Liverpool vs Real Madrid LIVE: Champions League final result, score and reaction
Relive all the action from the Stade de France after Vinicius ensured Real Madrid of a record-extending 14th European Cup
Liverpool were denied a seventh European crown as Real Madrid became kings of the continent once again thanks to Vinicius Junior’s strike in a Champions League final marred by chaos outside the Stade de France.
Paris stepped in as host after UEFA stripped St Petersburg of the showpiece following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but it did not provide a fitting host as European royalty went toe-to-toe in the biggest club match of the season.
Kick-off had to be delayed by 36 minutes due to substantial security issues outside the Stade de France, where Liverpool would be edged out 1-0 in a tense, engaging final settled by Real star Vinicius Jr.
Jurgen Klopp’s Reds were unable to find a response to the second-half strike as Carlo Ancelotti, managing a record fifth Champions League final just a year after leaving Everton, oversaw the Spanish giants’ 14th European Cup triumph.
It was a heartbreaking end to a memorable season for Liverpool, who won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup before being pipped to the Premier League title by a point and losing in the French capital.
Relive all the action from Paris:
Champions League final 2022: Liverpool’s team changes
Jurgen Klopp makes three changes to the Liverpool starting XI that faced Wolves on the final day of the Premier League season last Sunday.
Virgil van Dijk returns and Ibrahima Konate is preferred over Joel Matip who drops to the bench. Naby Keita is replaced with Fabinho in midfield and Diogo Jota gives way for Mo Salah.
Champions League final 2022: Liverpool starting XI
Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago, Salah, Mane, Diaz
Champions League final 2022: ‘No revenge’ in mind for Klopp
Jurgen Klopp says he isn’t motivated by getting ‘revenge’ on Real Madrid who beat the Reds in the 2018 Champions League final. Mo Salah had to be subbed off during that game due to an injury and earlier this month said that he has ‘a score to settle’ with Los Blancos.
“This was a harsh night for us - it was tough to take,” said Klopp. “But I don’t believe in revenge or think revenge is a fantastic idea.
“I understand what Mo said - he wants to put it right. But in Germany we say you always meet twice in life. If we get the chance to win it this time it will be a great story, but it will not be because of what happened in 2018.”
Champions League final 2022: Alaba tons up
David Alaba is set to make his 100th start in UEFA competitions when he lines up for Real Madrid tonight.
Fans vow to ‘make Paris a nightclub’ if Liverpool win Champions League final
Liverpool fans have promised wild celebrations in Paris if their side wins the Champions League final.
The Reds will take on 13-time winners Real Madrid at the Stade de France, just north of the city, on Saturday evening.
A carnival-like atmosphere swept the streets of the French capital as tens of thousands of supporters crowded across the city.
One supporter, named Henry Lyne, 31, told the PA news agency: “We’re on the home stretch now, I’m nervous but excited at the same time.”
Fans vow to ‘make Paris a nightclub’ if Liverpool win Champions League final
A carnival-like atmosphere has swept the streets of the French capital
Champions League final 2022: Gerrard speaking to BT Sport
Former Liverpool captain, and current Aston Villa boss, Steven Gerrard is in Paris for tonight’s game and spoke to BT Sport ahead of kick off saying:
“It’s very rare that Real Madrid are underdogs. They are a very dangerous opponent. They’re at full strength and they’ve had two or three weeks to prepare for this.
“It’s not ideal [the pitch has been relaid this week] but it’s the same for both teams. Both teams trained on it 24 hours ago and to for me it looks fine.
“I’ve also heard Liverpool trained on it again this morning.”
Champions League final 2022: Klopp on Mane
In his pre-match press conference, Jurgen Klopp spoke about Sadio Mane’s mindest especially with the rumours that he may leave Anfield in the summer. He said:
“Sadio is in the shape of his life, for sure. He is in brilliant shape, it’s a joy to watch him in the moment in training and the game. We ask him a lot; football asks him a lot this year.
“He had an incredibly long season, a lot of finals and these kinds of things. That’s for sure so far one of the most successful as well, for him and for us.
“The Bayern Munich rumours, I couldn’t care less in the moment. We are all fully focused on this game. Sadio is completely focused on the game, he knows exactly how important it is to him and how important it is to us.
“So, no concerns, completely normal. It’s not the first time in my career that before decisive games Bayern Munich rumours [are] coming up. I don’t know exactly what I did that that happens. But no problem at all.”
Champions League final 2022: Liverpool fans arrive in Paris
Liverpool supporters arrive in Paris in big numbers ahead of tonight’s Champions League final.
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