Liverpool’s incredible Champions League campaign came to an end on Saturday with a heart-breaking defeat to Real Madrid.
On a night where Dua Lipa opened with a pre-match spectacle it was only fitting that the Champions League final should be decided by the truly spectacular. Two inconceivable errors from goalkeeper Loris Karius and a wonder-goal from Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale consigned Liverpool to a 3-1 defeat and brought to an end an incredible campaign.
When the journey started in the play-offs nine months ago no one would have fancied Liverpool to make it all the way to the final. It was the first time the club had qualified for the tournament since 2014 and even then they failed to progress from their group. But the Reds defied the odds and they did so in style, smashing records and scoring goals for fun along the way. After seeing off the likes of Porto, Manchester City and Roma in the knockout-stages, Liverpool were rewarded with a clash against two-time reigning champions, Real Madrid.
Jurgen Klopp was confident heading into the match and would have been satisfied with what he saw in the opening stanza. The midfield controlled the center of the park with the attacking players seeing much of the ball and the defense nullifying the threat of Cristiano Ronaldo. Then, at around the half-hour mark, a challenge from Sergio Ramos forced Mohamed Salah off the pitch in tears with a reported dislocated shoulder. Liverpool’s momentum departed with their magical Egyptian and the match was lost.
Reflecting on the defeat, Jurgen Klopp will know where improvements need be made and that perhaps some of them should have happened in January. His decision not to replace Coutinho following his departure to Barcelona was justified by the current crop making the final but the squad ultimately lacked the quality in depth to go all the way. While Real Madrid were able to call on Gareth Bale, Liverpool’s bench offered no like-for-like replacement for Salah and no potential match winners.
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Adam Lallana, who missed half of the season through injury and was overlooked for England’s World Cup squad, was introduced for the Egyptian as the only recognised attack-minded player. The only other option being 20-year old Dominic Solanke. With Danny Ings and Ben Woodburn the only other forwards in full the squad, and Emre Can likely to leave, the problem runs reinforcements will be needed if Liverpool are to overcome the final hurdle in future. Naby Keita has already been signed from RB Leipzig and further acquisitions should be expected at Anfield next season.
It is also likely that there is no coming back for Loris Karius. The German goalkeeper was inconsolable after the match after gifting Real Madrid the opener with a shocking throw to Karim Benzema and flapping at long-range effort from Bale to confirm the defeat. Salah’s injury might have been the turning point in the match but Karius’ errors determined it. He has shown much improvement this season in the face of criticism but his performance in the final will have made Klopp’s mind up that he needs replacing.
Such decisions will be made another day, though. Tonight will be reserved for tears and reflection. Tonight is about processing a pain that will follow players and fans alike for years to come. But as they have shown so many times over the years, no defeat can keep Liverpool down. At the end of the storm there is always a golden sky. The result, though strewn with individual error and collective disappointment, will have taken no gloss from an incredible campaign nor detracted from the optimism that surrounds the club. Jurgen Klopp has led his charges back to their seat at the table of European royalty and they will be back to try and take the crown next season.