Gerrard left scratching his head after ‘Real defensive masterclass’ stops Liverpool in CL final

Jason Soutar
Liverpool players look dejected after losing the Champions League final

Steven Gerrard has insisted that Liverpool ‘did not do much wrong’ in their Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.

After chaotic scenes outside the Stade de France, Saturday’s match in Paris was delayed by 36 minutes.


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In the game, Liverpool’s attack was constantly thwarted by Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who put in a man of the match performance.

Admitting that the Reds were not “clinical and ruthless” enough to beat the Spaniards, club legend Gerrard believes his former team were unfortunate to lose.

“It’s a head-scratcher,” he told BT Sport (via Liverpool Echo). “I don’t think Liverpool did too much wrong. Okay they weren’t clinical and ruthless to take those chances – but a keeper just got man of the match against them in a final. Real put a defensive masterclass.

“Their defence across the pitch was magnificent. Over the 90 minutes they were blocking, defending one v one and positionally they defend ever so well.”

Gerrard has backed Jurgen Klopp’s men to “bounce back” after their heartbreaking defeat in the French capital. He said: “Make no mistake, they will bounce back. You have those experiences to learn from. This game is either the best night of your life or one of the worst. They will dust themselves down and go for it all again next year.”

Following his historic display, Courtois told his critics: “put respect on my name”.

“I said to my friends yesterday that when Real Madrid play finals they win it. I am on the good side of history,” he said.

“Today I needed to win a final for my career, for all the hard work to put respect on my name because I don’t think I have enough respect, especially in England.”

Courtois added: “I think we beat the best clubs in the world; (Manchester) City and Liverpool were unbelievable this season.

“They fought to the end in the Premier League and Liverpool won two cups. Today they were really strong.

“I played a great game, that was the difference today because we had one important chance and we scored it.”