The Real McCoy

Roberto Carlos was there. The Senorita Camila Cabello was there. Heck even Rafael Nadal was there; French Open or not. There was even some nostalgia thrown in as Real Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez & Liverpool icon Ian Rush were brought in to parade the UEFA Champions League trophy into the stands. It seemed like everyone was there; it was such a big occasion; with the 30-minute delay due to crowd congestion only serving to add to the drama. I felt my hair stand on end when I looked into Karim Benzema's determined eyes; it was that kind of a night.

When the match got underway; it was Liverpool was looked the more threatening. They were executing their game-plan perfectly; pressing the Madrid team high and making them feel uncomfortable. The Spaniards wanted more time on the ball. They weren't getting any.

If Sadio Mane had scored with that crisp shot that drew a remarkable save from Man-of-the-Match Thibaut Courtois; it could all have turned out very different. But Madrid have the class of champions. They bided their time; they soaked it in. Somehow; bit by bit; their midfield trio of Casemiro; Luka Modric & Toni Kroos started to gain some control of the game. A disallowed goal from Karim Benzema just before the half-time break seemed an ominous warning.

It was through some such slick passing move that saw the outstanding Federico Valverde send in a cross-shot for Vinicus Jr to slot home. Not for the first time; it looked like Trent Alexander-Arnold was sleeping at the back post. Liverpool tried to come back; but Madrid showed the courage of champions. They continued to play their game; and defended magnificently. Time and again; they got there first to every tackle; and blocked every shot like their life depended on it.

Casemiro was absolutely brilliant; but the same could be said for central defender Eder Militao; the excellent Spanish right-back Daniel Carvajal; and the afore-mentioned Valverde. But the biggest hero of the night was undoubtedly goalkeeper Courtois. Time and again he made remarkable saves; having that 'unbeatable' feeling throughout the night. Three of his saves in particular stood out; the first one from Mane; and two more from Salah; the second a remarkable near-range stop.

Overall; Liverpool looked a little tired; and it may have been the consequence of playing so many games this season. You also had the feeling that perhaps the soul-sapping last-ditch league loss to Manchester City had taken its toll. For Madrid; they were well rested after their La Liga triumph; and looked refreshed and ready.