Liverpool vs Real Madrid LIVE: Champions League final result, score and reaction

Liverpool were denied a seventh European crown as Real Madrid became kings of the continent once again thanks to Vinicius Junior’s strike in a Champions League final marred by chaos outside the Stade de France.

Paris stepped in as host after UEFA stripped St Petersburg of the showpiece following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but it did not provide a fitting host as European royalty went toe-to-toe in the biggest club match of the season.

Kick-off had to be delayed by 36 minutes due to substantial security issues outside the Stade de France, where Liverpool would be edged out 1-0 in a tense, engaging final settled by Real star Vinicius Jr.

Jurgen Klopp’s Reds were unable to find a response to the second-half strike as Carlo Ancelotti, managing a record fifth Champions League final just a year after leaving Everton, oversaw the Spanish giants’ 14th European Cup triumph.

It was a heartbreaking end to a memorable season for Liverpool, who won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup before being pipped to the Premier League title by a point and losing in the French capital.

Relive all the action from Paris:

Champions League Final 2022

• 59’: Vinicius breaks deadlock for Madrid

• Match started 36 minutes late after fans struggle to enter stadium

• Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Thiago, Henderson, Diaz, Mane, Salah

• Real Madrid XI: Courtois, Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy, Casemiro, Kroos, Modric, Valverde, Vinicius, Benzema

Liverpool FC 0 - 1 Real Madrid CF

Real Madrid win Champions League as Vinicius breaks Liverpool hearts

23:16 , Michael Jones

The most chaotic of runs ends the only way it could - with the control of champions. There was always a sense Real Madrid’s name was on the trophy, and it is now for a record-extending 14th time.

Jurgen Klopp’s side gave one of their worst performances of the season on the biggest night, even if so much of this occasion failed to live up to it. The scenes on the pitch paled next to the dreadful circumstances outside, which saw the game delayed by 36 minutes and fans who had tickets pepper-sprayed. The failure of the authorities here will now dominate the headlines, but it is Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti who will dominate the records.

The 14th Champions League for the club was also the fourth for Carlo Ancelotti as a manager, seeing the Italian surpass Bob Paisley and Zinedine Zidane as the most successful in the competition’s history in its own right.

Real Madrid win Champions League as Vinicius breaks Liverpool hearts

Uefa statement on the pre-match trouble outside the stadium:

23:13 , Michael Jones

“In the lead-up to the game, the turnstiles at the Liverpool end became blocked by thousands fans who had purchased fake tickets which did not work in the turnstiles.

“This created a build-up of fans trying to get in. As a result, the kick-off was delayed by 35 minutes to allow as many fans as possible with genuine tickets to gain access.

“As numbers outside the stadium continued to build up after kick-off, the police dispersed them with tear gas and forced them away from the stadium.

“Uefa is sympathetic to those affected by these events and will further review these matters urgently together with the French police and authorities, and with the French Football Federation.”

Liverpool demand investigation after fans sprayed by tear gas at Champions League final

23:10 , Michael Jones

Liverpool have called for an investigation after thousands of supporters were held outside of the Champions League final before kick-off at the Stade de France, as Uefa said tear gas had been used to disperse supporters who were blocking entry to the ground after purchasing fake tickets.

The Champions League final was delayed by 36 minutes after Liverpool fans struggled to get into the stadium in time for kick-off. Uefa said in a statement that the long queues of supporters outside the ground were caused by fans trying to enter the Stade de France with tickets that did not work at the turnstiles.

“We are hugely disappointed at the stadium entry issues and breakdown of the security perimeter that Liverpool fans faced this evening at Stade de France,” Liverpool said in a statement.

Liverpool demand investigation after fans sprayed by tear gas at final

Real Madrid conquer Europe amid Paris chaos – key talking points from CL final

23:07 , Michael Jones

Liverpool’s bid for a trophy treble ended in a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League final at the Stade de France in Paris.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the game’s main talking points.

Real Madrid conquer Europe amid Paris chaos – key talking points from CL final

Liverpool draw a blank after season of chasing the impossible ends in crushing defeat

23:04 , Michael Jones

And so, on successive weekends, four became two, the potential quadruple reduced to a double of the domestic cups. Rather than completing the greatest season ever, Liverpool ended up emulating George Graham’s Arsenal; the 1993 vintage. Their parade will contain one trophy they had not won for 10 years, another they had not touched for 16 but not the two they prized the most and the two that defined the club.

They may have been the best team in Europe this season but the official status rests with Real Madrid. As player and manager, Carlo Ancelotti now has six European Cups, drawing him level with Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp had specialised in finding a way to win, piloting Liverpool through games where they went behind and then prevailed, but this was a comeback too far, even for them. Real proved the one team they could not kill off. An evening that began with tear gas ended with tears. Liverpool could enjoy neither.

