Liverpool have been crowned European champions for the sixth time after a 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League final in Madrid. Mohamed Salah opened the scoring from the penalty spot after just two minutes, and Divock Origi sealed the win with a late strike.
Jürgen Klopp’s side were far from their best, but they showed the resilience that has defined their season. ‘We had a goalkeeper who makes difficult things look easy,’ said Klopp, praising Alisson Becker. ‘Did you ever see a team like this? Fighting with no fuel in the tank any more.’ The German manager added that this was ‘the best night of my life, professional wise.’
Captain Jordan Henderson, who was nearly sold by the club in 2012, spoke of his pride. ‘Without the manager this is impossible. What he’s done in this club is incredible,’ he said. ‘This is the best moment of my life apart from my children.’
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was gracious in defeat. ‘We need to feel very proud of the effort,’ he said. ‘We were very unlucky to concede that penalty. We played so well in the second half. It’s not easy playing against a team that plays transition very well.’ He urged his side to learn from the experience.
The victory ends Klopp’s run of six consecutive final defeats and cements Liverpool’s place among Europe’s elite. With this trophy now under their belt, they are likely to become even more formidable, though the presence of Manchester City in the Premier League may limit their domestic dominance.
