Real Madrid Vs Liverpool: Epic 2017 Champions League Final

Hey guys, let's dive into a legendary showdown – the Real Madrid versus Liverpool Champions League final back in 2017! This match was an absolute rollercoaster, packed with drama, stunning goals, and controversial moments that still get fans talking today. We're going to break down everything that made this final so unforgettable, from the tactical setups to the key players and, of course, those game-changing incidents. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just getting into the beautiful game, this recap will give you all the juicy details about one of the most talked-about Champions League finals in recent history. So, grab your snacks, settle in, and let's get started!

The Road to Cardiff: How They Got There

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the final itself, let's rewind and see how Real Madrid and Liverpool navigated their paths to Cardiff. Understanding their journeys gives us a better appreciation of the context and the form each team was in leading up to the big day.

Real Madrid's Journey

Real Madrid, managed by Zinedine Zidane, were looking to make history by becoming the first team to win back-to-back Champions League titles. Their journey was nothing short of spectacular, marked by resilience and sheer quality. In the group stage, they finished second behind Borussia Dortmund, which meant they faced tougher draws in the knockout rounds.

Their first knockout tie was against Napoli, which they handled with relative ease, winning both legs convincingly. The quarter-finals saw them up against Bayern Munich in a thrilling two-legged affair. The tie was filled with drama, extra time, and controversial refereeing decisions, but Real Madrid managed to edge past the German giants, showcasing their mental fortitude and Zidane's tactical flexibility.

The semi-final pitted them against their city rivals, Atletico Madrid. Despite losing the second leg at the Vicente Calderon, Real Madrid's commanding 3-0 victory in the first leg at the Bernabeu proved to be enough to secure their place in the final. Cristiano Ronaldo was in scintillating form throughout the knockout stages, scoring crucial goals that propelled his team forward. His ability to rise to the occasion in big games was a key factor in Real Madrid's success.

Liverpool's Journey

Liverpool, under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp, had a different route to the final. They entered the competition through the play-off round, where they defeated Hoffenheim to secure their spot in the group stage. Liverpool then topped their group, showcasing their attacking prowess and high-energy style of play.

In the knockout stages, Liverpool faced Porto in the round of 16, dispatching them with ease. The quarter-finals provided a sterner test against Manchester City in an all-English clash. Liverpool 's relentless pressing and clinical finishing saw them overcome Pep Guardiola's side, with a memorable 3-0 victory at Anfield setting the tone for the tie.

The semi-final against Roma was a goal fest. Liverpool won the first leg 5-2 at Anfield, but the return leg in Rome was a nervy affair, with Roma winning 4-2. Despite the defeat, Liverpool 's superior aggregate score saw them through to the final. Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane formed a formidable attacking trio, tearing apart defenses with their pace, skill, and movement.

The Starting Lineups and Tactical Setups

Alright, let's get into the tactical side of things. The starting lineups and tactical setups played a crucial role in shaping the flow of the game. Both Zidane and Klopp are known for their tactical acumen, and their decisions on the day had a significant impact on the match.

Real Madrid's Lineup

Zidane opted for a 4-3-1-2 formation, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema leading the line. Isco played in the hole behind the strikers, providing creativity and linking up the midfield and attack. The midfield trio consisted of Casemiro, Toni Kroos, and Luka Modric, offering a blend of defensive solidity and playmaking ability. The back four comprised Dani Carvajal, Raphael Varane, Sergio Ramos, and Marcelo, providing a mix of experience and attacking threat from the full-back positions. Keylor Navas started in goal.

This lineup was designed to control possession, dictate the tempo of the game, and exploit the spaces in behind Liverpool 's defense. The midfield battle was always going to be crucial, and Zidane's selection aimed to dominate that area of the pitch. Isco's role was particularly important, as he was tasked with creating chances and unlocking Liverpool 's defense with his dribbling and passing.