For just the fourth time in 63 matches this season, they were beaten. For the second in the last five Champions League finals, Real overcame Liverpool. They remain the last side to defeat Real in a European Cup final, but it was Paris in 1981, not 2022. The more recent comparison point was 2018, but the differences outnumbered the similarities. There was nothing as traumatic as Loris Karius’ meltdown, as heart-breaking as Mohamed Salah’s injury or as spectacular as Gareth Bale’s overhead kick; just a moment when Vinicius Junior stole in behind Trent Alexander-Arnold to meet Fede Valverde’s low pass. Real, the great moments team, conjured a relatively prosaic one.

Liverpool draw a blank after season of chasing the impossible ends in crushing defeat

Liverpool vs Real Madrid result: Player ratings as Thibaut Courtois stars in goal in Champions League final

23:01 , Michael Jones

Real Madrid claimed their 14th European title with a 1-0 win over Liverpool in the Champions League final in Paris.

Madrid thought they had taken the lead shortly before half-time when Karim Benzema fired home from close range, but a lengthy VAR check deemed the Frenchman to be offside.

But the Spanish champions were in front just before the hour mark when Fede Valverde’s low drive across the box was turned home from close range by Vinicius Junior.

And Madrid held on thanks to some astonishing saves from keeper Thibaut Courtois as Liverpool were left heartbroken on a thoroughly frustrating evening for the six-time winners.

Here are the player ratings from the Champions League final:

Player ratings as Real Madrid beat Liverpool in Champions League final

Real Madrid are the European champions

22:55 , Michael Jones

The trophy ceremony

22:53 , Michael Jones

Now it’s time for the champions. Carlo Ancelotti leads them up the podium, huge grin on his face. Casemiro is visible delighted and Karim Benzema and Marcelo wait to bring up the rear.

Marcelo finally receives his medal and is marshalled over to the iconic trophy. He grasps it in both hands, walks over to his teammates and holds it aloft.

Real Madrid are the champions of Europe!

The trophy ceremony

22:49 , Michael Jones

Liverpool look dejected as they head up to the podium to receive their runners-up medals. Jurgen Klopp waves and applauds the travelling fans who made the trip to Paris but there’s no excitement or joy behind his acknowledgement.

It’s very disappointing for the team.

Reaction from Carlo Ancelotti:

22:48 , Michael Jones

“I can’t believe it. We had a fantastic season. We did really well. It was a difficult game and we suffered a lot, more so in the first half. In the end I think we deserved to win this competition.

“We’re really happy. What can I say? I can’t say more.

“I am a record man. I had luck to come here last year and have a fantastic season. A fantastic club, a really good squad with a lot of quality and mental character. The season was top.

“I think we passed through really difficult games. The supporters helped us a lot in the last game. They helped us tonight. We’re happy and they’re happy.

“[Describing Thibaut Courtois’ performance] Wow. Unbelievable. I can’t believe it.”

Real Madrid win the Champions League!

22:42 , Michael Jones

The celebrations begin for Real Madrid!

Real Madrid win the Champions League!

22:40 , Michael Jones

Real Madrid are champions of Europe for the 14th time and Carlo Ancelotti becomes the most successful manager in Champions League history with a fourth title as a coach.

He goes past both Bob Paisley and Zinedine Zidane.

Real Madrid win the Champions League!

22:38 , Michael Jones

What a difference a week makes. Liverpool were dreaming of a quadruple this time last week but they end the seasonn with the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

It’s still been a brilliant season for them but they’ve fallen short in the biggest two trophies on offer.

Real Madrid win the Champions League!

22:36 , Michael Jones

What a run from Real Madrid. Dramatic victories over PSG, Chelsea, Manchester City and a composed performance to see off Liverpool in the final.

Thibaut Courtois was outstanding in goal and Vinicius Junior netted the only goal of the game. It’s perhaps fitting that Karim Benzema will lift the trophy for Los Blancos he dragged his team this far and they repaid him with victory.

Liverpool 0 - 1 Real Madrid

22:32 , Michael Jones

90+5 mins: Fabinho’s last minute cross is grabbed by Courtois and that should be that. It is!

Real Madrid are the European champions for a 14th time!

Liverpool 0 - 1 Real Madrid

22:29 , Michael Jones

90+2 mins: The corner is played short to Ceballos who feeds it up to Benzema. He shifts inside before laying it off to Camavinga but the youngster belts his effort over the crossbar.

Vinicius Jr is the last switch for Carlo Ancelotti and he comes off to by replaced with Rodrygo.

Liverpool 0 - 1 Real Madrid

22:28 , Michael Jones

90 mins: There’s five minutes of added time to go. Dani Ceballos has come on to replace Luka Modric for Madrid and he wins them a corner.

There’s still a chance for Liverpool.

Liverpool 0 - 1 Real Madrid

22:25 , Michael Jones

88 mins: Mane wins Liverpool a corner. Is this there best chance to score? Alexander-Arnold takes this one and swings it into the box but Courtois comes out and clings onto the ball.

