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: Real Madrid’s team changes
Carlo Ancelotti makes two changes to the Real Madrid side that lined up against Real Betis in La Liga over a week ago. David Alaba was rested for that game and he returns ahead of Nacho. Federico Valverde is also preferred to Rodrygo who starts on the bench.
Champions League final 2022: Real Madrid’s starting XI
Real Madrid XI: Courtois, Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy, Casemiro, Kroos, Modric, Valverde, Vinicius, Benzema
Champions League final 2022: Record breaker Ancelotti?
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has reached a record fifth Champions League final, more than any other manager. The 62-year-old is hoping to lift the famous old trophy for a fourth time – becoming the first boss to do so.
Liverpool’s Bob Paisley and Real Madrid’s Zinedine Zidane have also won the tournament three times as managers, alongside the current Madrid boss.
Ancelotti’s only failure in a Champions League final came against tonight’s opponents.
His AC Milan team famously led 3-0 just before the break in 2005 before a three-goal burst from Liverpool in the space of six minutes ahead of the hour mark drew them level. The Reds then went on to win the resultant penalty shoot-out.
Liverpool vs Real Madrid: How to watch Champions League final for free
Liverpool and Real Madrid descend on the Stade de France on Saturday night for the Champions League final.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are seeking redemption after losing an acrimonious 2018 final against Madrid, when Mohamed Salah was forced off with an injury and Gareth Bale scored a spectacular overhead kick.
Liverpool are the slim favourites heading into the clash but few will discount Madrid after a series of spectacular comebacks against PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City to reach the final.
But how can fans watch and when is kick-off? Here’s all you need to know:
How to watch Champions League final for free
The Champions League final will be available for all supporters to watch
Champions League 2022: Ah Paris!
The Champions League final is being played at the Stade de France on the edge of Paris.
It was originally meant to be played in the Russian city of St. Petersburg but after the country’s invasion of Ukraine, it was moved to France.
This is also the third year in a row the venue of the Champions League final has been moved - the previous two due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Champions League final 2022: Liverpool vs Real Madrid
Tonight’s match will be the third time these two sides have met in the final of this competition – after 1981 and 2018 – making it the most-played showpiece in the history of this tournament.
Champions League final 2022: Madrid enjoy finals
Real Madrid have triumphed in each of their last seven finals in this competition since 1981.
That year they succumbed to a Liverpool side in Paris, with Alan Kennedy’s late goal clinching it for Bob Paisley’s Reds 41 years ago yesterday.
A sign of things to come perhaps?
Andy Robertson reaping rewards of improvement to gain edge in Liverpool full back rivalry
Andy Robertson has found a new way of winding up Trent Alexander-Arnold. When their paths cross, he just utters three words and they need no elaboration for either of Liverpool’s flying full backs. “I just say to him ‘by a mile’,” the Scot smiled. “I just keep saying it to him. I walk past and that’s all I need to say.”
Those three words have given Robertson a chance to gloat in a friendly rivalry that has helped drive Liverpool to greatness. There are two times in recent weeks when former full backs have brought a sudden influx of messages to Robertson’s phone. One is a Liverpool icon, in Alan Kennedy; another was long a hate figure at Anfield, in Gary Neville.
When it became apparent that, as in 1981, the European Cup final would be Liverpool versus Real Madrid in Paris, it brought back memories of Kennedy. Robertson was sent footage of an unlikely scorer’s winner, often with the suggestion he could emulate a predecessor. “If we get a good basis then I will let someone else try and be the hero,” he countered.
Robertson reaping rewards of improvement to gain edge in full back rivalry
The Scot and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been twin pillars down the flanks of Jurgen Klopp’s successful team
Champions League final 2022: Klopp on facing Real Madrid
How does Jurgen Klopp feel about reaching the Champions League and having to face Real Madrid?
“Outstanding, massive – it feels like the first one because it’s always so special.” He said, “The mood is good, very good. We’re really excited about being here now and getting a feeling for the stadium and the occasion. History will tell us what people say about us, but I’m very proud of what we’ve done so far.
“They’re the most decorated club in the competition. Some of their players can win it for a fifth time and the manager can win it for the fourth time. We can’t buy that experience, but we’re here for the third time in five years – that’s special. We’re not thinking about how it will feel to win. Being ‘us’ at the highest level would be really cool.”
Meet Clement Turpin, the referee for the Champions League final
Clement Turpin will referee the Champions League final between Liverpool fc and Real Madrid on Saturday.
Turpin, who has been an international referee since 2010, has a wealth of European football experience including seven Champions League games this season.
He was the man in the middle for last season’s Europa League final between Manchester United and Villarreal and also officiated at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Meet Clement Turpin, the French referee in charge of Liverpool vs Real Madrid
Who is the Champions League final referee?
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