Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius’s calamitious outing has handed the 2018 UEFA Champions League title to the defending champions, Real Madrid, beating the English team 3-1 in the final played at the Olimpiysky Stadium, Kiev.
Liverpool started well and had possession till the 34th minute when playmaker Mohammed Sallah suffered a shoulder dislocation and was replaced by Lallana. The first half was quite exciting but did not produce any goal.
Second half began with positive moves from both sides until a terrible moment of madness from Karius gave Madrid the lead in 51st minutes throwing the ball at Kareen Benzima who easily tapped the ball into an empty net. Liverpool reacted well and got the equalizer four minutes later through Senegalese star Sadio Mane when he tapped the ball pleasurely inside the net. But Gareth Bale’s incredible overhead kick gave Madrid the lead in 64th minute.
Bale also made it three in the 83rd minute with a stunning rocket from 40 metres which was deflected into his net by goalkeeper Karius.
With the victory, Madrid won a third consecutive title and 13 overall when Liverpool’s bid for six Champions League dream ended in a fiasco.
Karius had made more errors leading to goals tonight more than he did in his previous 32 competitive games for Liverpool this season.