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Liverpool 0-1 Real Madrid

‘Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja

Daily Courier – Vinicius Jnr is the match-winner. His goal on 59 minutes proved the difference on a night where Liverpool did enough to score a couple of goals but a combination of Courtois and some poor final balls has cost them.

It is the Real Madrid players who drop to the ground at the final whistle. Real Madrid is the most successful in Europe but they have still completed one of the most unlikely Champions League campaigns ever witnessed.

Liverpool created an expected goals tally of 2.14 from 24 shots on goal. But there was a brick wall standing in front of them.

Courtois – aided by his defenders – was simply unbeatable.

On a night when little went to plan off the pitch, Real Madrid scripted events on it. They soaked up the pressure and waited for the opening, never doubting it would come.

“The Liverpool players appear in shock. Many with hands on hips, the smell of the Madrid flares in their nostrils as the final whistle blared.

Player ratings: Courtois and Vinicius the heroes for Madrid
Liverpool: Alisson (6), Alexander-Arnold (6), Konate (8), Van Dijk (6), Robertson (6), Thiago (7), Fabinho (6), Henderson (7), Diaz (6), Mane (6), Salah (6)

Subs: Jota (6), Keita (6), Firmino (6)

Real Madrid: Courtois (9), Carvajal (8), Militao (7), Alaba (7), Mendy (7), Casemiro (7), Kroos (6), Valverde (7), Modric (7), Vinicius (8), Benzema (7)

Subs: Camavinga (6), Ceballos (N/A), Rodrygo (N/A)

Man of the match: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)