He’s been exceptional between the sticks for Real Madrid tonight. If they win this game, it’s mainly due to his efforts in goal.

Liverpool 0 - 1 Real Madrid

22:22 , Michael Jones

85 mins: Federico Valverde is taken off by Carlo Ancelotti with Eduardo Camavinga replacing him for the last five or six minutes. Real Madrid are heading towards a 14th Champions League title.

Liverpool 0 - 1 Real Madrid

22:20 , Michael Jones

83 mins: What a save! A diagonal ball comes over to Salah who brings it down, touches it past Mendy then smokes a shot at goal only for Courtois to stick out a hand and palm it wide of goal!

Liverpool 0 - 1 Real Madrid

22:18 , Michael Jones

81 mins: Eder Militao stays on the deck feigning an injury and the referee jogs over to tell him to get up which he does. The referee won’t be standing for any time-wasting attempts.

Save! Another effort from Salah comes flying towards the goal and once again Courtois can’t be beaten even with Diogo Jota charging at him.

Liverpool 0 - 1 Real Madrid

22:14 , Michael Jones

78 mins: Thiago and Henderson are hooked by Jurgen Klopp with Roberto Firmino and Naby Keita brought on. Liverpool are effectively playing 4-2-4 now. Can they get an equaliser?

Liverpool 0 - 1 Real Madrid

22:12 , Michael Jones

75 mins: Nearly. Alexander-Arnold sets himself on the inside right and drills the ball into the box. Diogo Jota flings his foot at the ball but can’t divert it at goal and the effort goes wide.

Liverpool 0 - 1 Real Madrid

22:10 , Michael Jones

72 mins: Courtois makes another blinding save as he somehow scrambles over to the left side of his goal to deny Salah from close range. He’s been Madrid’s best player so far.

Vinicius Jr wants another goal. He cuts inside of Konate and runs it along the front edge of the box only for the centre-back to time his tackle perfectly and disposses the Real forward.

Liverpool 0 - 1 Real Madrid

22:06 , Michael Jones

69 mins: Liverpool win another corner but Robertson doesn’t beat the first man and Carvajal nods it away.

Liverpool recycle the ball and win another set piece. This one comes in to Konate who can’t control the ball. Fabinho gets to it next and heads it towards Salah but Madrid scramble it clear.

Liverpool 0 - 1 Real Madrid

22:03 , Michael Jones

66 mins: Can Diogo Jota have more of an impact for Liverpool? He replaces Luis Diaz as Jurgen Klopp goes to the bench first. Sadio Mane looks to have moved out to the left with Jota slotting in through the middle.

Liverpool win a free kick that Robertson floats into the box. Militao gets up highest and heads it clear.

Liverpool 0 - 1 Real Madrid

22:01 , Michael Jones

65 mins: Save! A typical Mo Salah move. He receives the ball out on the right wing and darts inside rolling the ball onto his left foot. He strikes it brilliantly but Real Madrid’s big goalkeeper flings himself across to the right and palms the ball away! Another huge save from Courtois.

Liverpool 0 - 1 Real Madrid

21:59 , Michael Jones

62 mins: You’d have to say that goal came against the run of play but it was beautifully worked from the Spanish champions. Liverpool have plenty of time to get back into the game but they’ll need to be more clinical in the final third.

Dani Carvajal once again dispossesses Luis Diaz and Madrid knock the ball into midfield to Valverde who is cleaned out by Fabinho. The Brazilian picks up the first yellow card of the game.

GOAL! Liverpool 0 - 1 Real Madrid (Vinicius Jr, 59’)⚽️

21:57 , Michael Jones

59 mins: Real Madrid take the lead! They quickly break with the pitch and Federico Valverde brings it into the right side fo the box. He fizzes one over to the far post where Vinicius Jr arrives in behind Trent Alexander-Arnold who turns it home!

Liverpool 0 - 0 Real Madrid

21:55 , Michael Jones

57 mins: Real’s free kick is sent up to Casemiro who wins the ball but is flagged offside.

Liverpool work the ball up to the right side and into Salah who darts inside. He has one, two shots both blocked and there’s a loud appeal from handball as David Alaba stops the second attempt then boots it clear. The ball does strike his arm but there’s no way that’s being given.

Liverpool 0 - 0 Real Madrid

21:52 , Michael Jones

54 mins: Another cross from Alexander-Arnold is fizzed into the box from the right. Thiago makes a darting run to the near post but he can’t get a touch to the ball and Courtois palms it away.

Eder Militao is then brought down by Luis Diaz and Real Madrid win a free kick.

Liverpool 0 - 0 Real Madrid

21:49 , Michael Jones

51 mins: Fabinho works the ball over to Mo Salah who drives at the right side of the box and dinks a cross into the middle. Diaz and Mane make runs to get to the ball but Courtois runs through the middle of them and plucks the ball out of the air.

