You really do have to give Madrid credit.
They beat three teams, two of which were definitely better than they were, to get to the final. Then, they beat a team which was much better than they were.
Courtois was simply spectacular. He is really the reason they won. Liverpool did not play a great game but they were clearly the better team. Madrid had a bit of luck, which they seem to have had in abundance.
VInicius Jr. has really elevated himself. The great thing for Madrid is that he now has a UCL winning goal, and all the confidence that comes with it. Maybe they won't be as bitter about Mbappe now
The bottom line for Liverpool is that they got beat by an inferior team. Courtois was nuts, but they still had some chances they didn't take. They blew it. They really should have added another trophy, after Man City lost it was right there for them.
This is two years in a row that an English side has lost to a side that they were clearly better than. Of course, last year that side was also English. I do wonder whether there is something to the grind of trying to win the EPL. That said, last year Chelsea were struggling to finish in the top 4, so it's not like those end of the year EPL games mattered only to Man City. It's possible that Madrid having La Liga wrapped up helped them.
I guess I never thought Courtois was THAT great of a goalie. Obviously I'm wrong. I'm no expert, but that is simply one of the best big games I have seen a goalie play.
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