For the 14th time in their rich, unmatched history, Real Madrid are the kings of the UEFA Champions League. On Saturday, Los Blancos got a second-half goal from Vinicius Jr. on one of their few chances to defeat Liverpool 1-0 in the final in Paris. Jurgen Klopp’s team dominated the ball and the chances, but the best opportunity for Los Blancos in the second half resulted in the lone goal. Federico Valverde played a strong ball across the box that found Vinicius Jr. at the back post for a fairly easy finish in the 59th minute, leaving the Reds shell shocked. Liverpool hit the post in the first half and had the most chances in the game, but they could not get one past an unbelievable performance in goal from Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian shotstopper, a loser in the final with Atletico Madrid against Real Madrid 8 years ago, is now on the winning side with a epic performance that will go down in history, denying Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and company with every chance he had. 

The victory completes a double for Real after having won La Liga this season.

A SUMMARY OF REAL MADRID’S FEATS IN THIS SEASON’S UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Real Madrid have had one of the toughest ever Champions League runs.

They played Paris St-Germain in the last 16, and last season’s two finalists – Chelsea and Manchester City – in the next two rounds.

They came from behind against PSG, and Chelsea, and City.

And now they have beaten Liverpool in the final.

That wasn’t just a great match. It was a historic one.

Manchester City were in full control for 89 minutes and should have put the tie away when Grealish was granted a pair of chances in the late stages of the game.

Real Madrid never gave up, though, and struck twice through Rodrygo to force extra time. He’s become Mr. Champions League for them.

And in the end it was Benzema who provided the final blow from the penalty spot to send the Spanish giants to another Champions League final.

Pain is undoubtedly in Pep Guardiola’s conscience after a hard fought battle with the Spaniards in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi final.

As it stands Real Madrid and Liverpool face off in the final of the UEFA Champions League.