Carlo Ancelotti arrived back at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in the summer with a clear brief, keep the season respectable until Kylian Mbappe could be signed in the summer of 2022, yet he has ended the campaign by winning both LaLiga Santander and the Champions League.
Real Madrid have lived a charmed life in Europe this season, but they saved perhaps their best defensive performance for the most important match of the campaign.
Liverpool arrived into Paris as the heavy favourites, yet as difficulties outside the ground engulfed the Reds’ traveling support, it was a sign of disappointment to come for Jurgen Klopp’s charges.
The Premier League giants failed to find their usual rhythm, despite controlling much of the ball and creating chances at Thibaut Courtois’ goal.
Thiago Alcantara’s fitness was a concern for Klopp before kick-off, however the delay to the start of the match perhaps helped the Spaniard be fit enough to retain his place in the starting XI.
Liverpool had the best of the first-half, with Sadio Mane forcing Courtois into an excellent save early on, with the Senegalese forward cutting inside expertly and hitting a rasping shot towards the former Chelsea stopper.
Mohamed Salah was next to test the Belgian, with Trent Alexander-Arnold finding him inside the penalty area with a cross, yet the Egyptian could get proper contact on the header, and it floated into Courtois’ grasp.
Marca.com
