KABUL (SW): Real Madrid beat Liverpool 3-1 in the Champions League final to make yet more history in Europe with three titles in succession to match Bayern Munich's feat from 1974-76.
Karim Benzema had opened the scoring for Real Madrid in the 51st minute in unusual circumstances, only for Sadio Mane to level in the 55th. Mane shone for Liverpool in Salah's absence due to injury, later hitting the post and forcing Sergio Ramos to make a last-ditch interception as he charged toward goal when it was 2-1.
Salah was left in severe pain after tangling with the robust Ramos, while keeper Loris Karius was at fault for two of the three Real Madrid goals.
As per media reports, Saturday's final at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev will also be remembered, most notably, for Gareth Bale's sumptuous 64th-minute winner courtesy of an overhead kick — he only came on in the 61st.
Salah was consoled by Ronaldo as he was substituted in the 30th minute. They both scored a staggering 44 club goals this term. Ronaldo was mostly kept quiet, shooting over the bar within 20 minutes and sending his header at Karius as halftime loomed. Salah, according to initial reports, suffered from a dislocated shoulder.
Liverpool led the Champions League in scoring entering the final — 10 goals better than Real Madrid — thanks largely to Salah, Mane and Firmino yet it would be the Reds' lone goal of the night in Ukraine.
Real Madrid did it the hard way in the Champions League, too, this season, eliminating the French, Italian and German champions prior to Liverpool.
Liverpool had been the last side to beat Real Madrid in a Champions League or European Cup final, in 1981.
ENDS
