Liverpool beaten in Champions League final as Thibaut Courtois stars for Real Madrid

Real Madrid were crowned champions of Europe for a record-breaking 14th time after defeating Liverpool in the 2021-22 Champions League final.

Liverpool were looking to complete a cup treble after missing out on the Premier League title to Manchester City last weekend, but it’s the Spanish giants who lift club football’s most prestigious trophy yet again.

Vinicius Jr scored the only goal of the game midway through the second half to leave Liverpool and their supporters heartbroken, while Thibaut Courtois was unbeatable in the Madrid goal.

On a night that should have only been remembered for events on the pitch, though, there were chaotic scenes before kick-off outside the stadium prior to kick-off, which was delayed for 36 minutes.

Fans were filmed being tear gassed and pepper sprayed as the situation became dangerous and very scary for all those involved.

In a repeat of the 2018 Champions League final, which Real Madrid won 3-1 in Kiev, Liverpool went into this year’s end-of-season finale as the favourites.

But Madrid – who defeated Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City en route to this season’s final – have proved time and again that the Champions League is *their* competition.

Only a fool would dare write off Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who were crowned 2021-22 La Liga winners last month.

After a considerable delay to kick-off due to the problems outside the stadium, Jurgen Klopp’s side dominated the early stages of the match with six attempts on goal during the opening 22 minutes, forcing Courtois to make two top saves from Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane in the process.

Thibaut Courtois with an outrageous save to deny Sadio Mané!