Real Madrid strengthened its record in the competition by crowning the 14th title with a 1-0 victory over Liverpool after Vinicius Junior scored an hour before the match in the only attempt of the Spanish champion on goal.
This is Real’s fourth title in the Champions League in seven years and improved its impressive record in the competition by achieving its eighth victory in eight final matches.
“We shot more on goal, but the most decisive stats are in favor of Real Madrid,” Klopp told a news conference.
“When the goalkeeper (Thibaut Courtois) is the best player in the match, it means that the other team has made a mistake.”
“We could have played better and they could have done it, but they didn’t. The stats are equal, but away from the goal they didn’t shoot into the goal.”
Courtois saved a series of dangerous chances with a great performance that saved Real Madrid’s lead from the 59th minute, as Liverpool shot 23 balls towards the goal against three attempts for Real.
“We see that we have done a lot of good things, but it was not enough,” said Klopp, who led Liverpool to the Champions League final three times and won the title once in 2019.
Liverpool, who a few weeks ago aspired to achieve a historic quartet, ended the season by winning two domestic cups, but lost the Premier League and the Champions League.
The German coach continued, “Real Madrid hit one ball on goal and it was a goal. We played a good match but lost. I told the boys in the dressing room that I was really proud.”
“These guys had a great season and we couldn’t win two competitions with the least possible difference.”
Liverpool lost the Premier League title by one point behind champion Manchester City.
“The players will realize how special they have done (this season), it’s a different kind of success of course, not the success you want, but I have a strong feeling we will be back again,” Klopp said.
“Obviously we should strive more than the others, but no problem. Where will the final be next year? Istanbul. Book the hotel.”
