PLAYER RATINGS: LIVERPOOL 0-1 REAL MADRID

Liverpool suffered defeat in the Champions League final as a Vinicius strike midway through the second half sealed Real Madrid’s 14th Champions League title. Here are player ratings from the match.

Alisson – 6

Came flying out of his goal on two occasions early on. Didn’t cover himself in glory with Benzema’s disallowed goal. Nothing he could do about Vinicius’ tap in. Quick off his line to smother one counter attack late on.

Alexander-Arnold – 7.5

Actually played well. Defended astutely throughout when one on one with Vinicius. Stopped Benzema in his tracks late on. One switch off was all it took as he failed to react to Valverde’s cross-shot, allowing Vinicius to sneak in behind and tap home at the back post. Trent created good chances going forward. This will hurt.

Konaté – 8.5

Immense tonight. He can hold his head high, he was absolutely incredible. Matched Vinicius stride for stride and stopped him on several occasions. He showed composure on the ball as well. He carried it out of defence and found passes under pressure.

Van Dijk – 7

Don’t think he actually had much to do. Which is crazy because it’s a defeat in a Champions League final. Played up top in injury time.

Robertson – 7

Was alright. In a running battle with Valverde all game. Got sucked up the pitch in a press that got easily bypassed by a Modric reverse pass, leaving Valverde free to cross for the only goal. Some horrendous set piece deliveries.

Fabinho – 8

He didn’t misplace a single pass in the first half. Was neat and tidy in the middle of the pitch. Was even better second half I felt. Moved the ball well. Played a fantastic long ball to put Salah in behind late on. Poor cross at the end allowed Courtois to gather and waste precious seconds.

Henderson – 7.5

Made a crucial interception to deny Vinicius in the box early on. Was constantly harassing the Real midfield giving them no time on the ball. Played well, backed up Trent against Vinicius.

Thiago – 7.5

Played well first half. Was always nipping in to win the ball back. Always getting on the ball as well to control proceedings. Didn’t show any sign of the injury that threatened to rule him out in the warm up.

Salah – 8

Not much else he could have done tonight. Reacted quickly to direct Trent’s early cross goalwards but Courtois was equal to it. This would be a theme of the night. He showed exquisite control to bring down a Fabinho long ball before leaving Mendy for dead and giving it all he had with his right foot. Somehow, Courtois blocked it. Unbelievable.

Mané – 7.5

First ten he gave it away a bit but he grew into it with a sharp turn on the edge of the box and a sweet strike. Once again, that man Courtois made the save, tipping it onto the post. Played well the rest of the half but second half he couldn’t affect it enough, even when he switched to the left wing.

Diaz – 6

Quiet. Well shackled by Carvajal. Not the devastating display we were expecting. Couldn’t really get much change out of his man when isolated one on one. Subdued.

Substitutes

Jota – 7

Went close to scoring when he redirected Salah’s shot but Courtois made the save. Made a great leap to head the ball across goal for Salah at the backpost but again, Courtois was equal to it. I’m sick of typing that.

Firmino – 7

Was really bright when he came on. Linked play together really well and got the side attacking and creating chances. Probably could have had more minutes.

Keita – 5

Blazed a good chance well wide under no pressure. Gave away a cheap corner and a cheap free kick which allowed them to waste time. Easily pushed off the ball when he should have been getting a pass off in what was the final kick of the game. Not the impact the manager wanted.

Jürgen Klopp

The gaffer made a big call at centre half, preferring the pace and power of Konaté to Matip. Elsewhere it was a straightforward lineup with Fabinho and Thiago returning after bouts with injury.

His side played well enough to win on the night but the exploits of the Real goalkeeper was the difference on the night. When the opposition keeper is making nine saves in such a tense game, you have to hold your hands up. Congrats to Real. It’s bitterly disappointing but it’s been an incredible season.