UEFA Champions League Real Madrid crowned European kings for record 14th time

Real Madrid’s Marcelo lifts the trophy

Vinicius Junior scored the only goal of the game as Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid beat Liverpool 1-0 in Saturday’s Champions League final in Paris to become kings of Europe for a record-extending 14th time.

Brazilian winger Vinicius turned in Fede Valverde’s enticing low cross in the 59th minute at the Stade de France and Liverpool could not find an equaliser as they lost to the Spanish giants in a Champions League final for the second time in five seasons.

Jurgen Klopp’s side ran into a one-man wall of defiance as Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois produced one of the great individual performances to thwart Liverpool time and again.

Quadruple-hopefuls Liverpool missed out to Manchester City for the Premier League title and were denied a victory here and will instead have to suffice with the League Cup and FA Cup that they won, both on penalties, against Chelsea. 

Thibaut Courtois celebrates after his heroics helped Real Madrid win their 14th Champions League trophy

The blank scoresheet here means that in three finals they have not scored a goal in open play, including two periods of extra-time. Given the side’s attacking quality, it is a surprise that they did not hit the back of the net, despite having nine out of 24 shots on target against Real.

This season, Ancelotti made history by becoming the first manager to win all the titles in Europe’s top five leagues by adding La Liga to his Serie A, Premier League, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga championships with AC Milan, Chelsea, PSG and Bayern respectively.

The victory also sees Ancelotti become the first coach to win a fourth Champions League title.  (Agencies)