By Akinwale Kasali
Real Madrid Goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois can be described as the hero of the pulsating UEFA Champions League Final against England’s most successful in Europe, Liverpool.
Having denied Mohammed Salah on three occasions, Sadio Mane on two occasions and Diogo Jota’ ricky shave, Courtois becomes a Cult hero and for the first time in his football career, he lifted the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy having been denied in 2013, when his former Club Side, Atletico Madrid lost to Real Madrid 4-1 in the final during extra time.
Junior Vinicius’ strike in the 64th minutes was the only difference that separated the two teams, as The Reds of Liverpool had 28 shots for the entire duration of the Match as against Real Madrid’s three shots.
Liverpool was disappointing and missed out on the chance to win a cup treble. The Reds were aiming for their third trophy of the season, but were made to pay for a string of missed chances and series of poor play.
With the triumph by Real Madrid, they have won 14 UEFA Champions League trophy to become the most successful Club in the World.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti has also set another record of being the first Coach in modern football to Win Four UEFA Champions League trophies, having won twice with AC Milan Football Club of Italy and Two also with Real Madrid.
With this victory by the ‘Galaticos’ as Real Madrid is called, Toni Kronos becomes the most decorated UEFA Champions League winner in history, having previously won one with Bayern Munich Football Club of Germany and five with Real Madrid, he becomes the first player to have won the prestigious trophy on Six occasions.
The likes of Luka Modric, Karim Benzema, Marcelo Vieira and Gareth Bale have all won the coveted trophy on five occasions.
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