Real Madrid overcome Liverpool to clinch Champions League title

A Vinicius Jr. strike helped Real Madrid to a record 14th Champions League title with a 1-0 win over Liverpool in Saturday’s final at the Stade de France in Paris.

Madrid striker Karim Benzema had a goal controversially disallowed just before half-time, striking home from an offside position on the edge of the six-yard box after the Video Assistant Referee judged Fabinho to have unintentionally deflected the ball to the striker’s feet.

Vinicius netted on 58 minutes as he fired into an empty net from a low cross from the edge of the 18-yard box from Federico Valverde, with Liverpool unable to score amidst a superb performance from Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Madrid’s victory means Liverpool have been denied both the Premier League and Champions League titles at the final hurdle, leaving them having won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup this season despite still chasing a historic Quadruple as recently as last week.

Meanwhile, Madrid have sealed a double, having clinched the 2021-22 La Liga title earlier this month, and Carlo Ancelotti becomes the first manager to win four Champions League trophies.

The match was delayed by 30 minutes amid chaotic scenes outside the stadium as thousands of Liverpool fans were stuck outside and police deployed pepper spray and tear gas on supporters.

Video footage on social media showed large crowds of supporters outside the Stade de France in the buildup to the game, with large numbers of Liverpool fans unable to access the stadium as the original kick-off time neared. (ESPN)