Luka Modric has claimed that Karim Benzema’s disallowed goal just before half-time made Liverpool lose confidence during the Champions League final.
Speaking to CBS Sports after the game, Modric claimed that Liverpool panicked after the incident.
“I think from the disallowed goal we started believing more and I think Liverpool entered a bit of panic,” said the 36-year-old.
“They were not that confident anymore and from there we build up and feel more confident, and we started playing better. In the end we won, which is the most important.”
The moment came at a time when Liverpool had been dominating. Perhaps it planted a seed of doubt in the minds of Jurgen Klopp’s players.
Courtois the difference for Real
For all the praise that will inevitably come the way of Madrid and their serial winners, this was a game that Liverpool should have won.
Maybe Modric felt a swing in momentum on the pitch. But in truth, Liverpool continued to dominate throughout the game even after the moment in question.
It was only by way of a superb performance from Thibaut Courtois that they’re able to call themselves Champions of Europe once again.
For all of his heroics though, Liverpool could have done even more. There was a lethargy to The Reds that made it look as though they just weren’t going to score.
Of course, it’s understandable after such a long season. Against a side as well-drilled as Madrid, Liverpool had to be perfect. Unfortunately, they just came up short of that in Paris.
A night of regret for Liverpool
Still, they had their chances, even after Vinicius Junior’s goal in the 59th minute. Liverpool had plenty of time to get themselves back into the match and they very nearly did.
As a result, there will be regrets aplenty for Liverpool’s players as they head off on holiday. It has been a remarkable season for many reasons and has ended in two domestic cup triumphs.
But there’ll be a feeling that it could have been so much more.
Hopefully The Reds can use the pain of another final defeat to spur them on to hit even greater heights next season.
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