After a 1-0 defeat in Paris by Real Madrid, Liverpool were beaten in Champions League final.

While the Reds controlled the first half, Real Madrid’s Thibault Courois made saves. However, it was the Spanish champions that came closest to breaking the deadlock. A goal by KarimBenzema was disallowed after a long delay due to a VAR review.

Real Madrid won the 59th minute with a goal by Brazilian winger Jose Vinicius Junior, who slotted in after Federico Valverde’s driven cross.

Liverpool had the chance to draw level after the goal, but Courtois was there to stop them.

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It was enough for the Spanish giant to win its 14th Champions League title.

However, the start of the match was marred by major delays when Liverpool fans were unable get into the stadium. Some even waited until half-time before they opened the gates. Tear gas was also used to disperse crowds who tried to get in to watch the game.

“When Real Madrid plays finals, they win it”

Courtois, Real Madrid goalkeeper, told BT Sport that after the match: “I told my friends yesterday that Real Madrid will win the finals.” I’m on the positive side of history.

“Today, I had to win a final for the sake of my career. I didn’t have enough respect in England, so I was very grateful for that.”

He said, “I received a lot of criticism after a great season. That I wasn’t good enough or whatever.”

“I’m just so happy and proud of our team’s performance. We did what was right and I was there when the team needed me.

“I believe we beat the most prestigious clubs in the world. Liverpool and Manchester City were amazing this season.

They fought until the end in the Premier League, and Liverpool won two cups. They were strong today.

“I played a great match, that was the difference today,” said “I played a fantastic game, that’s what made the difference because we had one crucial chance and we scored it.”

“I’m the record guy”

Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid manager, praised his team’s win as he became first manager to win Champions League for the fourth time.

It’s unbelievable. He said, “We’ve had an amazing season.”

“We were very disappointed in the first half, but we won the competition in the end.”

“I am the record guy. I was fortunate to be able to visit this club last year, and it is a great club with a good team with a lot mental and physical character.

“The season was the best.”

“We will go back”

Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s manager, promised to bounce back next season.

Klopp said, “These boys played a remarkable season,” and his side will be marching through Liverpool on Sunday.

“The two competitions that we could not win, we did so by the smallest margin possible: 1-0.

“City was one point ahead of Madrid during the season. Tonight, Madrid was one goal ahead. This says nothing about us.

“The difference between 2018 & now is that I see we coming again.”

‘An absolute defensive masterclass’

Steven Gerrard, a former Liverpool captain, claimed that Real Madrid’s 2005 performance was “phenomenal”.

The boss of Aston Villa said, “They have put an absolute defense masterclass on today.”

“Yes, the goalkeeper was the man of the match. But, if you examine the details of their defending to a man all across the pitch, their distances and their shapes, as well as their calmness under pressure, then it is clear that they were the man of the match.

“Yes, they were outplayed for 40 mins, but over the 90 minute… their keeper helped them out at times, but to an old man across the pitch, they defended ever-so well.”