Kupp, Donald star as Rams down Bengals in Super Bowl thriller

Cooper Kupp scored two touchdowns and Aaron Donald spearheaded a fearsome defensive display as the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 to win the Super Bowl on Sunday.

Kupp scored a decisive touchdown with 1min 25sec remaining to give the Rams the lead at SoFi Stadium before Donald grabbed the Rams' record-breaking eighth sack of Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow to effectively seal the victory.

Donald's sack of Burrow was the dramatic final act of a gripping contest between the star-studded Rams and the Bengals, whose bid to win a first-ever Vince Lombardi Trophy fell agonizingly short.

"I'm just so happy," said Donald. "I wanted this so bad. I dreamed this."

"One play and we're world champs," Donald added of his crucial late sack. "Any way to get to him. We made it."

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, meanwhile, paid tribute to his team's never-say-die approach.

"I'm so proud of this team," Stafford said. "There are so many guys on our team that deserve this, so many guys who gave their heart and soul to this team.

"That game today is the story of our season. It's up and down it's tough. We're a tough team. We showed up late and got it done."

The Bengals had stormed into a 20-13 lead early in the second half after a controversial Tee Higgins touchdown and an Evan McPherson field goal.

But the Rams, who had struggled to build momentum on offense after a game-ending injury to Odell Beckham Jr., clawed their way back into the game thanks to their rampant defense led by Donald.

Burrow was sacked repeatedly at key moments to prevent the Bengals from extending their lead.

Matt Gay's field goal pulled the Rams back to 20-16 heading into the fourth quarter.

Stafford then led a 15-play, 79-yard drive that benefited from