Don Carlo, Thibaut Courtois lead Real Madrid to record champions league glory

Thibaut Courtois was in inspired form on Saturday night as he powered Real Madrid to champions league glory. (Photo credit: UCL)

There’s always a thing with champions, they grind out results even in the wildest of situations. Give it to Real Madrid, the champions league record holders deserve all the respect in the world.

With all the legends in the stands, Liverpool and Real Madrid took to the pitch in Paris for the 2022 champions league final, it was a game of huge significance and a repeat of the 2018 finals; Liverpool were the favorites according to the bookies but Real Madrid had a game plan.

Don Carlo, Carlo Ancelotti left Everton in the summer to return to Real Madrid where he was fired in 2016, he has now led more teams to the biggest title in Europe than anyone else and Everton can only be happy for him.

Liverpool played the entirety of the first half, they kept coming back after Los Blancos repel every attack; Mohammed Salah said so much about the game ahead of it but he was kept quiet by Dani Carvajal and Thibaut Courtois who saved everything that was directed at him.

Liverpool had 24 shots on the night, a testament to their amazing run on the night. Liverpool deserved to win on the account of how they attacked but Real Madrid deserved what they got on the account of how they managed Liverpool.

Ancelotti knew he couldn’t match Liverpool for pace and drive, he set up to allow Liverpool have the ball in the first half, Courtois did the job in goal and the second half was a different ball game altogether. It was a night to remember as Vinicius Jr got on the end of a lose ball to send Madrid in front.

The big Belgian was full of confidence in the presser after the game:

"Yesterday in the press conference I said that when Madrid plays finals they win. I was on the good side of history," Courtois told BT Sport.

"I saw a lot of tweets coming my way that I would get humbled today it was the other way round.

"Today I needed to win a final for my career, for all the hard work to put respect on my name as I don't think I get enough respect, especially in England. I saw a lot of criticism even after a great season."