Liverpool 0 - 0 Real Madrid

21:45 , Michael Jones

48 mins: Close! Liverpool flick the ball over to Mo Salah but Ferland Mendy nips in front of the forward and knocks it to Trent Alexander-Arnold. He curls a cross over to the far post where Luis Diaz arrives to meet it with a flying header but Dani Carvajal does enough to put him off and the bounce skips away.

Second half: Liverpool 0 - 0 Real Madrid

21:43 , Michael Jones

Kick off: Luka Modric gets the ball rolling for the second 45 minutes. No changes for either team at the break.

Liverpool 0 - 0 Real Madrid

21:39 , Michael Jones

Former referee Peter Walton on BT Sport explaining why the Real Madrid goal was ruled out. He says: “It is easy. Benzema is in an offside position. The offence is committed if the ball is deliberately played back to him.

“Fabinho, the ball deflects off him, he doesn’t deliberately play the ball to him. He doesn’t play Benzema onside. It’s only deemed onside if the Liverpool player has deliberately played it.”

Liverpool 0 - 0 Real Madrid

21:28 , Michael Jones

This was the moment Liverpool thought they’d messed up...

...only to be rescued by VAR.

Half-time: Liverpool 0 - 0 Real Madrid

21:26 , Michael Jones

45+5 mins: Benzema scowls as the whistle goes for half-time. Nothing to separate the teams at the break but after Liverpool’s dominance, Real Madrid had the best chance of the half but Benzema’s goal was chalked off.

Liverpool 0 - 0 Real Madrid

21:25 , Michael Jones

45+2 mins: That was a long, long check. Benzema was in an offside position but the decision was whether Valverde or Fabinho played the ball to him.

Eventually it’s decided that it was the Real Madrid player who got to the ball first and the goal doesn’t stand. That took about three minutes which is how much is being added on before half-time.

Liverpool 0 - 0 Real Madrid

21:23 , Michael Jones

43 mins: Disallowed goal! A long diagonal ball comes over the top as Karim Benzema makes a run inside the box. He brings it down and cuts inside of Andy Robertson. Alisson comes out to close him down but Benzema loses it. The ball bounces off the goalkeeper, Valverde and Fabinho converge on the ball which squeezes out to Benzema who curls it into the open net.

The offside flag goes up but it’s going to be checked by VAR.

Liverpool 0 - 0 Real Madrid

21:18 , Michael Jones

42 mins: Chance! Robertson swings the ball into the box where it is headed out to Jordan Henderson. He brings it under control and drills one form just outside the box where it skips through the penalty area and bounces wide of the left-hand post!

Liverpool 0 - 0 Real Madrid

21:17 , Michael Jones

40 mins: Close. Liverpool work a throw in quickly over to Andy Robertson who brings the ball into the box and gives it to Sadio Mane. He turns around Eder Militao and shoots but the defender recovers to deflect it out for a corner.

Liverpool 0 - 0 Real Madrid

21:13 , Michael Jones

37 mins: Real Madrid win a corner after Vinicius nutmegs Konate before being tackled by a back-tracking Jordan Henderson. The corner is sent in by Benzema and Thiago is first to the ball, he nods it up and Vinicius taps it straight to Alisson.

Liverpool 0 - 0 Real Madrid

21:12 , Michael Jones

35 mins: Chance! Ibrahima Konate drives through the right channel and flicks it over to Alexander-Arnold. He swings a cross in from the wing with his left foot and picks out Mo Salah in the box. Salah whips his head onto the ball and directs his effort straight into the hands of Thibaut Courtois.

Liverpool 0 - 0 Real Madrid

21:10 , Michael Jones

32 mins: The tempo has eased up a touch as Real Madrid retain more of the ball and slow down play. Karim Benzema almost plays in Vinicius Jr but Van Dijk intercepts the ball and clears.

Sadio Mane is once more taken out, this time from Eder Militao but the referee doesn’t see it as a foul.

Liverpool 0 - 0 Real Madrid

21:06 , Michael Jones

29 mins: Liverpool have had six shots with four on target so far. Real Madrid have had zero.

Make that seven for the Reds as they pass the ball to Fabinho who has a shy from range and lifts the shot over the crossbar. It was an optimistic attempt at best that one.

Liverpool 0 - 0 Real Madrid

21:04 , Michael Jones

26 mins: Good defending from Carvajal. Luis Diaz attempts to shimmy his way into the box but Carvajal sticks with him and forces the winger wide where he eventually runs the ball out of play.

Liverpool 0 - 0 Real Madrid

20:59 , Michael Jones

23 mins: Save! Thibaut Courtois to the rescue for Real Madrid after Sadio Mane is given the ball inside their box.

He shifts it to his right foot and drills a low effort towards the near corner but Courtois leaps across and tips the ball onto the post before recovering quickly enough to smother the ball!

Huge save from the Real keeper.

Liverpool 0 - 0 Real Madrid

20:57 , Michael Jones

21 mins: Salah is given a second chance at goal, he cuts onto his left foot and shoots but Courtois is in behind it again.

