
Many Liverpool fans were unable to get into the stadium in time for the scheduled 9 p.m. kick-off, and the organizers at the Stade de France were obviously overwhelmed with the admission.
Some fans then tried to climb over the fences to get into the stadium, the police used pepper spray.
The start of the game had to be postponed by more than 30 minutes.
It didn't start until 9:36 p.m.
Even at this point, there were still numerous fans in front of the stadium.
There were also significant complaints about the crackdown on security staff - a disgraceful start to this final.
The late start didn't seem to bother the two teams, at least.
Klopp's team in particular came into play after fifteen minutes at the latest.
Mo Salah and Madio Sané had good chances, but Real goalkeeper Thibault Courtois saved twice with strong reflexes.
The Belgian goalkeeper, who had been in excellent form for months, deflected Mané's shot to the post.
Madrid acted hesitantly and had few opportunities to use star striker Karim Benzema with a through ball.
And yet it was the Madrilenians who put the ball in the goal for the first time just before the break.
Benzema scored but the goal was ruled offside after reviewing video evidence.
It remained 0-0 after 45 minutes.
After the change, the game went back and forth, Madrid managed to balance the game.
The lead for Real in the 59th minute was still surprising.
Federico Valverde pulled the ball sharply into the penalty area.
Vinicius junior was there and pushed the ball into the goal.
Klopp reacted, bringing fresh forces with Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Naby Keita, but Real's strong defense held out.
And if a ball came through the defense, Courtois was there with spectacular actions.
Ten minutes before the end he made a furious save against Salah.
After that, Real brought the lead over time.
Aha