Real Madrid claim 14th European title

Real Madrid culminated a magical Champions League run with a win in the final

Coming back against Paris Saint-Germain, winning in extra time against Chelsea and doing the same against Manchester City, it would have been a disappointment for Real Madrid if they would have faltered in the Champions League final against Liverpool.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men, however, did not disappoint.

The Spanish giants won their 14th Champions League title in club history by beating Liverpool 1-0 with Vinicius Junior scoring the lone goal.

The match was reminiscent of all the matches Real Madrid have played this season. They withstood the early onslaught from Liverpool who were the better team in the first half. But a compact defense and crucial saves by Thibaut Courtois kept Liverpool off the score sheet.

Minutes before the end of the half, Madrid believed they had taken the lead after some calamity in the back from the Liverpool defense allowed Karim Benzema to score. The call on the pitch was offside and after a lengthy VAR review, the call stood.

Being left off the hook, Liverpool began the second half like the first. They were the team with the initiative. But like we’ve seen many times before, Real Madrid somehow, someway pop up at the right moments.

Federico Valverde delivered a cross-shot that found its way to an unmarked Vinicius Junior who simply had to tap it in. The Brazilian, who has come up big in the past, did it once again.

That lone goal was all they needed as Liverpool were simply unable to break down the Madrid defense. On the occasions they did, Courtois was more than up to the task.

A Madrid side who were down and out often throughout the Champions League showed their usual resolve. No matter how bleak things seemed, they never gave up and found a way to win.

This particular Champions League trophy has to be one of the better ones considering what they had to go through to get to the final. The caliber of teams they beat was no fluke. They beat PSG, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool. The latter two largely considered the best teams in the world.

The midfield trio of Kroos-Casemiro-Modric have cemented themselves as one of the best, if not the best, midfield in history.

Benzema almost single-handedly carried Madrid to the final and is almost a lock to win the Ballon d’Or.

Ancelotti came back to a team in turmoil following the departure of Zinedine Zidane. But he was more than up to the task.

Madrid supporters have their pick of the lot when it comes to their favorite or most memorable Champions League title. This one will probably rank near the top.