The Reds keep coming though. Calm, patient play from Liverpool sees them pass the ball around the right wing, switching it between Salah, Mane and Henderson.

Salah brings it into the box and lays the ball off to Alexander-Arnold who booms one over the crossbar!

Liverpool 0 - 0 Real Madrid

20:54 , Michael Jones

18 mins: Chance! The first effort on goal comes from Liverpool ad Alexander-Arnold twists and weaves his way into the box before slotting the ball across to Mo Salah. Salah drags the ball towards goal with his right foot but Thibaut Courtois dives low to palm it away.

Madrid’s clearance only comes out as far as Thiago Alcantara who rolls the ball onto his right foot and curls an effort straight at the goalkeeper.

Liverpool 0 - 0 Real Madrid

20:53 , Michael Jones

15 mins: Carvajal gives the ball away to Luis Diaz who drives into the middle of the pitch but gives it back to Madrid with an poor pass to Salah.

Madrid send it quickly up to Vinicius who runs in behind Alexander-Arnold as the right-back has came forward before the Reds lost the ball.

Ibrahima Konate is rapidly across the box and tackles the winger to stop Madrid’s attack.

Liverpool 0 - 0 Real Madrid

20:50 , Michael Jones

12 mins: Luis Diaz plays a one-two with Sadio Mane who flicks the ball over the top of Real’s defence. Diaz is crowded out by Dani Carvajal and Casemiro but is adamant that the ball bounced out of play off the defender. The referee disagrees and awards a goal kick.

Liverpool 0 - 0 Real Madrid

20:47 , Michael Jones

9 mins: Sadio Mane is clattered by Casemiro but the referee lets play go on. Mane hobbles back to his feet and seems to have a bit of trouble with his thigh.

After Real Madrid’s early possession, Liverpool have started to exert some control of their own. They’re working it through Mo Salah who seems confident enough to run at Ferland Mendy.

Liverpool 0 - 0 Real Madrid

20:43 , Michael Jones

6 mins: Vinicius Junior is given the ball on the left wing and carries it towards Liverpool’s final third. Jordan Henderson and Mo Salah crowd him out and poke the ball away for a throw in.

Real Madrid send the ball back to their own back line and Militao fires a long ball up to Federico Valverde on the right wing. He tries to beat Andy Robertson in the air but the Liverpool left-back is strong enough to hold him at bay.

Liverpool 0 - 0 Real Madrid

20:39 , Michael Jones

3 mins: Thiago Alcantara is fit to start for Liverpool and wins a free kick on the inside left channel, just inside Real Madrid’s final third. Trent Alexander-Arnold whips the set piece into the box but Karim Benzema knocks it clear.

Kick off: Liverpool 0 - 0 Real Madrid

20:37 , Michael Jones

Jordan Henderson gets the game underway. He gives it to Virgil van Dijk who belts it up the left side towards Luis Diaz but he’s beaten in the air by Eder Militao who nods it away for Madrid.

Champions League final 2022

20:33 , Michael Jones

The Champions League trophy is brought out and the teams are ready in the tunnel.

Finally, they head out onto the pitch.

Kick off is up next.

Champions League final 2022

20:30 , Michael Jones

Both sides have only lost three European Cup finals. Liverpool have won six out of nine and Real have won 13 from 16.

Only Real and AC Milan (seven) have won more than the Reds.

Two of Liverpool’s previous three defeats have been against Carlo Ancelotti or Real Madrid.

Champions League final 2022

20:23 , Michael Jones

More delays. Kick off has been pushed back for an additional six minutes but it looks as though they’re preparing for the opening ceremony out on the pitch.

Champions League final 2022

20:18 , Michael Jones

There are stories coming through of fans being pepper sprayed outside the crowd. Mass clusters of people trying to get into the stadium but are unable to due to closed gates.

The Liverpool end is only about halfway full. Shambolic organising from Uefa.

Champions League final 2022

20:16 , Michael Jones

Trent Alexander-Arnold on what the Champions League means to him: “To even be in with a chance of a second Champions League title at this age is special for me.

“There’s been many legends of the game who haven’t had this opportunity. It’s a privilege but we have a world-class opponent in front of us.

“You can try your best to say it’s another big game but everything around it, it’s something we don’t do regularly. I think we embrace these occasions. These are the ones in your mind when you’re working hard behind the scenes.

“We deserve to be here.”

Champions League final 2022

20:12 , Michael Jones

Reasons for the delay to kick off:

Champions League final 2022

20:08 , Michael Jones

The two teams have come back out onto the pitch to warm-up again. There has been a further delay to the kick off time. The game will now start at 8:30pm.

Champions League final 2022

20:07 , Michael Jones

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti spent a year in charge of Everton last season and is expecting the blue half of Merseyside to be supporting Real Madrid tonight.

“I know that the Evertonians support us on Saturday, for sure,” said the Italian.