Liverpool's Lineup

Klopp went with his familiar 4-3-3 formation, with Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane forming the attacking trident. The midfield trio consisted of Jordan Henderson, James Milner, and Georginio Wijnaldum, providing energy, work rate, and tactical discipline. The back four comprised Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dejan Lovren, Virgil van Dijk, and Andrew Robertson, with Loris Karius in goal.

Liverpool 's game plan was centered around their high-pressing, high-energy style of play. They aimed to win the ball back quickly in the opponent's half and launch rapid counter-attacks. The front three were crucial to this strategy, with their pace, movement, and clinical finishing posing a constant threat to Real Madrid 's defense. The midfield was tasked with providing a solid base and supporting the attack, while the full-backs were expected to provide width and contribute to the attacking play.

Key Moments and Controversies

Now, let's relive the key moments and controversies that defined the final. Trust me, guys, this match had it all – goals, injuries, contentious decisions, and unforgettable errors. It was a game that kept everyone on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Salah's Injury

One of the most significant moments of the match was the injury to Mohamed Salah in the first half. In a challenge with Sergio Ramos, Salah landed awkwardly on his shoulder and was forced to leave the field in tears. This was a massive blow for Liverpool, as Salah had been their talisman throughout the season, scoring crucial goals and providing a constant threat to opposing defenses.

The incident sparked a lot of debate, with many Liverpool fans accusing Ramos of deliberately injuring Salah. Replays showed that Ramos had locked arms with Salah during the challenge, but whether it was intentional or accidental remains a matter of opinion. What was undeniable was the impact of Salah's absence on Liverpool 's attacking threat. Without their star man, Liverpool struggled to create clear-cut chances, and their game plan was significantly disrupted.

Karius's Errors

Loris Karius had a night to forget in the final, making two crucial errors that cost Liverpool dearly. The first error came early in the second half when he inexplicably threw the ball straight into Karim Benzema's path, allowing the Frenchman to score the opening goal. It was a moment of madness from the German goalkeeper, and it completely changed the complexion of the game.

His second error was even more egregious. Gareth Bale unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, and Karius somehow managed to palm the ball into his own net. It was a howler of epic proportions, and it effectively sealed Real Madrid 's victory. Karius was visibly distraught after the match, and he received a lot of criticism for his performance. However, he also received support from many within the football community, who recognized that even the best players can have bad days.

Bale's Bicycle Kick

Amidst all the controversy, there was also a moment of pure brilliance. Gareth Bale, who had come on as a substitute, scored one of the greatest goals in Champions League final history with a stunning bicycle kick. Marcelo's cross was slightly behind Bale, but the Welshman adjusted his body and executed a perfect bicycle kick that flew into the top corner of the net. It was a goal that will be replayed for years to come, and it showcased Bale's incredible athleticism and technique.

The Final Whistle: Real Madrid's Triumph

When the final whistle blew, Real Madrid emerged victorious with a 3-1 win. The victory meant that they had achieved the unprecedented feat of winning three consecutive Champions League titles. It was a testament to their quality, resilience, and Zidane's tactical nous. Despite not being at their absolute best, Real Madrid found a way to win, which is the hallmark of a great team.

For Liverpool, it was a heartbreaking defeat. They had played some fantastic football throughout the competition, but they were undone by injuries and individual errors in the final. Despite the disappointment, Liverpool fans could take pride in their team's journey and the progress they had made under Klopp. The defeat served as motivation for Liverpool, who went on to win the Champions League two years later, exorcising the demons of Cardiff.

Conclusion

The 2017 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool was a match that had everything. From stunning goals to controversial incidents, it was a game that will be remembered for years to come. Real Madrid 's victory cemented their status as one of the greatest teams in Champions League history, while Liverpool 's defeat served as a valuable lesson that ultimately led to their own Champions League triumph. Whether you're a Real Madrid fan, a Liverpool supporter, or just a lover of the beautiful game, this final will always hold a special place in the history of football.