The final take on Liverpool's Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid

Last Saturday night, Real Madrid defeated Liverpool at the Stade de France to claim their 14th European Cup.

The Reds dominated the La Liga team for large periods of the game. However, it was Vinicius Jr who gave Real Madrid the lead after 59 minutes of play.

As the match progressed, Liverpool appeared to lose hope. Real Madrid ended up securing a 1-0 victory.

A missed opportunity

We thought that Liverpool played reasonably well against Real Madrid. But, for whatever reason, the Reds could not find the back of the net.

It is bizarre to think that a team that scored 17 goals in six Champions League group stage fixtures this season could not score on Saturday night.

That's knockout football for you. One bad day at the office and all your dreams can come to an end.

However, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is confident that the Reds will go again next season.

“The boys tried absolutely everything, especially after we were 1-0 down,” he told BT Sport, as quoted by Football365.

“We wanted to be more brave in the second-half, which is what we said at half-time.

“But as I have said before with these things, it is not bad to get to the final, and that is already kind of success, I know not the kind you want to have.

“I have the strong feeling we will come again. That is how it is because the boys are really competitive, we have an outstanding group together, we will have (one) again next year and then we go again.

“We have to try a bit more often than others, but no problem.

“Where is the final next year? Istanbul. Book the hotel!”

Real Madrid showed why they are European royalty

Real Madrid played in moments for the entire 2021-22 Champions League campaign. The La Liga giants could have been knocked out of the tournament on a number of occasions, but they always found a way.

Well, the same happened on Saturday night. Real Madrid are just made for Europe, which is why they have won the competition more times than any other side.

As much as it hurts, all we can do is congratulate them.

Thibaut Courtois played the game of his life

Courtois was the difference between the two sides. The Real Madrid goalkeeper registered a WhoScored player rating of 9.3 for his performance against Liverpool.

Whatever the Reds threw at Courtois, he had an answer. It just wasn't Liverpool's night.

Mohamed Salah scores on another night

As good as Courtois was, Salah could have easily scored a couple of goals. But, the winger struggled during the second-half of the season.

Salah only scored three goals in his final 10 matches of the campaign. He just hasn't had his shooting boots on in recent months.

Despite that being the case, Salah still had a very good season. He found the back of the net 31 times in 51 games.

Where to now for Liverpool?

Liverpool will have to strengthen again heading into next season. Manchester City confirmed the signing of striker Erling Haaland a few weeks ago.

The 21-year-old scored 29 goals and registered eight assists in 30 appearances for Borussia Dortmund last season.

In other words, Manchester City have signed a world-class player. In terms of this season, the Reds finished one-point behind the Citizens in the title race and were obviously runners-up for the Champions League.

Klopp has no choice but to improve his squad. Therefore, we are intrigued to see who the German brings in this summer.