“I know there is a big rivalry on Merseyside. I have a good memory from my time spent in Liverpool on the blue side and I’m sure they will support me.”

Champions League final 2022

20:03 , Michael Jones

Spanish clubs have won their last 16 European finals against non-Spanish sides.

The last time a foreign team beat a Spanish team in the final was the 2001 Champions League when Bayern Munich beat Valencia on penalties.

Earlier that year, Liverpool beat Alaves 5-4 in extra time in the Uefa Cup final.

Champions League final 2022

19:59 , Michael Jones

Toni Kroos will appear in his fifth Champions League final, with only Cristiano Ronaldo and Paolo Maldini appearing in the showpiece more often (six).

Champions League final 2022

19:56 , Michael Jones

Jordan Henderson is starting a European Cup/Champions League final as captain for the third time, more than any other Englishman in the history of the competition.

Champions League final 2022

19:52 , Michael Jones

Can Karim Benzema score for a sixth successive Champions League appearance?

Champions League final 2022: Kick off delayed!

19:47 , Michael Jones

Kick off has been delayed by 15 minutes due to problems getting people into the ground. The management and crowd control has been very poor.

Champions League final 2022: Keita for Thiago?

19:46 , Michael Jones

No official word has come through that Naby Keita will be replacing Thiago Alcantara for Liverpool but there have been conversations between the two players and manager Jurgen Klopp.

Champions League final 2022: The rise of Luis Diaz

19:42 , Michael Jones

Luis Diaz has scored six goals and created five in 25 games since his £37.5m move from Porto in January. He has forced his way into the Liverpool starting XI ahead of Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino and has forced Sadio Mane to move into a more central role.

What kind of an impact will he have on this final tonight?

Champions League final 2022: A late change for Liverpool?

19:37 , Michael Jones

Naby Keita has moved up to train with the starting XI as Thiago Alcantara shuffled off down the tunnel. He returned to the pitch but is doing a warm-up on his own.

Will there be a late change to the starting XI for Jurgen Klopp’s men?

Champions League final 2022: Warming up

19:32 , Michael Jones

Champions League final 2022: Henderson on winning Europe’s biggest competition

19:27 , Michael Jones

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson explained what it feels like to win a Champions League and why he is determined to repeat that feat again tonight.

“To finally win the Champions League [in 2019], after missing out the year before was an emotional time.” he said, “That’s definitely number one in my career. It’s why I have the motivation for Saturday.

“You never know when your last chance is, so that’s why the next opportunity is the biggest one. This is everything for us. We never know what’ll happen in future, so we have to cherish every moment.

“We’ve worked for a long time for these opportunities. We need to be ready.

We have given absolutely everything all season. Saturday is a huge opportunity to finish on a high. It was a tough time after [the 2018 defeat]. We all used the experience to be better and stronger.”

Champions League final 2022

19:21 , Michael Jones

The Liverpool team jog out to a thunderous cheer in the Stade de France. They’re warming up ahead of kick off.

Champions League final 2022

19:19 , Michael Jones

Champions League final 2022: Real Madrid are the underdogs?

19:15 , Michael Jones

Speaking on BT Sport former Liverpool forward Peter Crouch says that Real Madrid will be the underdogs for tonight’s final and have been operating under that assumption for most of the campaign.

“Real Madrid have been the underdog in every game they have played.” he said, “The weight of the shirt and the history of the club comes into play as they keep finding a way [to win].”

Battle between Trent Alexander-Arnold and Vinicius Junior set to decide Champions League final

19:10 , Michael Jones

That Liverpool are a better team than Real Madrid is a fairly uncontroversial point ahead of this year’s Champions League final. The consensus is that they will have the edge in many of the individual match-ups across the pitch at the Stade de France. There is no easy way to stop Jurgen Klopp’s side from playing their game. There is an obvious way to hit them back, though.

And in Paris, they will come up against the opponents who were responsible for their most recent Champions League exit in April of last year. Liverpool were short of any of their first-choice centre-backs then, due to the freak run of injuries that made last season the most difficult that Klopp has experienced in six and a half years at Anfield. Their exit at the quarter-final stage to Madrid was not especially surprising given those wider difficulties.

No player did more to bring about that exit, though, than Vinicius Junior. By repeatedly finding space in behind Trent Alexander-Arnold down Liverpool’s right, he scored twice in Madrid’s 3-1 first leg win and had chances to settle the tie once and for all in the goalless draw at Anfield. It is easy to read too much into those games. That was a different Liverpool. Yet it was also a different Vinicius.

The battle between young stars set to decide the Champions League final

Champions League final 2022: Another one to the tally

19:06 , Michael Jones

One of these team will add another Champions League trophy to their tally this evening. Real Madrid are well out in front as the club who have won this competition the most (13) but Liverpool are third on the list with six and can move up to second if they win tonight.

Which will it be? 14 for Madrid or 7 for Liverpool?

