Real Madrid 3 Liverpool 1
Here’s how we rated the players:
Liverpool
Loris Karius – 0
He isn’t anywhere near good enough to play for a Champions League team and proved that with his horrendous error for Benzema’s goal. The French forward may have been offside in the initial build up play, but Karius’ error was unforgivable. He then made a complete mess of Bale’s shot straight at him and gifted Madrid their third Champions League ina row. He’s not good enough to play for Liverpool and never has been.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6
His performance in the first-half, particularly before Salah went off injured, was brave and extremely positive. The young full-back surged forward at every available opportunity and was accurate with his passing. He also tested Navas with a shot down low to his left. Like the rest of his team, he wasn’t as impressive after Salah left the pitch, and he almost cost his side a goal with a loose pass in the second half.
Dejan Lovren – 7
Pressed well and helped set-up Mane’s goal with a pinpoint header.
Virgil van Dijk – 6
He didn’t play as well as Lovren but did little wrong and was looked a threat from set-pieces.
Andrew Robertson – 7.5
Robertson got forward constantly and was often the free-man for Liverpool with no Madrid playing tracking him back. He was very good when Liverpool were forced to defend, and stopped Ronaldo from scoring with a brilliantly timed-last ditch tackle.
Jordan Henderson – 6
A quiet performance at the base of midfield, at times Liverpool’s captain read the game well. He made a couple of interceptions and picked up some second balls after his team forced dispossessions.
James Milner – 6.5
As always, Milner worked hard and was a key cog in Klopp’s pressing plan. He was also effective in possession and created one excellent chance for Firmino in the first-half. Milner appeared to tire as the game wore on.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 6
Worked hard but failed to get close to Madrid’s midfield as Liverpool lost a grip on the game.
Sadio Mane – 8
During the opening period, Mane was a constant threat down Liverpool’s right-hand side. Along with the rest of Liverpool’s front-line, Mane pushed Madrid’s defence back and forced them to play long. He also looked dangerous when in possession and took his goal very well, timing a late run to finish past Navas.
Mohamed Salah – 6
Liverpool’s best player and the most in-form footballer in the world left the field in tears after an awkward foul by Sergio Ramos.
Roberto Firmino – 6
The quietest game we’ve seen from the Brazilian for a long time.
Subs
Adam Lallana – 5
Came on for the injured Salah and made no impact, and didn’t look match-fit.
Emre Can – N/A
Not on long enough to rate.
Real Madrid
Keylor Navas – 6
He was better than Karius anyway.
Dani Carvajal – 6
Like Salah, he left the field in tears after suffering an injury.
Raphael Varane – 6.5
Solid performance from an impressive player.
Sergio Ramos – 6.5
His clumsy challenge on Salah changed the game and handed his team the initiative. It proved to be the decisive moment in the match. Other than that, Ramos was neat in possession and defended well.
Marcelo – 7
Set-up Bale’s goal with a wonderful cross and was a threat going forward throughout.
Casemiro – 6
He didn’t catch the eye, but helped Madrid’s full-back push-on by dropping deep and shielding the defence.
Toni Kroos – 7
The German helped his team take control of the match after Salah went off injured with neat, accurate passes.
Luka Modric – 7.5
Excellent as always in possession and even helped out defensively when Madrid were under the cosh.
Isco – 6.5
He constantly looked for the ball and linked up well with his teammates, without making any telling contribution in the final third.
Karim Benzema – 7.5
He may have been offside, but Benzema was clever in the build-up for his goal, sticking his leg out to divert the ball past the hopeless Karius.
Cristino Ronaldo – 6
A quiet night, but he more than played his part in Madrid’s run to the final.
Subs
Nacho – 6
Came on for Carvajal in the first-half, made little impact, but did little wrong.
Gareth Bale – 9
Scored a stunning overhead kick to give Madrid the lead moments after coming on, one of the best goals ever in a Champions League final. He then scored with a shot straight at Karius. It was an incredible impact from the Welshman.
Marco Asensio – N/A
Not on long enough to rate.
