Liverpool Vs Real Madrid: 2022 UCL Final Stats & Key Highlights

The 2022 Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid was a clash of titans, filled with drama, tension, and ultimately, a familiar outcome for Los Blancos. Let's dive deep into the stats and key highlights of this epic encounter, reliving the moments that defined the match.

The Road to the Final

Before we dissect the final itself, let's quickly recap how these two giants reached the pinnacle of European football. Liverpool, under Jurgen Klopp, had a relatively smooth run, topping their group and overcoming Inter Milan, Benfica, and Villarreal in the knockout stages. Their high-pressing, attacking style was on full display, with their star-studded forward line causing nightmares for opposing defenses. On the other hand, Real Madrid, led by Carlo Ancelotti, had a rollercoaster journey. They topped their group but then faced a series of dramatic comebacks against PSG, Chelsea, and Manchester City in the knockout rounds. Their resilience and never-say-die attitude became their trademark, proving that experience and mental fortitude are just as crucial as tactical prowess. These comebacks were not just lucky flukes; they were a testament to Real Madrid's deep-rooted belief in their ability to win, no matter the circumstances. The sheer determination and tactical flexibility they showed in those games were a clear indication that they were a force to be reckoned with. Each match was a masterclass in adapting to different opponents and situations, showcasing Ancelotti's tactical genius and the players' unwavering commitment to the cause.

Key Stats at a Glance

The match stats paint a fascinating picture of the final. Liverpool dominated possession with 54%, while Real Madrid had 46%. The Reds also had more shots (24) compared to Real Madrid's 9. However, the crucial stat is the scoreline: Real Madrid 1, Liverpool 0. This highlights a key theme of the match: Real Madrid's efficiency in front of goal and Liverpool's inability to convert their chances. Liverpool's dominance in possession and shot count indicates their attacking intent and control over the game's tempo for significant periods. However, football is a game of goals, and Real Madrid's clinical finishing proved to be the difference. The stats also reveal the tactical approaches of both teams. Liverpool's high press and attacking focus are evident in their shot count, while Real Madrid's more conservative approach focused on defensive solidity and capitalizing on counter-attacking opportunities. This contrast in styles made for a compelling final, with both teams playing to their strengths.

First Half: Liverpool's Dominance

From the kickoff, Liverpool came out firing on all cylinders. Their high-pressing game suffocated Real Madrid, forcing them into errors and turnovers. Mohamed Salah was a constant threat, his pace and trickery causing all sorts of problems for the Real Madrid defense. Sadio Mane also looked sharp, linking up well with Salah and causing havoc in the final third. Liverpool created several good chances, with Salah forcing a brilliant save from Thibaut Courtois early on. Mane also had a shot that was deflected onto the post. Real Madrid, on the other hand, struggled to get a foothold in the game. Their midfield was overrun, and their attacking players were largely isolated. Karim Benzema had a quiet first half, starved of service and unable to influence the game. Despite Liverpool's dominance, they couldn't find the breakthrough. Courtois was in inspired form, making several crucial saves to keep his team in the game. The first half ended goalless, but Liverpool had clearly laid down a marker, showing their intent to attack and control the match.

Second Half: Real Madrid's Resilience

The second half saw a shift in momentum, with Real Madrid growing into the game. They defended resolutely and started to create some chances of their own. In the 59th minute, Vinicius Junior scored the decisive goal, latching onto a Federico Valverde cross to slot the ball past Alisson. The goal was a sucker punch for Liverpool, who had been the better team up to that point. However, it was a testament to Real Madrid's resilience and ability to capitalize on their opportunities. After the goal, Liverpool threw everything at Real Madrid, but Courtois remained unbeatable. He made save after save, denying Salah on multiple occasions and frustrating the Liverpool attack. Real Madrid defended with discipline and determination, protecting their lead and frustrating Liverpool's attempts to find an equalizer. The final minutes were tense, with Liverpool throwing bodies forward in search of a goal. However, Real Madrid held firm, securing their 14th Champions League title.

Individual Performances

Thibaut Courtois was undoubtedly the man of the match. His performance was simply outstanding, making nine saves and denying Liverpool's attackers time and again. He was a rock in the Real Madrid goal, and his saves were crucial to his team's victory. Vinicius Junior also deserves a mention for scoring the winning goal. He was a constant threat on the counter-attack, and his pace and skill caused problems for the Liverpool defense. For Liverpool, Mohamed Salah was their most dangerous player, but he was ultimately thwarted by Courtois. Sadio Mane also had a good game, but he couldn't find the back of the net. The midfield battle was intense, with Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara working tirelessly for Liverpool, while Casemiro, Toni Kroos, and Luka Modric controlled the game for Real Madrid. However, it was Courtois's brilliance that ultimately stole the show.

Tactical Analysis

Liverpool's game plan was clear: to press high, win the ball back quickly, and attack with pace and precision. They succeeded in dominating possession and creating chances, but they couldn't find a way past Courtois. Real Madrid, on the other hand, adopted a more pragmatic approach. They defended deep, soaked up the pressure, and looked to hit Liverpool on the counter-attack. Their game plan worked perfectly, as they scored the crucial goal and defended their lead with discipline and determination. Ancelotti's tactical nous was evident in his team's ability to adapt to Liverpool's attacking threat and capitalize on their own opportunities. The midfield battle was also crucial, with Real Madrid's experienced trio of Casemiro, Kroos, and Modric controlling the tempo of the game and providing a platform for their attackers to shine. Ultimately, Real Madrid's tactical flexibility and defensive solidity proved to be the difference.

Controversies

The final wasn't without its controversies. Liverpool had a goal disallowed in the first half after Benzema was ruled offside. The decision was controversial, with some arguing that the ball came off Fabinho before reaching Benzema. However, VAR upheld the decision, and the goal was disallowed. There were also some debatable penalty decisions, with both teams feeling they should have had a spot-kick at some point in the game. However, the referee waved away the appeals, and the game continued. These controversies added to the drama and tension of the final, but they didn't ultimately affect the outcome of the match.

Conclusion

The 2022 Champions League final was a thrilling encounter between two of Europe's biggest clubs. Liverpool dominated possession and created more chances, but Real Madrid were more clinical in front of goal and defended their lead with resilience and determination. Courtois's outstanding performance was the difference between the two teams, and he deservedly won the man-of-the-match award. Real Madrid's victory was a testament to their experience, mental fortitude, and tactical flexibility. They have now won the Champions League a record 14 times, cementing their status as the kings of Europe. For Liverpool, it was a disappointing end to a fantastic season. They had won two domestic cups and finished second in the Premier League, but they couldn't add the Champions League trophy to their collection. However, they can be proud of their achievements and will no doubt be back to challenge for the title next season. The game was a classic example of how football can be unpredictable and how the best-laid plans can be undone by individual brilliance and tactical adaptability. It was a final that will be remembered for years to come, and it further cemented Real Madrid's legacy as one of the greatest clubs in the history of the game.