Champions League final 2022: Brilliant Benzema

19:00 , Michael Jones

Karim Benzema, a 34-year-old forward, has 15 goals to his name in this season’s Champions League, and is making his 142nd appearance in the competition overall – moving him level with former team-mate Raúl González in joint-fifth in terms of most games overall.

He has seven Champions League goals against English teams this season; the most by a player in a single campaign in the competition’s history.

'The game of the season’: Weight of history adds to Champions League final shaping up to be a modern classic

18:57 , Michael Jones

Although the Liverpool players attempted to treat this like any of the many big games they’ve played, it took a mere step on the Stade de France pitch to change that. This is the club’s third Champions League final in five years, but there’s still that extra electrical charge to the air.

“It’s the occasion, it’s talking in a press conference here,” Trent Alexander-Arnold said. “There’s different things you do around the game. It’s the special game, the one that everyone wants to play in.

“It’s the game of the season.”

The hope is that it will also be the game of the season in terms of spectacle. That is one thing the Champions League has not really served up amid all its drama, and you arguably have to go back to 2005 for the last truly great showpiece, but there are little elements coming together that could set up a classic.

Weight of history adds to Champions League final shaping up to be a modern classic

Champions League final 2022: Liverpool’s team changes

18:52 , Michael Jones

Jurgen Klopp makes three changes to the Liverpool starting XI that faced Wolves on the final day of the Premier League season last Sunday.

Virgil van Dijk returns and Ibrahima Konate is preferred over Joel Matip who drops to the bench. Naby Keita is replaced with Fabinho in midfield and Diogo Jota gives way for Mo Salah.

Champions League final 2022: Liverpool starting XI

18:47 , Michael Jones

Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago, Salah, Mane, Diaz

Champions League final 2022: ‘No revenge’ in mind for Klopp

18:45 , Michael Jones

Jurgen Klopp says he isn’t motivated by getting ‘revenge’ on Real Madrid who beat the Reds in the 2018 Champions League final. Mo Salah had to be subbed off during that game due to an injury and earlier this month said that he has ‘a score to settle’ with Los Blancos.

“This was a harsh night for us - it was tough to take,” said Klopp. “But I don’t believe in revenge or think revenge is a fantastic idea.

“I understand what Mo said - he wants to put it right. But in Germany we say you always meet twice in life. If we get the chance to win it this time it will be a great story, but it will not be because of what happened in 2018.”

Champions League final 2022

18:40 , Michael Jones

Champions League final 2022: Alaba tons up

18:35 , Michael Jones

David Alaba is set to make his 100th start in UEFA competitions when he lines up for Real Madrid tonight.

Fans vow to ‘make Paris a nightclub’ if Liverpool win Champions League final

18:30 , Michael Jones

Liverpool fans have promised wild celebrations in Paris if their side wins the Champions League final.

The Reds will take on 13-time winners Real Madrid at the Stade de France, just north of the city, on Saturday evening.

A carnival-like atmosphere swept the streets of the French capital as tens of thousands of supporters crowded across the city.

One supporter, named Henry Lyne, 31, told the PA news agency: “We’re on the home stretch now, I’m nervous but excited at the same time.”

Fans vow to ‘make Paris a nightclub’ if Liverpool win Champions League final

Champions League final 2022: Gerrard speaking to BT Sport

18:25 , Michael Jones

Former Liverpool captain, and current Aston Villa boss, Steven Gerrard is in Paris for tonight’s game and spoke to BT Sport ahead of kick off saying:

“It’s very rare that Real Madrid are underdogs. They are a very dangerous opponent. They’re at full strength and they’ve had two or three weeks to prepare for this.

“It’s not ideal [the pitch has been relaid this week] but it’s the same for both teams. Both teams trained on it 24 hours ago and to for me it looks fine.

“I’ve also heard Liverpool trained on it again this morning.”

Champions League final 2022: Klopp on Mane

18:20 , Michael Jones

In his pre-match press conference, Jurgen Klopp spoke about Sadio Mane’s mindest especially with the rumours that he may leave Anfield in the summer. He said:

“Sadio is in the shape of his life, for sure. He is in brilliant shape, it’s a joy to watch him in the moment in training and the game. We ask him a lot; football asks him a lot this year.

“He had an incredibly long season, a lot of finals and these kinds of things. That’s for sure so far one of the most successful as well, for him and for us.

“The Bayern Munich rumours, I couldn’t care less in the moment. We are all fully focused on this game. Sadio is completely focused on the game, he knows exactly how important it is to him and how important it is to us.

“So, no concerns, completely normal. It’s not the first time in my career that before decisive games Bayern Munich rumours [are] coming up. I don’t know exactly what I did that that happens. But no problem at all.”

Champions League final 2022: Liverpool fans arrive in Paris

18:15 , Michael Jones

Liverpool supporters arrive in Paris in big numbers ahead of tonight’s Champions League final.

