For Loris Karius, the 2018 Champions League final was a nightmare.
The German goalkeeper made two costly errors against Real Madrid, contributing to Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat in Kiev.
Karim Benzema scored a bizarre opener early in the second half when he intercepted Karius’ attempt to throw the ball to Dejan Lovren, diverting it into the empty Liverpool goal.
Sadio Mane would soon equalise, only for a spectacular Gareth Bale effort to re-establish Real’s lead. Then, with Liverpool’s hopes fading, Bale’s long-range effort was fumbled into his own goal by Karius, ending the contest and handing the Spanish side their third consecutive European title.
Karius couldn’t hide his emotions after full-time. In tears, he was seen pleading with the Liverpool supporters gathered in the stadium for forgiveness. This was well received by many of the fans, who were seen applauding the 24-year-old.
As he and his teammates later made their way back to the dressing room, Jamie Carragher went out of his way to console the distraught ‘keeper. Footage posted to Twitter by Jan aage Fjortoft captured the moment.
Well done @Carra23
Love it #karius pic.twitter.com/Y8ibmMhV78— Jan Aage Fjørtoft 🇳🇴 (@JanAageFjortoft) May 26, 2018
Speaking after the game, Jürgen Klopp suggested Karius’ second mistake may have been partly caused by the first error.
“What can I say? I think Loris knows it, everybody knows it, that’s it,” he told eir Sport
“It’s a shame, in a game like this and after a season like this, I really feel for him. Fantastic boy, first one, and of course the second one, I think it’s because of the first one. It’s really difficult to get rid of the bad thoughts you have in your mind in a game like this.”
It was a bitterly disappointing end to the season for Liverpool, who lost star man Mo Salah to injury after half an hour. The Egyptian tangled with Sergio Ramos and is believed to have suffered a dislocated shoulder after landing awkwardly.