Champions League final 2022: Stade de France

18:10 , Michael Jones

Champions League final 2022: Real Madrid’s team changes

18:05 , Michael Jones

Carlo Ancelotti makes two changes to the Real Madrid side that lined up against Real Betis in La Liga over a week ago. David Alaba was rested for that game and he returns ahead of Nacho. Federico Valverde is also preferred to Rodrygo who starts on the bench.

Champions League final 2022: Real Madrid’s starting XI

18:00 , Michael Jones

Real Madrid XI: Courtois, Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy, Casemiro, Kroos, Modric, Valverde, Vinicius, Benzema

Champions League final 2022: Record breaker Ancelotti?

17:55 , Michael Jones

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has reached a record fifth Champions League final, more than any other manager. The 62-year-old is hoping to lift the famous old trophy for a fourth time – becoming the first boss to do so.

Liverpool’s Bob Paisley and Real Madrid’s Zinedine Zidane have also won the tournament three times as managers, alongside the current Madrid boss.

Ancelotti’s only failure in a Champions League final came against tonight’s opponents.

His AC Milan team famously led 3-0 just before the break in 2005 before a three-goal burst from Liverpool in the space of six minutes ahead of the hour mark drew them level. The Reds then went on to win the resultant penalty shoot-out.

Liverpool vs Real Madrid: How to watch Champions League final for free

17:50 , Michael Jones

Liverpool and Real Madrid descend on the Stade de France on Saturday night for the Champions League final.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are seeking redemption after losing an acrimonious 2018 final against Madrid, when Mohamed Salah was forced off with an injury and Gareth Bale scored a spectacular overhead kick.

Liverpool are the slim favourites heading into the clash but few will discount Madrid after a series of spectacular comebacks against PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City to reach the final.

But how can fans watch and when is kick-off? Here’s all you need to know:

How to watch Champions League final for free

Champions League 2022: Ah Paris!

17:45 , Michael Jones

The Champions League final is being played at the Stade de France on the edge of Paris.

It was originally meant to be played in the Russian city of St. Petersburg but after the country’s invasion of Ukraine, it was moved to France.

This is also the third year in a row the venue of the Champions League final has been moved - the previous two due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Champions League final 2022: Liverpool vs Real Madrid

17:40 , Michael Jones

Tonight’s match will be the third time these two sides have met in the final of this competition – after 1981 and 2018 – making it the most-played showpiece in the history of this tournament.

Champions League final 2022: Madrid enjoy finals

17:35 , Michael Jones

Real Madrid have triumphed in each of their last seven finals in this competition since 1981.

That year they succumbed to a Liverpool side in Paris, with Alan Kennedy’s late goal clinching it for Bob Paisley’s Reds 41 years ago yesterday.

A sign of things to come perhaps?

Andy Robertson reaping rewards of improvement to gain edge in Liverpool full back rivalry

17:30 , Michael Jones

Andy Robertson has found a new way of winding up Trent Alexander-Arnold. When their paths cross, he just utters three words and they need no elaboration for either of Liverpool’s flying full backs. “I just say to him ‘by a mile’,” the Scot smiled. “I just keep saying it to him. I walk past and that’s all I need to say.”

Those three words have given Robertson a chance to gloat in a friendly rivalry that has helped drive Liverpool to greatness. There are two times in recent weeks when former full backs have brought a sudden influx of messages to Robertson’s phone. One is a Liverpool icon, in Alan Kennedy; another was long a hate figure at Anfield, in Gary Neville.

When it became apparent that, as in 1981, the European Cup final would be Liverpool versus Real Madrid in Paris, it brought back memories of Kennedy. Robertson was sent footage of an unlikely scorer’s winner, often with the suggestion he could emulate a predecessor. “If we get a good basis then I will let someone else try and be the hero,” he countered.

Robertson reaping rewards of improvement to gain edge in full back rivalry

Champions League final 2022: Klopp on facing Real Madrid

17:25 , Michael Jones

How does Jurgen Klopp feel about reaching the Champions League and having to face Real Madrid?

“Outstanding, massive – it feels like the first one because it’s always so special.” He said, “The mood is good, very good. We’re really excited about being here now and getting a feeling for the stadium and the occasion. History will tell us what people say about us, but I’m very proud of what we’ve done so far.

“They’re the most decorated club in the competition. Some of their players can win it for a fifth time and the manager can win it for the fourth time. We can’t buy that experience, but we’re here for the third time in five years – that’s special. We’re not thinking about how it will feel to win. Being ‘us’ at the highest level would be really cool.”

Meet Clement Turpin, the referee for the Champions League final

17:20 , Michael Jones

Clement Turpin will referee the Champions League final between Liverpool fc and Real Madrid on Saturday.

Turpin, who has been an international referee since 2010, has a wealth of European football experience including seven Champions League games this season.

He was the man in the middle for last season’s Europa League final between Manchester United and Villarreal and also officiated at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Meet Clement Turpin, the French referee in charge of Liverpool vs Real Madrid

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